I have been getting a lot of grief
lately.
We were lucky enough that life allowed
us a return trip to Key Largo early in May and it seems my travel
companions have been WAITING for some posts about the trip.
As well as more posts from our previous
trip to the Keys last fall...
The fact of the matter is this.
I have traveled quite a bit these last
few years; each trip even better than the last. I want these posts to
reflect just how amazing these travels have been. I review my notes.
I study the photos. But I am still at a loss for words.
I just can't seem to begin.
So, with that in mind, I am starting at
the end...sort of....
Our first trip to the Keys was a
Griswolding Adventure of sites to see with some sailing.
This trip was about chilling, sailing
and trying to figure out if the magic we found on our first trip down
was real or just that 'honeymoon' effect.
Like we should have had a doubt.
No sooner did we land in Miami than my
phone exploded with texts: Are you here? We're at Alabama Jacks! How
much longer? Do you know what you want?
Rob and I were met with hugs, a fresh
from the kitchen seafood platter, a Landshark Beer for me and a Rum
Punch for him.
It seems that Alabama Jacks has become
the place from which we launch...
We drive down Cardsound Road to US1,
past the Caribbean Club and the African Queen to our home for the
week, Key Lime Sailing Club.
The plan is to hang out, sail, eat,
shop, sail...
That is just what we do, the week
tinted by colorful Texan neighbors, frat house sing-a-longs, the
biggest bag of whip cream I have ever seen, grocery store lunches,
the most depressing final set a band could ever choose, a sunken golf
cart, an accidental stop at what can assumed to be the 'home' of a
Miami drug lord and this:
Our final day of sailing was perfect.
The wind finally forgave me for some past transgression and allowed
us to take turns riding on the bow under the shade of the jib. The
perfect place on a sailboat. As I took my turn on manatee watch,
studying the ocean for underwater floating rock shapes, I looked up
to see that moment when the water of Buttonwood Sound changes from turquoise to Florida blue and rolls into Florida Bay in shades of sky.
The horizon was gone.
The boat became silent as we, each one,
considered the possibility of sailing off the edge of the world...
 |
| Sailing to Florida Bay. The body on the bow is alive, don't let her immobility fool you. |
Curious about the first trip down?
Want links to some amazing locations?
Click on these:
I want to go to this area at some point. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is just fantastic - and can't say enough about Key Lime!
DeleteThis sounds just like the kind of wonderful trip my sailor boy Frenchman would love.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get the chance, you and the Frenchman should give Key Lime a try.
DeleteI have never done sailing. My son learned as a teenager and was good at it, but never kept it up as an adult. I guess we are all landlocked here. That water, though, was so beautiful. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThe pictures just don't do it justice!
DeleteI used to go to the Keys a lot in my 20's but haven't been since then. Thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteThis was our second time there - loved it way more than I expected.
DeleteAhh, glorious!
ReplyDeleteManatee watch. You were on manatee watch. That's WONDERFUL.
they are elusive, massive creatures!
Delete