Boot Key Harbor

 This is such a convenient spot for cruisers.  There are large grocery stores a little over a mile away, a West Marine and lots of other support places for mechanical repairs and upgrades.  We can order items on-line and receive regular mail at the harbor headquarters.  There are so many social activities like potlucks and jam sessions.  There are regular bocce ball games, cornhole, pickleball, tennis, softball, Mexican train and so on.  A morning cruiser's net is held every morning by volunteers.  There is even a community garden.  You can participate in as much or as little as you want and if you ever need help folks are willing to pitch in.  It's an amazing place for sure.  The main building is comprised of what we call the headquarters which is the office end of things.  It also has spots for those needing to use power and internet for their computers.  The take one/leave one library is on one wall behind the table set up for mail.  There are also 3 spaces with chairs and cable tv for those wanting to see what's going on in the outside world.  Tables in the middle are for games, chatting, chart sharing, etc.

This large workspace is available free on a 

first-come-first served basis.  Everyone is nice and

keeps the area clean.  People really appreciate the availability

of the facilities and no one wants to be responsible for

the city pulling the spots if they have to pay somebody to clean up

the common use areas.

This building houses the laundry and rows of ensuite shower

rooms.

Some spots along the seawalls can accommodate some boats

with water and electricity.  It's also where the pumpout boats

call home and a sheriff's boat.

The south end of the main building is the socializing area.

This upper deck is shaded and has tables for eating.

The large tiki is site of many activities such as

potlucks and general get togethers.

Jam sessions are for anyone who wants to show

up to sing, play an instrument or just enjoy other's talents.

A bit of whimsy in the garden.  This unique scarecrow

is a community effort of parts.

The community garden.  Some plants are protected from

marauding iguanas with mesh cages.

The inside of the headquarters building.

This shot gives a little perspective on the size of the main  building.

Manatees seem to love the calm waters

of the dinghy canals.  We see one almost

every day.  In previous visits we've also encountered

electric eels and a weird water creature called a sea rabbit.

We've had pipefish come right up to our swim ladder.

It's fun to see what pops up next.