The Beginning of the End

Keenly aware that we had an audience viewing from several boat decks, we communicated through our "marriage savers" devices to slowly and flawlessly back Velsignet into Slip D11 in Stock Island Marina Village in Key West.  Once secured, we received several signs of "thumbs up" from our new neighbors.  Whew!  and what a nice welcome!

With a coffee cup in hand and 30 minutes before the laundry needed to be transferred from the washers to the dryers, Brenda took note of her new surroundings during a short morning walk around Stock Island Marina Village. The personality of this marina is a friendly one; quick introductions and greetings are made easily with people you meet.  It's in an area great for walking.  Colorful Key West is a complimentary bus or short bike ride. There's also a beautiful pool area, convenient access to shower and laundry facilities, and a variety of nearby restaurants.  Bonus:  Friends Steve and Kathy (MV "Red Pearl") are scheduled to arrive tomorrow (Friday).  This is our home port for the next 3-4 weeks and may very well be the last of our time on Velsignet.

We cruised the Gulf to the Florida Keys yesterday in calm seas and very light winds...it was a beautiful and perfect day to do so.  Today we'll catch up on tasks-- Puget Sound Mobile Wash business; washing down and shining up the boat (when we run our hand along the railings, our hands get covered in salt!), laundry--and later, explore Key West on our bicycles.   

Having made reservations at Stock Island almost 8 months ago, we've looked forward to spending time at Key West.  This is a place of beautiful weather and we can enjoy living on our boat without concern for how to obtain everyday services (utilities, banking, food and supplies).  We will enjoy the freedom to walk, bike, shop, relax, dine, and meet with friends with ease.



This is Seven-Mile Bridge from Florida's mainland to Key West.  We've driven this route by car; we expect we may not get the view from this angle by boat again.



As we traveled south, the color of the water continued to turn from blue to an aquamarine.  Clear and beautiful!





This is a fishing boat checking crab pots.  We have to keep our eyes open at all times for the buoys of crab pots.  Many a boater has run over one of the buoys resulting in lines wrapped around the boat's prop(s).

This are crab pot buoys--other than wind or foul weather, these are a boater's biggest barrier to a relaxed cruise!

Captain Mike is a happy camper!!














Location: 7005 Shrimp Road, Key West FL 33040

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