Key West, a midday sail and....a 'robust wind surge'???? March 20 and 21

Friday arrived and we actually did as we planned to do.......go to Key West! Following the planned schedule of events is important to Christopher and the constant "change of plans" refrain of the last couple of days had not been popular with him so today was our day for things to go smoothly. We had a moment of doubt when we drove by another sign announcing a bridge closure but we all agreed that the date we read was for April and continued on. With the same streets to cruise for Christopher he once again got the chance to hang out in the pool with mom after a fabulously stuffing meal. Meanwhile the others all went to see the sights of the main drag. We all met up again and went for a waterside drink as the sun was setting to the delight of the crowd at Mallory Square.

The last day of the visit had weather that was predicted to be changeable with a robust wind surge later in the day. The wind was brisk but not crazy yet so we went for a real sail out on the ocean. This was our first chance to do this with Steve and Syl and so it was time for each of them to take the helm. With the boat in capable hands I got to be on the lookout for turtles and other things. Steve's helming was smooth sailing, and so was Syl's - sort of. Syl's first tack was a bit slow and we kinda got a bit stuck head to wind, but came out of it quickly. So the next tack was more aggressive and into a significant gust. This caused our most exciting heeling of the day as people and things slid from one side of the boat to the other with short gasps of excitement I think. Christopher thought it was great and laughed about it for the rest of the trip. I'd say their first ocean sail was a wonderful success!

Back in the harbor for the last evening we got to sing happy Birthday to Syl and Shirley (for next month) with candles in Key Lime pie. More food, more drinks and some reflection on the week and then it was time to hit the bunks for a raucus windy night. At 4:30 we were up and loading the dinghy for the windy, bumpy ride to shore and the trip home for the new sea faring adventurers.

Thanks for a fabulous visit Steve and Syl! We miss you already.

Carolyn, you're next...