We left Venice Inlet to a low wind situation so we motor sailed the first several hours. The seas were flat so a nice ride. The winds finally filled in around sunset and WOW what a marvelous night. For as awful as the crossing to Clearwater was, this was ideal. The seas were flat, the wind was a consistent strength so even though we heeled (leaned over) it was steady and your body adjusts to the slanting angle. It was a new moon so the Milky Way was visible in all its glory. Pleiades, Subaru, Seven Dancing Sisters or whatever your culture calls them, the seven stars of the constellation were bright and clear. We saw several shooting stars, always a treat. The 175 mile trip was what cruisers always wish for and we were grateful. We pulled into the harbor and dropped anchor at 2 p.m. and just celebrated our arrival. It was Thanksgiving Day and we were surely giving God thanks for our safe arrival.
The seas were so nice and calm
.
The sun was sure glaringly bright. I made these
sunshades years ago and they've served us well. You can easily move them as the sun moves.
This black thing on the silver rail is a boathook holder. You might notice the absence of a boathook. Apparently in the first crossing, the rough water
shook it loose and it went overboard.
Sunset at sea. The haze made it appear to be a double sun. I tried taking pictures of the night sky but none worked.
So close. This is the 7 Mile Bridge which will
give us access to the destination of Boot Key Harbor. You know how you want
something so badly and you can see it but it takes forever to get there....
Gettin closer. You can see the old bridge that
was part of the Overseas Highway built by Henry Flagler. Quite a dream that now allows
easy access to Key West.
The space between the bridges. The Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean/.
And finally....
And back in the Atlantic Ocean again.
Narrow, shallow channel into Boot Key. Being Thanksgiving, it was crowded with a lot of boats.
The fact two,\ sleep deprived people were navigating didn't matter to them.
An old favorite of ours, Burdines.
Hope it's as good now as three years agon.
Pancho's fuel dock. Three boats pulled out in front of us from there.
Too bad boats don't have blinkers.
Finally anchored after 33 hours.
Grateful to be settled for the night.
We had Thanksgiving Stew and were very thankful
Toasting to our shared accomplishment.
Looks like a nice place to enjoy doing nothing!
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