The Keys through the rear view mirror - April 8

Today it really felt like we are starting the journey home as we waved goodbye to the upper Keys and headed up through Miami. We spent the last couple of days waiting out 25-30+ knot winds at Crandon Park marina. We got fuel, water and a pumpout there. With the winds picking up we had a bit of difficulty leaving the pumpout dock. Shirley and I deliberated for quite a while figuring how to best get away and with the help of the attendant we slipped out of this awkward spot without hitting the other boat at the fuel pump. Whew! A bit later another boat came in and he was pinned to the dock. The winds were pushing that much stronger and even with the help of a few guys and three valiant tries he was destined to be there for the night. Luckily we had just tucked into our slip by then.

While exploring around here we came upon a police officer who was watching a very large manatee. It was quite a site in the clear water - over 13 feet long and covered with various forms of plant life. It also looked like it had quite a few motor boat propeller scars, it biggest enemy. Looking at the picture it is easy to see how the ancient sailors, after a long time at sea, saw these creatures as mermaids. Guess there was a different criteria for female appeal then...

Here we met some other folks who were just a week or two into their journey south. We sat around with them and gave them our "sage" advice on where to go and what to look out for. It was after this that Shirley and I looked at each other a bit amazed at how far we've come. A year ago the Green Giant looked pale compared to how green we were to all this cruising stuff. And now here we were confidently giving advice to other cruisers who have probably been sailing 10 times longer than we have. It was a good way to feel as we prepared to leave this area. Hmm - hope we actually gave them good advice. We'll have to check their blog...

Our departure the next day was marked by Christopher's concern about the wind and the forecast - he diligently listens to the forecasts and then authoritatively lets us know what is OK to do that day. With the high winds of late he insisted we get help from Kevon (who we met the here back in January, who also drove us to Miami the day before). Of course Kevon offered his assistance as usual, and our departure was smooth as silk.

We also said bye to the myriad of creatures that live around this park. There are about 20 ferrel cats that get fed by the cat lady. This feeding of course brings others. So at any time there may be 12 cats, 9 vultures, 10 white ibis and a rooster. All getting along very well it seems.

We slowly slid back into Biscayne Bay for our final glimpse of the Keys that we have become so attached to the last two months. Then we turned north under the Rickenbacker bridge and into the bustling Port of Miami. Tonight we are anchored at a beautiful spot off of Oleta River State park at Bakers Haulover inlet. We hope to hang out here to explore over the Easter Weekend.