Duck Key

I know it's been a while since my last post, but it was a very hectic turnaround from the Chicago trip. We retuned to Florida on Wednesday, Dec 26th and spent most of the next day preparing for the boat trip to Duck Key. I was in charge of all boating preparations including purchasing supplies and loading the boat with our dive gear. Jen remained at home and unpacked our four suit cases from the Chicago trip. She really wanted to have a day at home before we started the next trip and I was more than willing to skip the laundry activity. Anyway, it took both of us most of the day to get fully prepared.

Our goal was to depart from our slip at 7:00 AM on Friday, however, we were just too tired to get up that early...So, we decided to hit the snooze button until 6:30 AM and depart at 8:00 instead. We finally got underway and headed south to Duck Key. The seas were relatively calm with the waves averaging 3-4 feet. This is not too bad to travel, however we would like to see it a little calmer. We reached Miami around 12:00 pm and stopped for our planned refueling/get off the boat stop. Wonderfun performed flawlessly and only used 128 gallons of gas, which is exactly the predicted consumption rate of 32 gallons per hour. After fueling, we decided to take the Biscayne Bay (inside) route instead of the Hawks Channel (outside) route. The inside route takes about an hour longer, but the ride is smooth and pleasant. We had one obstacle in our way in the form of a drawbridge at Jewfish crossing. The bridge only opens on the half-hour and wouldn't you know it, we got there as the span was closing. The vertical clearance to pass under the bridge was 7 feet and we require 12. So we sat at the bridge for what seemed as an eternity until the next opening a precisely 3:00 pm.

At this point, Jen and I were having a great time but were a little weary. We knew we were getting close, but the miles seemed to go slowly. We traveled through the back waters of the Keys and basically had the world to ourselves. It is truly beautiful when you pass through mangrove waterways on smooth water. I really love boating in the Keys. Anyway, we arrived at Duck Key around 5:00 pm and wouldn't you know it, there was a "Docktail" party happening at slip 19. We were the last to arrive in the group of about 25 Sea Ray boats. Jen and I docked the boat, with the help of the Hawk's Cay resort dock hands, and decided to join the party.

What fun we had seeing friends from last year. Our favorite couple is Bruce and Edna. They are always so nice to us and we love hanging out with them and their family. We were also happy to see Terri and Connie the proud owner of anew 44' Sedan Bridge.

Well the sun just peaked over the horizon and I need to get started with planning our adventures of the day. The wind is a little strong, so I think we will make it a pool/spa day.


Until next time,

Mike