Florida Keys July 2009

[daydreamerbob]

Men and Admirals:

The admiral and i are going to take 3/4 of the kids to Marathon 2-12 Jul 09. Will tow the exceptionally fast Blue currently referred to as Scandalous to a condo at gulfpointe II and then we will day trip on the or in the truck. I expect beach trips to Bahia Honda and Sombrero, snorkeling trips to lots of places, truck trip to Key West, and maybe just maybe a 38 mile trip to flamingo in the everglades. I am interested in any and all input especially things to look out for or things to not miss

Many thanks mates

Bob

[nchogberg]

Hey Bob,

You have to snorkle Carysfort lighthouse, google it, lots of mooring balls and some of the best reef around, all in about 20 feet with the coral heads coming almost to the surface. We sail out of Blackpoint Marina in Biscayne bay, sounds like you will be farther south but if you are up our way give a shout.

Nels

[James V]

Where should I start, So many places. I suggest that you look at the weather and see if you can go into Shark River in the Everglades or Flamigo City. It is a nice day hop at WOT from Marathon to Key West or you can take the Bus in Marathon Recommended!.

Your let me know if you want specifics.

[daydreamerbob]

Hi fellas - thanks.

Will add the trip to Carysfort. Here are some details:
My girls are 14, 12, and 8; very good swimmers, new to snorkeling, used to going to the beach for vacation. Admiral and I are 43

We are staying near Marathon at a place called Gulfpointe the will be slipped on the Gulf Side. Looking mostly at day trips - MAYBE an overnighter...also want to scope out what to do on a return visit in December where we would stay on the boat.

I do not want to miss any of the "have to do" activities in the keys. Not sure what they are - but Sunset Drinking, Parrot Head Singing, are part of the interest. Have to keep girls from wishing they went to the beach instead of the keys.

I am afraid of shallow water (running aground) , gators, and storms.

Want to snorkel near the Christ of the Sea and any other cool place - (rent or buy gear?)

Really interested in a trip fro Marathon to Flamingo City in the Everglades - worried about fuel - and time - 38 miles is a long way...can it be doe in a day? is there Gas in Flamingo City? What is the attraction of Shark River? Are there places to hide from in-climate weather along the way?

Are there resources I can tap into?

Thanks guys,
Bob

[James V]

Flamingo City has gas. Nice day trip. Bugs are really bad! Call before you leave!!
Shark River is a well protected palce to anchor. It is a stopping place for boats comming and going. Go up the river for an interesting night. Lonly beaches. Get Deep Woods Off, at least 30% DEET.

Do not worry to much about going aground Keep the dagger board at 3 feet and you should do OK. Watch the charts. Key West can get very wild at night. Not really a place for 14 year olds after 9 pm. Take the car in and park in one of the Lots close to the Old Town area, Marathon is very laid back. go to the City Marina and talk around about up to date info on what you want to do.

Weather and thunder storms can come quickly. Really nice after they pass, very hair rasing when in them.

I am in Key West. PM me if you want.

[daydreamerbob]

the beauty of a mac - it gets no better - and we sailed too!!!