Key West, Southernmost Point

by Nancy

During week three in Marathon, we planned a side trip to Key West. Friends from our Marina and Yacht Club arrived to help “crew” and we waited for the weather, wind and waves to cooperate for the 49 mile trip west on the Atlantic Ocean. Delayed by one day, we left with a buddy boat, Our Plan, who was headed to Stock Island. Headed out at hull speed into swells rocking the boat side to side did not agree with a couple of the crew members who petitioned the Captain to try going on plane which resolved the seasickness and we arrived at the Galleon Marina right around lunchtime. We were welcomed by more St. Croix Yacht Club friends who took the Key West express from Naples, they got there a lot faster than we did.

The Galleon is a great marina, with a straightforward entry, floating docks and great access as everything is within walking distance. Amenities included a pool, hot tub, small beach and the usual boater showers and laundry.

We did the “Duval Crawl” several times and ate our way throughout Key West experiencing Conch Chowder, Royal Red Shrimp, Kermit’s Key Lime Pie, DJ’s Clam Shack Lobster Roll, as featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and of course fresh fish. The best was the Snapper the gang caught while on a chartered fishing trip.

Although there is nothing quite like a Mallory Square sunset celebration, we enjoyed hitting the roof top of the Galleon and viewing the vista and Sunset from there.

Yes, we really did eat Sloppy Joes at this favorite tourist and Hemingway Bar and Restaurant
Our Key West crew, Southwards, and welcoming committee of LaCroixs and Detlies. These are our yacht club friends who we have done more “cruising” with than anyone else. Of course they would be here in Key West cheering us on in our journey.

Galleon Marina, can you find Flying Colors? Hint look for the underwater lights.
Sunsets from the Galleon Rooftop. Beautiful vistas, beatiful friends and yes, there are the Browns again, they came over from Stock Island and found us.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, Acrobat Act right on the square.
The Women held their own on this trip and brought in the first barracuda.
Curt with bait, Ron with Barracuda
Fresh Catch of the Day included Yellow Jack and Cero Mackerel, just enough for the eight of us prepared by White Tarpon, located right on the Boardwalk
Toasting to a good day of fishing and good friends. White Tarpon did a great job serving up our catch of the day family style and the Key Lime Martini that made a great dessert, guess the Margaritas weren’t bad either judging by the number of rounds the guys had!
No trip to Key West is complete until you make your way to the Southern most point, 90 miles from Cuba and take a photo. We returned despite wanting another day here in 2.5 ft seas and in some spots 3-4 ft. A little rougher ride than we normally like but we went on plane at 22 mph and made it back to Marathon in about 2.5 hours.

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