Keys and kegs and kisses (and some work too)

We were in Marathon for about 30 minutes (maybe a little less) before plans were made to go to Key West (we’re back with our Social Director, Bob).  Bil Kraus, a friend of Bob and Steph’s, was playing at Irish Kevin’s and they were anxious to hear him.   Turns out Steph had contacted him that morning to tip him off we were coming, so when we walked into the bar he said “Nancy!  My ex-wife!”  He was lots of fun, taping people into their bar stools with painter’s tape, wearing silly hats, and generally being hilarious (without being nasty, which is quite a feat).  Surprisingly (thanks, Steph), I ended up in the cage onstage (no, kids, don’t be scared…I didn’t sing or dance or undress).  We were there for quite a while, but still managed to hit a few more places (Schooner Wharf, Rick’s, Smokin’ Tuna) before dragging our silly selves back to the boats.

caged Admiral

we're baaaaack

amen

this tuna was definitely smokin

On our next trip to Key West, Judy ended up on stage at Irish Kevin’s (I think Bob gets credit for that tip-off)  then William joined her for a serenade.  Bob told every female we met (from cradle to grave) that it was William’s birthday, so he got lots of hugs (and of course Bob got lots of photos).  Jay wants to have the next birthday!

Judy in the spotlight

Jay trying to get some of William's birthday kisses

maybe we've been on the boat too long?

We did sprinkle a bit of work in between games.  Captain Wade and Jay worked to repair the mast compression post (which decompressed last year as we crossed from the Abacos to the U.S.).  They lifted the mast up with bottle jacks, had a new plate made and re-welded to hold the post, then tweaked and retweaked (and sanded a bit) to ensure the perfect fit and stability.  There was just a brief time when the bathroom door wouldn’t close and the floors sounded like elephants were marching through).

Wade playing in the floor

pass the duct tape

no, that's not a gallows; it's the mast-holder-upper Wade and Jay built

new plates to hold compression post

We met some great new friends -- Steve and Kim (m/v Maya), Steve and Rose (s/v Gypsy Queen), Bill and Patty (m/v Conched Out Too), Jill and Richard (m/v Finally); and we were thrilled to see old friends again -- Phred and Candy (Sunset Dancer), Rick and Therese (m/v Capt’n and Hook), Stephen and Pam (m/v Tides In), Bob and Stephanie (m/v September Song), Bob and Katie (m/v Rolling Stone).

She moves!

Early in February we turned the pointy end south to head for Marathon, where madness and mayhem had already begun (and we were missing it!!).  The Captain was deliriously happy to be moving again, and Serendipity was straining at her leash.

Outta here!

George and Terry (s/v Serena) traveled the first bit with us, and we anchored at Dragon Point in Eau Gallie the first night.  We enjoyed dinner aboard Serena, and bid a fond farewell to our good friends.

Beauty and the beasts

After a few anchorages (and lots of rain), we had to wait 3 hours one afternoon for the Don Ross bridge to be repaired, with no guarantee that it would happen in a manner timely enough for us to reach our anchorage.  The marina closest (and which could accommodate our 6’ draft) wasn’t really public, but when we called they seemed very anxious to have us dock there for the night.  As usual, I asked their rates on the phone and $1.50 sounded like a reasonable per-foot charge.  When we pulled into the cove we were amazed at how large the marina was and how large the boats were.  We tied up and the Captain went to check in.  As he left the boat, I jokingly said “hope they didn’t mean $150!”.  Well, no joke.   Too bad we didn’t have time or the weather to take advantage of the beautiful grounds and pool!  It was late and of course there was the electroshock therapy that needed to be done on the Captain…..

small boats at the marina

must've misunderstood.....

Ft. Lauderdale is one of our favorite stops, so we were glad to tie up in New River at Sailboat Bend.  We rented a car and got some shopping/reprovisioning done, and were able to reach the mechanic to whom we’d mailed our ham radio.  Sadly, it couldn’t be revived, but he had another one that fit our needs.  We walked into Los Alamos for happy hour, where the Captain was happy to see the UT basketball game on the bar TV.

Las Olas

cute little tug

do NOT want his job!

a cold one, coconut shrimp, and UT on the screen....one happy Captain!

small cabin in Lauderdale

We celebrated our 39th anniversary in Biscayne Bay (one of my favorite anchorages) with a beautiful sunset.

starting to relax into the cruising life again

anniversary sunset

We spent the next night in Rodriguez Key, then eased into Marathon on the 16th.  We were met on the dock by Bob and Katie, William and Judy, Bob and Stephanie, and Rick and Therese.  Bob had (of course) made plans (what?  Bob?) to have a pizza party on the dock.  We met some new best friends and reunited with old best friends.  Let the games begin!

Boot Key Harbor!!