Visit Logged
  •  Chart View
    • At Current Location
    • At Selected Location
    • Enter A Location
    • Enter Latitude and Longitude
  •  Fuel Prices
    • Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
    • Lowest Gas Prices Anywhere
    • Virgina to North Carolina
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • St. Johns River
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Western Florida
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    • Tennessee
    Order by:
    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field and Visitor’s Center

      Lignumvitae Key, named for a very slow growing tree which can be found here, lies on the long gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. There is a visitor’s dock and visitors center near the eastern banks, while a small mooring field will be discovered off the isle’s northwestern banks.

      Lignumvitae House and Tour continue to be only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One can visit and walk around the house area only on Mondays and Thursdays. The outside of the dock is available to tie up but watch the depth ‘“ I think it was under five feet. We tied to a mooring ball on 3-11-2010 ‘“ there are only two left.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bahia Honda State Park Marina (west of Marthon and Moser Channel)

      Due to a low bridge, it is only possible for cruising size craft to access both the Bahia Honda State Park Marina, and the nearby anchorage, from the Hawk Channel side. Even then, you must run through a removed section of the old bridge that still stretches from Bahia Honda to Pine Island.

      Another one of our favorite places in the Keys. After the concession upped the dockage fees a few years ago, there are usually few boats in the basin. We especially enjoy riding bikes to Sandspur Beach, the nature trail there, watching the sun set from the old bridge and spending some beach time. There is also a small nature center and ranger programs during the week. There are usually boaters who have trailered in their boats and who thus have vehicles, who are willing to give one a ride to the Winn Dixie in Big Pine (we have made the trip by bike but not recommended). The tide is about two feet so boats with a draft of 4-5 feet can get into the basin close to high tide ‘“ once in the depths are fine.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Bahia Honda State Park Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Bahia Honda State Park Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Pumpin Key Anchorage (Card Sound, near Statute Mile 1122.5)

      There are several spots where it can be pleasant to drop the hook around privately owned Pumpkin Key. Just pick the side that gives you lee from the prevailing winds. Do NOT try going ashore at Pumpkin Key or the adjacent ocean side banks. Both are private property!

      Just spent 2 nights here and the holding was excellent, scenery great, except for all the Do Not Trespass signs on the island, and very quiet. We stayed about 300 yards off the shore of the island. Great place to drop the hook. Last year we stayed on the opposite side and also had a great experience. Left this morning by going out of Angelfish Creek to Hawk Channel and never saw less than 7.7 feet, 3 hours before high tide.
      Larry Morrow

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Key Anchorage Directory Listing For Pumpkin Key

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 19, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marathon Turtle Hospital – Captain Jane Reports

      No Ordinary Motel: A visit to the Turtle Hospital, only a fifteen minute walk from Marathon City Marina.

      The former Hidden Harbor motel rooms housed guests again during the recent cold snaps -- 178 cold stunned sea turtles received a warm welcome

      If it looks like a motel, that’s because it was and sort of still is… The Turtle Hospital is located in the former Hidden Harbor motel, but the residents now are mostly rescued sea turtles. During this winter’s record cold snaps, during three of the coldest days, the Turtle Hospital admitted 178 cold stunned turtles (Loggerheads, Greens and Hawksbills). Eight of the cold stunned sea turtles stayed in kiddy pools in the motel rooms. Rescue, rehab and release is the motto of the Turtle Hospital, a one of a kind institution and the largest sea turtle rescue operation in the United States.
      The tour we took with a veterinary technician who works for the hospital was fascinating, eye opening, mind opening and touching. The normal patient load of over 50 sea turtles makes this the largest such facility in the United States. Come fifteen minutes before your tour to sign in and go through the informative displays. I recommend the trivia questions. My favorite question was how long can a sea turtle hold its breath? Another question revealed that sea turtles, which are reptiles, were originally land-based creatures that evolved into sea-based creatures.
      The Hidden Harbor motel’s former glory, if it had any, is now dim and its swimming pool, thanks to a healthy crack is now a tidal pool and houses a variety of rescued sea turtles and minnows that come in and out with the tide. Until recently, some tarpon lived in the pool as permanent residents, but they died from the recent cold weather.
      This is a great opportunity to learn about sea turtles, ecology and be reminded just how our human carelessness with waste can harm creatures we do not often see. Many of the turtles are

      A current guest at the motel.

      wounded by boat propellers that gash them as the boat runs them over at excessive speed in the grassy flats, by fishing line, by swallowing children’s balloons, fish hooks, plastic gloves, and other bits of our trash that make it into the water.
      Sea turtles, all five varieties that can be found in US waters, are endangered creatures. If you find one floating at the surface and it doesn’t skitter away from your boat or dive down quickly, call the Turtle hospital and tell them what you see and where. WIthout their instructions to do so, it is against the law to touch the sea turtles.
      The tour costs $15 for adult

      s, $7.50 for children and is worth every penny, if not more. The tours and gift shop sales (they have great T shirts in a large variety of colors with the hospital logo on the back) are the principal means of support. When

      the motel was still viable, the motel provided a significant portion of the funding, but several years ago, a hurricane damaged the motel beyond the organization’s means to return it to motel condition standards. The veterinarians volunteer their time and the paid staff is skeletal. By the way, the T-shirts have a a striking graphic of the hospital logo — they make great gifts that support a worthy Keys organization.
      Tours are offered seven days a week, except holidays. Call (305) 743-2442 for tour reservations. Log on at http://turtlehospital.org for more information.
      The Turtle Hospital, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is only a fifteen minute walk from City Marina. You won’t be sorry, except for the state of turtles world wide, but you will feel good knowing people are helping the turtles and that you, by your very presence and interest, helped, too.

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Harbour Cay Club (Marathon, Northern Shore)

      The Harbor Cay Club is a great find in Marathon. Having been here, I know this is actually a private club, but one that choose to accept visiting cruisers, an unusual but welcome arrangement. Harbor Cay Club is located on the northern shores of Marathon. Click the link below to our Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing for this facility to check out its exact location. See you there!

      We have discovered an unbelievable “secret paradise” here in marathon called Harbour Cay Club. They are a private club owned by the boat/slip owners but they rent any absent owner slips to loopers etc. by the week or longer. The facilities and grounds are excellent. every slip is a lay along with W-E-Cable TV & pumpout, Laundromat,clubhouse, bike rack, tiki hut and the most fantastic unobstructed sunsets you can imagine.Very quiet and relaxing Short walk to many restaurants & bars (mm47.5) super markets and K-mart about 2 miles, easy bike ride.Very friendly and helpful liveaboard boat/slip owners.they usually have slips for rent.When we arrived we found 6 other loopers here. we like it so well we have decided to stay an extra week!
      Call Dock Captain ED SKINNER 410-570-5089 for reservations.
      Jeff & Cheri Conniff
      aboard Annie Lee III.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Harbour Cay Club

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Southwestern Florida Crab Pot Discussion

      For the last week or so, there has been a lively discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about crab pots and fish traps as navigational hazards while navigating the waters of southwestern Florida, between Marco Island and the Florida Keys. I’ve copied some of this discussion below.
      As usual, with a copied discussion with this many contributions, it is impractical to obtain individual permissions, so I’ve just used first names.

      Sunday we arrived Marathon, FL from Little Shark River after navigating the minefield of crab trap floats through much of Florida Bay There was even a string right down Moser Channel to the Seven Mile Bridge. After a couple of hours of dodging traps I remembered a land clearing project I visited in Africa in the 70s. They were clearing light trees and shrub growth using a piece of ship anchor chain about 100 feet long with a Caterpillar D-8 ate each end. The Cats would move along in the same direction and the chain stretched out between them would knock down anything standing between them. How about a couple of trawlers with a chain between them clearing the way through the traps?
      Please no flames, I know the crabbers are out there working hard making a living for their families while we are just playing. I wouldn’t do this and am not advocating anyone doing it either, just recounting a memory and one the evil thoughts that came to mind as I dodged the traps for a couple of hours. Driving around Marathon I see several storage areas where I’d guess many thousands of traps are neatly stacked. Like an old Cajun friend of mine used to say “A crab don’t stand a chance around here!”
      It was a beautiful day, sunny, light winds, maybe 2′ seas and finally warm, and that made it all well worth while.We found water depths at least 8′ leaving Little Shark and most of the way down to Marathon where we are at Marathon Marina and Boatyard which is quite nice.
      Steve

      Serious question with probably an easy and obvious answer that I don’t know:
      If crab pots are in a charted channel, can they be moved/removed by a pleasure cruiser because they constitute a “hazard to navigation?”
      Wade

      I don’t know the legal answer but I suspect that an angry waterman, who thinks you are intruding on his source of income, could be a real problem that might be more difficult to deal with than the “authorities”.
      Frank

      You could probably legally move them but:
      1. There are so many of them that it would become your life’s work…at least until the season closes in May.
      2. You’d likely get shot at.
      Regards,
      Randy

      On my trips down the gulf past Flamingo, I usually run inside the Park boundary, it’s shallower but doable, and less traps
      It is illegal to trap in the Everglades National park, but on SEVERAL of these occasions, I was inside the park boundary south bound, watching trappers working their line inside the park boundary.
      Guess those park rangers have better things to do.
      See you in Paradise!
      Capt Sterling

      I had a fin keeled sailboat with completely exposed prop that twice got a pot line wrapped on it.
      When I changed boats I knew I needed a full keel boat with a protected propeller.
      We bought the boat in Charlotte Harbor and motor sailed it non stop to Marathon. And I was so happy watching the pots go by under the moon light at 3:00 am in Florida Bay. I didn’t try to avoid a single one.
      That problem is solved, for me anyway.
      Jules Robinson

      Coming to Marathon from the East, we observed hundreds of traps and every trap was right in the charted channel. The water depth is the same north of the channel so we dodged the traps by moving a hundred yards north where no waterman bothered to drop a trap. Needless to say, I couldn’t set the autohelm.
      I hope that prudent mariners will resist the temptation to mount spurs on their prop shafts. The spurs cut any lines that might wrap the prop but these spurs also might leave behind un-bouyed traps that will roam the waters for years attracting and killing thousands of crabs as they move.
      The watermen of Florida don’t capture and kill the stone crab; they just remove one claw and return the creature to the sea to grow another claw. (am I correct?)
      Let’s do all we can to preserve these tasty little critters and let the watermen continue to make a living even if they can’t tell a channel from open water.
      Foxglove

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boca Chita Key Marina and Visitors’ Center (Biscayne Bay, south of Miami, near St. M. 1106)

      It’s interesting to see the wide ranging opinions that have been expressed here on the Cruisers’ Net about stopping in Boca Chita Key Marina. This facility is part of Biscayne Bay National Park, and is maintained by the US Park Service. I know from our visits it’s a pretty, well sheltered harbor, but entrance channel depths are somewhat suspect! This is a case of some really like it, and some do not. Give this harbor a try and let us know your opinion.

      I have never gone into Boca Chita as we have a dog. I went in today for a looksee and was blown away. Everyone has told me that it is special, it truly is. If this was a commercial place with power and water it would be a bargain at $3 per foot, a great place.
      Charles Hardin

      As Charles says, Boca Chita is an amazingly peaceful place to tie to a sturdy concrete wall in an absolutely non-commercial area. It is truly lovely in the right conditions, and is a good place to wait out
      a heavy blow (not hurricane) in not-so-quiet conditions.
      However, from about Thursday evening or Friday morning until about Monday morning during the warm times, the “locals” (that’s the nicest word I can use) take the place over to the point of paying you to
      leave so a buddy can come in and tie up. At other times, it is Paradise.
      Maybe that’s why the “locals” like it.
      Actually, it is easy to raft off from a friend if it is crowded.
      Bill Donovan

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Garrison Bight – Fleming Key Mooring Field (Key West)

      The Fleming Key mooring field is administered by the Key West city marina in Garrison Bight. It is HUGE, and seemingly very well run. This is a GREAT spot so park your craft while visiting fascinating Key West! Follow the link below to the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” to check out this field’s location in Key West.

      We have been tied to a mooring ball for 5 days at the Garrison Bight Field. Its been great. The fee is $16.59 per night and monthly breakeven is 17 nights. Fee includes showers, laundry facilities and dinghy dock parking at the Garrison Bight. A mile walk to Winn Dixie, mile to the Beach. We take the dingy around to the Key West Bight to see that side of island and the famous attractions.
      Protection is reasonable with the most exposure from the north, but we did just fine with N15-20.
      You need to put your own line on the mooring. This is difficult for our trawler with a high bow. Usually someone sees a new boat coming in and goes out to help with a dinghy. We had a buddy boat when we arrived and used one of the dinks to get both.
      Skooch
      42 Hatteras LRC

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Garrison Bight – Fleming Key Mooring Field

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marathon Marina and Boatyard (on entrance to Boot Key Harbor)

      Marathon Marina and Boatyard is the first facility cruisers will encounter as they begin their approach to Boot Key Harbor from Moser and Knight Channels. Don’t confuse this marina with Marathon Boatyard, which lies east of the now permanently open Boot Key Bridge. Marathon Marina and Boatyard lies west of the span.

      We brought Cabana to Marathon Marina and Boat Yard on 03/01/2010. We have made a monthly lease arrangement since we plan on using Marathon as our base for a month or so.
      The Marina is a bit run down but many repair and upkeep efforts are underway. The staff is very friendly, professional and helpful.
      The open views to the west come with a bit of vulnerability against west winds, so tenants have advised us to really secure the boat against strong western blows.
      There is a nice restaurant right on the premises, some kind of transportation (bikes in our case) is highly recommended to reach other restaurants or stores.
      Reinhold and Sabine Probst
      M/V Cabana
      Mainship Trawler 40

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Marathon Marina and Boatyard

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Review of Dinner Key Mooring Field ( St. M. 1094.5)

      If you’ve been following our fellow cruisers’ postings here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning the waters in and just south of Miami, you already know the city of Miami opened a new, large mooring field just off Dinner Key Marina, a few months ago. While we have had one negative comment here on the Net concerning this facility, all the rest, like Captain account below, have been overwhelmingly positive.

      March 2010. I stayed at the new Dinner Key Mooring Facility from 3/1/10 to 3/6/10 and it was one of the greatest experiences on the water that I have had. The mooring field is located just east of the main Dinner Key Marina. I was greeted by a shuttle boat that took me to shore to square away my paperwork (only $19/day). They have showers and a pumpout boat. It was a great deal.
      A friend asked why did I not just free anchor and sneak onto their facility to use their bathrooms. I answered him that I am not a thief nor do I want to be associated with thieves. Plus, Dinner Key Marina is really serious about their security. I witnessed the Miami Police arrest a tresspasser who thought he was entitled to free everything just because he was sailing.
      Listen, I believe you you should be able to drop anchor in the middle of nowhere, but Miami is a major city and I don’t expect to have access to upland facilities without paying something. It turns out that it’s cheaper to stay overnight at Dinner Key Mooring Facility, with all it has to offer, than to park your car in Coconut Grove over night.
      I almost forgot, the $19/day also includes parking. I LOVE the new Dinner Key Mooring Field!!
      Joe

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Dinner Key Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Johnson Keys Northern Anchorage (Back Route, Marthon to Key West)

      The “Johnson Keys Northern Anchorage” is one of many spots to drop the hook off Big Spanish Channel. The so-called “Back Route” from Marathon to Key West, uses this passage to lead from the southerly waters near Bahia Honda Keys, past Pine Island, and finally into the open waters of the Gulf. From this point, cruisers headed for Key West turn (what else) west and skip along the northern face of the undeveloped Keys, staying well off the land, except for another host of good anchorage possibilities.

      We like this spot, stayed here in Dec and now in March. Good protection from N to E winds. Very quiet, no boat or road traffic. No crab pots either.
      John

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Johnson Keys Northern Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boot Key Harbor City Marina (Marathon – Boot Key Harbor)

      Excellent info about one of the premiere facilities in the Florida Keys.

      We have spent 2 1/2 months in the City Marina. We were lucky to get a mooring right away although there are good places to anchor if the moorings are full when you arrive.
      The marina staff couldn’t be nicer and are very helpful. Laundry facilities are frequently very busy but it’s a good way to met fellow cruisers while waiting your turn at the 6 washers and 6 dryers (when all are working). There are plenty of activities like yoga, tennis, softball, crafts, games and music. Two large areas for dinghy parking are provided. It’s a mile walk to grocery shopping but West Marine has donated several shopping carts that you can take from the marina to the store and back for those larger shopping trips.
      We would definitely return here another year.
      Larry and Suzi

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 5, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (Florida Bay/Inside/ICW Route, in Islamorada – neat St. M. 1155)

      I’ve always said that Plantation Yacht Harbor is one of the very best facilities on the Inside/ICW Florida Keys route. Looks like Captains Pete and Mary Ann agree!

      I recommend Plantation Yacht Club Marina in Islamorada for anyone with a boat that doesn’t draw more than 5′ and who wants good protection from these blasted fronts in the Keys. The mangrove breakwater makes the whitecaps out on Florida Bay a non-issue. John is their terrific dockmaster with an amusing sense of humor. A marina slip includes all the amenities of Founders’ Park: a sheltered beach with showers; bocce, volleyball, and tennis courts; a huge pool; a dog park; a community band shell with free concerts; picnic tables and gas grills that work; locked showers and lundry room for marina residents; and cable and pump outs at EVERY slip, a real luxury. Fuel prices are great too.
      Pete & Mary Ann

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 5, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Captain Jane’s Marathon Marina Roundup

      Wow, what a great in-depth look at the marina facilities in Marthon. As usual, our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane Tigar, does a superb job!!!!!!

      Dockside, from the road. What you see is what you get. Joe Mama sings here on Thursdays

      Captain Jane’s Report on Marathon, Part 2: Marathon Marina Roundup
      There’s no accounting for taste in the Keys, and I mean that in almost any way you want to read that phrase. As one CIty Marina employee said — you either love it here in Marathon or you hate it.
      I think the same goes for taste in Marathon Marinas. I give up even trying to rate the choices. I passed by one Marathon marina and shrunk in horror at its roadside visuals and amenities or lack thereof, but a credible liveaboard said people love it there. I visited another with clearly happy community minded people, put it near the bottom of my list — but I have to say, it’s at the top of their list and they are all repeaters. So, I’m going to do my neutral best, which won’t be neutral, but please know I’m trying.
      I focused on the Hawk Channel, sometimes known as “ocean side” side of Marathon, because we’re sailors and there’s only so much I could look at. We went by kayak and we went by car, nosing around, talking to people.
      I’ve already reported on our probably apparent love affair with the City Marina. It is the happening place, seems to have the greatest diversity in median boater age with a healthy number of children around and their parents in addition to the retiree group of which I’m a partial member. Adjacent to the municipal park, within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and food shopping — it’s a superb choice. It’s a less than superb choice if you must have a slip and electricity. It’s short on slips and very long on mooring balls and that probably has a lot to do with the demographics. For our non-neutral taste, there’s nothing like its huge cruisers and activity lounges. Just walking through the lounge a few minutes ago, I saw two tables of people playing some kind of domino game that had been announced on the morning cruisers net on VHF 68. The Marathon City Marina is its own thing — we happen to love the life style and sense of community. I didn’t mention in my earlier report that in addition to the Wednesday potluck “meet and greet”, Saturday night’s at the Tiki Bar has an often unannounced but regular music gathering. If you’re a musician, or like listening to your talented fellow cruisers, this may be a great place for you.
      Next, Dockside Marina. It’s got slips for sale, but from what we hear on the cruisers net and from chatting with people, you can get transient dockage and people who love it love it. The restaurant and bar were smoke filled when we passed by. I tried to talk to a dock master but no one knew if one was around. Oh well, there are boats there. From what I could see, amenities are slim to none with minimalist and rusty looking laundry set up. I did not find the land heads, if any.
      Not to be confused with the city marina is Marathon Marina. Judy, who was on duty when we passed by, said it is home of the best sunsets in Marathon. This looks likely given the unobstructed Western exposure on one side of the marina (the other side offers slips in a more protected canal.) My first mate queried a liveaboard whose boat is docked on the open water Western side of the marina who said yes, the sunsets are unsurpassed, and that he loves the community spirit at the marina. The liveaboard said the open fetch West was not much of a problem even in a blow. Good to know. Judy says approach depths are 9 feet all round and that major upgrades are underway. Brand new laundry machines went in a few weeks ago and she says the new restaurant LazyDays is superb and has a great chef. We checked out the LazyDays lunch menu — a touch more expensive than the usual Keys shacks, but I think you get real plates and there were references to Japanese panko bread crumbs… That should give you the idea. Judy also said that a pool should be in by next winter and the slips are being upgraded. Dockage includes water, wifi, cable and electric and you can reserve ahead. While it doesn’t feel as central as City Marina, we noted it’s an easy walk to Porky’s Bayside restaurant in one direction and Burdines and its ChikiTiki Bar & Grille in another. Not a bad walk to a used bookstore and you’re near what looks like the local Keys bus stop.
      Burdines, features the afore-mentioned ChikiTiki Bar & Grille, slips, fuel and cute little grass huts by the docks with picnic tables. People seem to really move into these little huts for socializing and meals. Looks like a nice place to us if you require and don’t mind paying for a slip.
      Sombrero Marina is a completely different look. Parking lot, low-rise apartments and slips; a cementy-looking affair. Folks staying there seem to be predominantly power boaters and every night at 5 PM it’s happy hour on the dock, bring your own glass/mug. It’s a smaller community than City Marina and judging purely from visuals on one visit, an older crowd. I spoke to several people who love the place

      Marathon Marina's inside slips

      and have been coming there for five years. One told me that the reason no one answered our hail when we came to Boot Key Harbor and were looking for dockage because there is no dock master right
      now. She said the place was full anyway, not a slip available for the rest of the season. She went on in some detail about the financial history of Sombrero and what it’s name might really be. Since I have no idea what’s true and what isn’t, in summary she said the place was her favorite in Marathon and in an “ahem” state of transition and things were looking up. Facilities are “adequate” my informant said and there is a pool and a restaurant on site. Another liveaboard there said the onsite restaurant won’t win any awards but it’s nice to have it so close.
      Sombrero and Dockside are adjacent to each other and are the closest to Publix supermarket of all the marinas I’ve mentioned. This takes on some significance for car-free cruisers as the former dinghy dock at Publix is closed and under construction. I’ve yet to hear from anyone what is being constructed and the visuals there do not give any hints.
      To get a good sense of the lay of the land and water here and all these marinas, go to: http://www.bootkeyharbor.com/boot_key_harbor.htm
      I hope this helps. We landed at City Marina partly because they answered our hail and also because we liked what Ann said — this is a real community, you’ll love it. We have no regrets.
      Jane Tigar
      S/V Lady Jane

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 5, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Herbert Hoover Marina (Biscayne Bay, south of Miami, near St. M. 1111.5)

      Herbert Hoover Marina is southernmost of several Dade County owned marina faciltiies on Biscayne Bay.

      Entering Biscayne Bay in strong northwest winds we opted for the Herbert Hoover Marina (named after the vacuum icon not the U.S. President) in Homestead, arriving just before sunset. At the northern fringes of Everglades Park, we were greeted by flocks of birds and seagulls. This calm, protected harbor was a welcome relief after rocking and rolling in Plantation Key for the past month. So calm that I couldn’t sleep.
      Jan & Steve

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Herbert Hoover Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 26, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marco Island to Marathon and Key West, Then North to Miami

      Below is a very informative and interesting string of messages copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about cruising from Marco Island in southwestern Florida, to either Marathon or Key West, then north to Miami or possibly even the Okeechobee Waterway. There’s tons of useful cruising tips here, over a wide ranging swath of waters.

      I am interested in information related to leaving Marco Island and rounding the bottom of Florida, possible crossing over to the Hawk Channel at Seven Mile bridge. Anyone with experience, ideas, help? Thanks.
      Craig McAllaster
      “Cavalier” Island Packet SP Cruiser

      We did just that about 2 years ago. It seems like yesterday but unfortunately that is a long time ago in cruising days. Our boat draws 4.5 feet and I would love to leave again tomorrow and do it in the same boat.
      We made our way from Marco to Little Shark River, anchored there and left for 7 mile bridge. The water is skinny but you will get used to 9-10 feet and you will make it. Picking good weather is important. Many crab traps but just work your way through them. Go slow in places where dodging them is difficult and faster in open areas. Uneventful in crossing under 7 mile bridge. We had no tidal problems but I have heard of significant tidal flow so you probably should check the tidal flow times before leaving.
      We did Hawk Channel to and from Key West. Plenty of water, of course, but we experienced extraordinarily rough water. When the wind direction is from off shore the long fetch can make things uncomfortable. Hawk Channel provides easy access to the Key West area but in my opinion, it is not worth it if the water is rough. Hawk channel is not close enough to land to say you saw any local color of the keys.
      Now, if I had it to do again, I would take the bay side to key west. I have never been that way so do not have any direct experience but have heard many good things. Also have traveled by car to many places on the bay side and easily see why others rave about the “local color”.
      Wayne Prichard

      Craig,
      You didn’t say what your draft is and that can be a factor in this part of the world. Also, you didn’t say how long you plan to be gone or when you want to leave.
      Morning Star only draws 3-1/2 ft and we regularly leave Marco via Coon Key Pass. That makes a stop at Everglades City a short hop. Or you can continue on to Little Shark River for an overnight. The run from Little Shark to Marathon is not long and we have never found it to be particularly shallow. There are a few “banks” to avoid but they are well marked and if you are paying attention there won’t be a problem.
      From Marathon, you can pass under the Seven-Mile Bridge at Moser Channel or you can go east up the ICW on the Florida Bay side or you can head west to Key West via Big Spanish Channel.
      If you are contemplating Florida Bay, know that a strong northerly will blow a lot of water out of the Bay.
      Finally, if your goal is to do the “South Florida Loop”, a trip we highly recommend, I would do the Okeechobee leg first and head south from Stuart. That way when you leave Miami and head down the Keys the prevailing wind will be at your back.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

      We traveled directly from Naples to Key West on the Gulf. It was 122nm dock to dock and an easy run, although we did travel at a faster speed than usual. We left Naples at 7AM, navigated the crab pots and then never saw another pot nor another boat until we neared Key West! Took the Hawk Channel from Key West to Marathon.
      ONE OLIVER II

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Great Dining in Dinner Key – Coconut Grove (south Miami, neart St. M. 1094.5)

      Sounds yummy, and a good deal to boot!

      Want a real good meal in Coconut Grove? Try `The Ivy’ in the Grove. Tell them Bob said, `Give us the local price’. Sunday to Thursday should get you 50% off on your meals. The food is great, desert even better. Also. Happy Hour 4-7 weekdays.
      Bob Gray, Sevierville, TN

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dinner Key Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Two Historic Sites Not to Miss in Coconut Grove – Captain Jane Reports

      What a wonderful report from our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane Tigar. So many cruisers spend time in the Coconut Grove – Dinner Key region of South Miami every year, whether tied to the dock at Dinner Key Marina or on a mooring at Coconut Grove Sailing Club (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) or the new Dinnery Key mooring field. Captain Jane informs one and all about two historic sites within walking distance of the docks that “should not be missed.” Give her story a read, and then let us know

      Sometimes, it’s so tempting to stay in our cocoon like boats — after all, once you are on board, why would you want to get off a boat except for laundry, land heads and supermarkets — and West Marine?
      The parade of winter storms of ’09-’10 taught us how important it is to remember to get off our boats and explore the communities we visit and as much as I cherish the lonely anchorages where it’s just us, the wind, the water, the birds and the under water life, I admit that civilization has its charms. Dinner Key is one of those places that has some serious charm. Here are two places where we found charm and connection to the essential spirit of Coconut Grove, both within walking distance of the Dinner Key City Marina.

      Close-up of part of the restored ceiling art and murals in the historic Dinner Key City Hall. Photo by Jane B Tigar

      City Hall is well worth a visit and it’s literally next door.
      If you’re here on a week day, worth a visit is City Hall, adjacent to the marina (to the right facing the land). It’s so close you can probably see it from your slip or your mooring ball. Since 1954, City Hall has been right here in the former Pan American seaplane terminal. Pan American World Airways’ flying boats were based here in the 1930s and ‘˜40s and Dinner Key became a main hub for air traffic between North and South America until seaplanes went out of style. At that point, Pan Am moved its hub to Miami.
      The terminal has been carefully restored and you can now see wonderful art deco murals commemorating aviation history along with Zodiac symbols on the ceiling that had been painted over in the ’50s. There is also a small display of fascinating photographs from the seaplane era, including one of Charles Lindbergh. For more information about this historic site, check out the City of Miami website: http://www.ci.miami.fl.us

      Barnacle House - Steve Dimse, Florida Park Services Specialist, giving us an engaging two-person "I can't believe you came out in this cold weather" tour

      Step through a Time Portal at Barnacle Historic State Park.
      The Barnacle Historic State Park is reason alone to visit Dinner Key and do so on a weekend or Monday. A 20-minute walk (just under a mile) from the marina, up Main Avenue on the left hand side, you will see a little off-set treed area with a historic marker and a path. Follow that path — in a moment you will forget the bustling commerce and you will enter a real `hammock’ of indigenous Florida vegetation and towering ancient live oaks.
      You are now in the late 1890s when Miami was undeveloped and natural. Here you can explore the five acre park that was once the homestead of a real character of a guy from Staten Island who `discovered’ Biscayne Bay. Ralph Middleton Munroe, a relative of the poet Longfellow, and a follower of the transcendentalist movement, settled in Biscayne Bay, first in a tent camp, and then in a house that, thanks to the generous donation by his heirs, is now the centerpiece of this Florida state park. Ralph Middleton Munroe built the Barnacle House in 1891 and it is furnished with some of his original furnishings plus antiques and other items donated by his family. He was a yacht designer, naturalist, seaman, and civic activist whom the US Parks Service describes as `one of Coconut Grove’s most charming and influential pioneers.’
      Note, the park is closed Tuesday through Thursday. It is open Friday through Monday from 9-5. Tours are at 10 and 11:30 AM, and again at 1 and 2:30.
      Check with the Park about special events. Wednesday nights at 6 PM there is a yoga class. If you are visiting the weekend of January 15, the park is hosting Shakespeare in the Park with a production of Taming of the Shrew. Sunday, January 24, 2010, there is an Old Time Dance with live music and someone teaching traditional American folk dance steps. There seems to be one or two events a month. For more information: http://www.TheBarnacle.org
      If you do visit Barnacle House, and we hope you do, please post a comment here and let us know if you, too, felt the multi-faceted genius Ralph Middleton Munroe come alive. That visit alone gave us a feeling of deep connection to Coconut Grove. As you walk around town, you may see historical markers referencing his contributions to other parts of life in Coconut Grove. In fact, I’m transmitting this story to the Salty Southeast while using the free wifi in the public library, a charming historic site itself, surrounded by palm trees and garden and only a short walk across the street from the Dinner Key Marina. It’s on land donated by Ralph Middleton Munroe who started the first library in the area, acquiring and delivering books by boat. It is also the site where Munroe’s first wife is buried. Just next door to the library, is another historic site, the women’s club built in the 1890s, also on land donated by Mr. Munroe.
      Jane Tigar
      S/V Lady Jane

      Hi Jane
      Thanks for a great post. I’ve just returned from a 10 day stay aboard our boat `Cloud Nine’ at Dinner Key Marina. You’re right. We can see the Miami City Hall from our slip and I never set foot inside the building. I will be sure to visit on my next trip for sure. My husband, Tom is currently in Dinner key and I will pass this site on to him. We loved the Coconut Grove Arts Festival over President’s day weekend.Much to see and do in this charming town
      Keep up the good work.
      Pam Frech
      Cloud Nine

      Great post ,good to see the old Monroe house has been preserved. I had a friend that I worked with at Bertram Yacht yard in the mid 60’s that was the care taker of the house when the Monroe where out of town. My wife would Join them on weekends at the house which was a great treat. The gardens and front lawn down to the water were magnificent in the evening.
      S/V Seamist
      Dave Skiff

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 14, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Words About the Dinner Key Mooring Field (Miami – Coconut Grove)

      Both the messages below paint a very different picture of the Dinner Key Mooring Field than what was shared in an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net (/unhappy-times-at-miami-beach-marina-near-government-cut-inlet). There has also been an earlier, very positive posting concerning this mooring field (/great-experience-in-the-dinner-key-mooring-field-miami-coconut-grove-near-st-m-1094-5). Read all this info, and make your own decision, but it certainly looks as the tide of opinion in the Cruising Community is now running in favor of this facility.

      While I am in favor anchoring, from time to time moorings have great advantage. And in the case of the Dinner Key area this couldn’t be truer. For years I have passed though this area, but tended to anchor away from the crowds which I might ad looked mainly unseaworth and derlict. I did this because I have experienced many times vessels draging anchor. The dinner key area has really cleaned up for the better. My experience at the dinner key mooring field was terrific. The staff was professional and the facilites were clean. I hope that the moorings continue in the future as I hope to return.
      Captain Thomas Ryne
      S/V Sea Dog

      I stayed at the Dinner Key Mooring Facility all of January 2010 and it was one of the greatest experiences I had in my 25 years of sailing. They have a great staff, shuttle service and a pumpout boat. The view of downtown Miami is increadable!! My vessel is 40 feet LOA.
      Why didn’t the 47ft Soulmates stay in the big marina ‘“ funny, they have an expensive boat but I guess their too cheep for their britches.
      Capt. Bob

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 11, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Having Fun In Key West

      Below, all crusiers will find some really good advice on how to have some fun, and, in particular, how to take a cooling dip while in Key West, courtesy of Captains Jason and Shelley. Sounds like a good plan to me. Anybody want to buy me lunch at Sunset Island??????

      Key West Tips. A great low cost tip on enjoying yourself in Key West’¦ if you are anchored off or staying in a marina where there is no pool (e.g. City Marina), you can use the one at the Conch [Harbor]Marina [on Key West Bight] simply by eating or drinking lunch at one of the two poolside restaurants there. (Diablos is the name of one) The food is quite good and the pool is fantastic. The only downside is that it closes at sunset. Don’t miss the Schooner Bar- a great world class cruiser friendly facility. We have docked at The Conch twice and it is really friendly, central and wonderful but like most things Key West’¦expensive. Mallory Square is overrated and increasingly more like a freak show than a sunset celebration.
      Another fun thing to do is take the launch out to the restaurant on Sunset Island for lunch. Dinner there can be very pricey but the food and experience is fun and nearly affordable at lunch.
      Jason and Shelley

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Conch Harbor Marina

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com