So we made it to Key Largo on Wednesday the 26th. The Pilot House Marina is back a long canal that opens up into the marina basin. We stopped at the fuel dock to fill the tanks to the brim. This is the last fuel stop before the Bahamas, so wanted them all the way full as fuel in the Bahamas is much more expensive. We got into our slip and Mark is 2 boats away. The marina is well protected from the wind and waves, so has been peaceful nights sleeping. Our original plan was to stay here until Saturday when we would cross to the Bahamas. The weather (wind) is not cooperating. We asked the marina to extend our stay until the 6th, but they said they were full an could not. Have to start trying to find another marina.
The weather was very nice on Wednesday, so I gave the boat a good wash to get all of the salt off of her. We all walked down the dock and had dinner at the Pilot House Inn. Food was good and I finally got my conch chowder and had blackened Mahi tacos. The memorable thing about dinner was Marcia's drink. A salted caramel pretzel martini. It had peanut butter whiskey, Godiva chocolate & caramel salted rim.
After eating on the boat, we all decided to take a walk. During the walk we found a large Diver's Direct shop. I found a 3mm "shorty" wet suit, gloves and a shirt. Marcia found some flippers for snorkeling. Walking further down, we found the original boat from the movie the African Queen. For those of you under 50 - Google It.
After a Bloody Mary stop, we walked back on the other side of the street. Low and behold we found a liquor store. No jalapeno vodka, but they did have Absolut Peppar. Back at the boat we called around to try and find another marina to go to, but had no luck. We walked over to the office to refill ice (yes, free ice here). Said they had some cancellations, and we are good to stay now until Thursday. Big relief. We walked down the road to the Conch House for dinner. Quaint place and very spicy Jambalaya. I had a nice sweat going, but it might have been too spicy for Mark. Beautiful sunsets here.
Friday, February 28th
Late Friday morning, we got the call that our new ice maker arrived at West Marine. If you remember, it died while we were in Marathon. We all took a ride down to West Marine in the Gabby Cabby. We were only in West Marine for about 15 minutes and were able to get the same cab back to the boat. Once back, Mark and I switched out the old ice maker and installed the new one. Went pretty smooth for a boat project.
Walking back down the dock, we saw a Manatee just hanging out.
Mark had made some chili before we left and was nice enough to share it with us. We all had cheese coneys up on the bridge of our boat. Been taking it easy at night, just watching some TV and turned in.
Saturday, February 29th.
Happy Leap Year to everyone. Saturday morning, we cooked up breakfast on the boat. Reminded me of the boat mornings on the dock
After breakfast we took another walk. Being stuck here for at least a week, there is not a whole lot to do. We did go past the Key Largo Fishery and decided it would be a good place for dinner. You can tell you are no longer in Cincinnati when this is the first thing you see when you walk into the little store.
After the walk, I spent some time chart plotting course to and in the Bahamas. Does not appear to be a good day to cross, but Thursday is the only day in the next couple of weeks that even looks possible. They are still predicting 3-4 foot waves, so everyone pray that it gets better. We did walk back to the Fishery for dinner. It was OK, but not as good as the one in Marathon. Easy night back on the boat.
Sunday, March 1st.
Sunday started out with breakfast at the American Legion that is just across the street. I had the Eggs Benedict Arnold, which had sausage and gravy on top. Marcia had the Eggs Benedict Charlie which had canadian bacon and crab bisque on top. Yes, it does seem like we are eating and drinking a lot. I did mention there is not much else to do here.
The rest of the my day was engine room checks while Marcia cleaned inside. Typical battery levels, strainer check, engine oil. Everything topped off and ready to go, when we are able to leave. Working on the blog now, and planning to cook up some burgers on the boat soon.
Feels good to finally have the blog up to date.
Oh yeah - the cat (Lucy) seems to have settled back in nicely.
In the category of "you never know what you are going to see", we past this home made RV. Thought of Andrew and Lindsay for some reason :).
Along that same line, I did hear the lady at the American Legion describe her food. Quote, "it is like Lean Cuisine on steroids"
Fingers crossed for Thursday or there may not be much to blog about.
No comments:
Post a Comment