Moving On-Finally!

Well the day finally came to depart Boot Key Harbor.  It has been a safe,  fun (except for bike wrecks) place to wait out weather and take care of business.  A weather window conveniently coincided with our last paid day so off we went to Rodriguez Key, about 55 miles to the north.  It is just off of Key Largo and about 70 miles from Bimini, our first Bahamas destination.  We weren't exactly sure what the weather was going to do on Sunday so we came prepared to sit a day at Rodriguez, a good decision as it turns out.  We had a bit of trouble getting the anchor to set in the spot we wanted so ended up farther in behind the island where I had make a mark of good holding last time we were here.

This is Marathon from the Atlantic side.  A very different view than we've
had for the past month.

Following the parade of boats in Hawk Channel.  Many are probably headed
to the Bahamas as we are while others will be snowbirds headed home.

This is a very long and dramatic looking aqueduct at Long Key.
We've ridden the bus and driven the rental car over it but never fully
appreciated it's beauty from on top.

This is one of several lighthouses marking very shallow spots in the reef.  You can see
All the boats fishing from the prolific reef system.

This spot is another reef very close to shore.  There are mooring balls
all around it to protect the delicate reef from damaging anchors.  People were
diving from these sailboats.

On the other side of the same tower, fishing boats were moored to take
home "The Big One"

All anchored up safe and sound in time to catch the almost-full-moon.