No Name Harbor

Wednesday we were successful in leaving our anchorage at Sanibel Causeway. The Gulf was very flat like a mirror and the sun was high and hot. The conditions made it good for seeing in the water and Larry was standing on the bow when he saw a school of rays swimming by. They are so graceful in the water. We put in a very long day of 60 KM. When we turned into Indian Key Pass a very large thunderhead was looming over us. We decided not to anchor directly under it and go up the river 2 more miles and anchored in Russel Pass with three other boats. It was actually a better anchorage than right off Indian Key. No currents slapping the stern like we had on the trip up.

The next morning we lifted anchor again at dawn and traveled a shorter day mile wise but arrived late because the current, wind and waves were against us. We had the wind on our nose and were unable to use the sails for an assist. On the trip up, the Gulf was calm and we anchored outside off the shore. This time we entered Shark River for some protection from the wind and waves. When we made the turn I got to see a ray jump out of the water. It helped make up for missing the school of rays the day before. While we were in route about a dozen motor trawlers passed us approximately 4 miles out and they were headed to Shark River also. We didn't know if we would get a spot to anchor. It wasn't a problem because they just anchored in the middle of the river so we had the the first anchorage to ourselves. The night was quiet and we had a good sleep.

The next morning we picked up our anchor before sunrise and headed for Islamorada. We decided to go there instead of Marathon the distance was shorter because of the angle. We weren't sure of the how the Small Boat Channel would be in depth but a few other cruisers we met had used it and said it was deep enough and a few others didn't like it. We figured we would make our own opinion. The one challenge we did have was all the sea grass floating on top of the water. Our engine intake kept clogging and Larry had to get in the water twice again because it not only clogged the inside strainer but the outside through hull as well. I was treated to another creature of the sea a Hawksbill turtle surfaced twice just before we stopped to clean out the intake. We anchored off Lorelei's and after a swim we took the dinghy and went to the restaurant for dinner. It was a very calm and peaceful night with the wind light and out of the Southwest.

Saturday morning we woke early and changed our plan of staying another day to leaving and going all the way to No Name Harbor in Key Biscayne. The winds were going to clock around to the North and bring in some bad weather on Sunday afternoon. We got caught last year in a storm that was supposed to arrived in late afternoon and it came early before we got to our destination. We decided not to take that chance this time. It was a good sail but we were getting tired and looking for a rest of a day or two. The winds were good and we motor sailed all the way. If it weren't such a long trip and needing to get there before dark we would have just sailed. We arrived in No Name Harbor in the early evening but it was very crowded as it can get on the weekend. There had also been a diving accident out at Foley Rock and they brought the diver in the harbor. The Miami police and camera crews and onlookers were everywhere. We decided to go out and around to Nixon Beach for the night and anchor. We were protected but getting the wake action from the boats as they would go up the channel. That night we sat in our cockpit and watched the eclipse of the Moon. It was pretty incredible. It was a warm night so we watched the entire event. Something we would not have done if we were up North burr!!!!

Sunday morning we lifted our anchor and tried to find a spot in the harbor again. It was tight but we did it. In the afternoon it became crazy again. We didn't think it would because it was overcast and cool! Go figure! It was quite late but most of the day trippers left by dark or just after. The picture of the dolphin was taken during the afternoon. He gave us quite a display but he was hard to get a good shot of. He actually swam directly at our boat on this back chasing a large fish. It was cool! I have never been close enough to see one do that.

Monday morning the weather and wind was not in our favor to go North to Fort Lauderdale so we stayed put. Larry wanted to put out more anchor rode so we moved the boat to a new spot. We set the hook had lunch and even went to shore for a bike ride and shower. After coming back and siting in the cockpit we noticed the very large trawler was swinging in front of us, not good we were dragging. After a tour of the harbor we set our hook again. This time it is in. This harbor gets really chewed up on the weekends with the day trippers. About 5:00 PM last night the cruisers all got together on shore for a sun downers party so we joined in. It was our first gathering like it and it was a fun way to meet other cruisers.

It's Tuesday and we still don't have good winds for going North so we are staying until tomorrow morning. We should have winds out of the East which will be tough going around the Cape of Florida but good for going up the coast. Larry and I took advantage of the morning and he ran and I bladed and then a brisk shower at shore.