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Not too long ago I committed myself to going to the Keys; Didn't know where at first, I was just going
I wanted to just cruise but SWMBO [she who must be obeyed] insisted on having a normal place. So, I started house hunting and found a nice one on Marathon Key, oceanside

Needless to say we're excited, even though winter this year hasn't been that bad.
I'm looking for cruising ideas and any local knowledge for when I can get away from the "base home"...

Can't help you too much with Marathon. Just west of there Looe Key is good for snorkeling and scuba diving. I am up in Key Largo. Been boating around here for about thirty years. Planning on doing a trip to the Dry Tortugas next month sometime. This will be the first time by boat. Last time I flew in by seaplane.

Dave

I loved tooling around the Islamorada area. If you go, you should check out Alligator Key for snorkeling.

One word of caution: they fine by the foot if you tear up the sea grass. My recollection is $100 a foot.

We enjoyed Bahia Honda State Park when we were in the Keys. The State Park offers good sheltered moorage, and you also have the option of anchoring out, right in front of the park. Bahia Honda is one of the few places in the Keys where the bridge is high, allowing you to cross to either side of the Keys. There are good opportunities for beachcombing and hiking on the island, and the fishing and snorkeling is also good in the area.

I live down here in South Florida and rely on the "Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys" any time we venture further south. http://www.cruisingguidetothefloridakey ... a_keys.htm

Hey guys. Didn't see that anyone responded earlier. Thanks for the replies

I did Key Largo in 2/09. Goodtimes man

I wanted to try Islamorada or Marathon this time.

Planning on areas to snorkel & I Will watch the sea grass & reefs. As I am cheap by the foot too

I also have a signed copy of Frank Papy's cruising guide from last time.

Mike I remembered you mentioning Bahia Honda. That's on my itinerary.

I'm driving Miss Ollie (boat's named after my mom) with a buddy right now. We' re in The Carolina's now.

I somehow snapped the linkage to the outboard & am trying to think of how to Magyver something to remedy issue


We passed an accident we very well could have been in if we weren't stopped by friendly well wishers

A van ended up overturned & several close calls, trying to avoid some dogs unexpectedly crossing 95...

The van driver's banged up but ok. We were relieved by the pro's.

scotmcintosh wrote:I live down here in South Florida and rely on the "Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys" any time we venture further south. http://www.cruisingguidetothefloridakey ... a_keys.htm

Welcome aboard and thanks for posting this information.

Rick

Gazmn,

When are you heading back?
We are goign to the Keys in March. I expect to arrive to Bahia Honda on 03/10 and stay between Bahia Honda and Sugarloaf Key until 03/15.

BTW, does anyone know any areas for beaching between Litle Torch and Cujoe Key?

Sea Wind

Here's my trip report from last summer when I spent a week at Bahia Honda. Highly recommended.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 80#p222480

Bob

fishheadbarandgrill wrote:Here's my trip report from last summer when I spent a week at Bahia Honda. Highly recommended.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 80#p222480

Bob

Thanks Bob. I have read your thread before, we are planning to go to Looe Key as well.

Hi Guys,
Sorry I've been out of touch. I'm in Marathon now Seawind. Sadly, I'll be leaving by 3/2

The weather is great for land lubbing. SCA's out but may risk last hurrah Tues or Weds depending on winds. No one's snorkeling on the reef with 6+ waves yesterday and today
While I'm staying oceanside, the water can still be real shallow - even for us. I just drove to Bahia Honda; couldn't do it by boat timeframe...
Nice place.

Nice report fishH. There was a lot of seaweed at BH- not that that stopped me; But I did fool around Boot Key, Burdines and Money Key, though.

I live ocean side in key largo. Been here for years. Taverneir key is a nice sPot in easterly winds. You can go ashore on the island and there is a small trail. The flats out front of it are nice at low tide.
Anywhere along long key Oceanside is nice for an evening. You can get into the shallows right close to shore.


In the later part of March I would like to take my boat down into the marquasas but not go all the way to fort Jefferson. I would also like to explore the gulf side cuts and islands of the lower Keys. I was through there many years ago but not with a boat like the M.

Ixneigh

I realize I may have to send some PM's to get some answers, as this area is in The Hinter Lands for many..
My Question is.. How would you , those who are familiar with " A Gunkholers Cruising Guide" to Florida's West Coast by Tom Lenfestry
Compare it to: Cruising Guide to Florida Keys by Frank Papy?
Mine includes most if not all of the KEYS .... However it was published/revised in 2003!

After having dropped plans in 2010 and 2011, this March may be the time we get to come to Florida from North Carolina. It would be great to meet up with others of this board who may be down there at that time. I have the Clairborne cruising book about the Keys. My wife attracts bugs from miles away, so if there is any advice about bug-free areas, let me know. Ha-ha, fat chance I am sure......

Opie,
I got your e-mail and you didn't mention the area you plan to go to.
The WCTSS is having the annual cruise to Cayo Costa March 16 thru 19th and we generally have at least 20 sailboats.
We beach on the northern side of Pelican Bay and have a bon fire were you can grill and also have propane stoves on the beach. You can go stern to the beach and unload with stearn sitting in sand.
We have done this past 5 years twice a year and always have a great time.
Come join us if you can.
http://members.ij.net/wctss/wctss/dates.htm
Dave

opie wrote:After having dropped plans in 2010 and 2011, this March may be the time we get to come to Florida from North Carolina. It would be great to meet up with others of this board who may be down there at that time. I have the Clairborne cruising book about the Keys. My wife attracts bugs from miles away, so if there is any advice about bug-free areas, let me know. Ha-ha, fat chance I am sure......