Atalanta: On to the Keys

“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”

- John Steinbeck

Each day we not only discover interesting places and people but we ascertain in which direction to look next. The process of planning our route has become less defined over time. When we started out over three years ago, we had an itinerary, charts, maps, websites, guidebooks, and advice sought from fellow cruisers. Now when asked where we are headed it is difficult to be more specific than “south.”

Our friends Jeff and Ann
Circumnavigated on this fine boat.

The weather since early December has been a challenge. . . . however we don’t want those of you in more northerly places to

Just one of the many bascule bridges
on the intercostal that lifted
for Atalanta

think we are complaining. Offshore winds have been strong and the rain

plentiful. We resorted to moving south via the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) that we find beautiful in places and tedious in others. It limits our southerly passage to about 50 miles/day and has us ducking under way too many bridges.

We spent time with friends in Sebastian where Atalanta was anchored behind a tiny island just off their home. While the winds howled, we floated in a small, calm and shallow patch of water. We

Peter and Blaine's "Spree" Anchored in the Indian River

shared a number of meals with Peter, Blaine and their family including a delicious Christmas dinner.

After a challenging overnight passage with the boat tossing from side to side, more bridges, and mega-mansions with mega-yachts lining the ICW, we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale. We celebrated

Visiting Richard and Martin on
Scorpio 12

Richard’s birthday with our friends Richard and Martin, shared a few drinks, some good eats, and lots of mostly nautical stories. And like in most places, we met new friends.

Thankful to unfurl the sails, we followed the coastline to the beginning of the Florida Keys. Murray is happy to be in Key Biscayne with its state park and walking trails. The rebuilt lighthouse originally in use in 1855 is picture perfect.

We’ll be moving down Hawk Channel to Key West where our good friend, John will hop onboard for adventures in the Dry Tortugas, Mexico and Belize. Time to start practicing Spanish.

Gracias por leer esto. (Thanks for reading this)

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