Monday 2/25
With the weather forecasted to deteriorate, the Puffin & Passport crews decide to leave this paradise and head for the relative shelter of the ICW in the Miami area. After a smooth crossing of Biscayne Bay, we are excited to view the sights and sounds of the City. What a contrast from the natural setting of the Keys. Navigating our way past many boats and under numerous bridges, we arrive at Haulover Beach Park Municipal Marina where we rendezvous with Bill & Betty on Betty B II. We have yet another party of dinner and drinks aboard Passport.

Approaching Miami from Biscayne Bay

Rickenbacker Bridge

Venetian Causeway

Cruise Ships at Government Cut

Miami Skyline

Marina at Baker's Haulover

Party Time aboard Passport

Sunday 2/24
This morning, we depart our mooring at Largo Sound and make our way back to the ICW via the Marvin Adams Waterway, a small narrow canal that goes under Hwy 1(only because of Puffin's low height) and connects Largo Sound to Blackwater Sound. Continuing northeast, we soon go under the bridge at Jewfish Creek, easily cross Barnes Sound, Card Sound and come into Biscayne Bay where we arrive at our next destination of Boca Chita Key, a very small but beautiful key developed by the founder of Honeywell controls and now a national Park. We tie up along a seawall in a very well protected basin and await the arrival of Passport whereupon we explore the Key together, followed by another evening of dinner and drinks.

Marvin Adams Waterway(bridge in background)

Jewfish Creek Bridge

Jewfish Creek

Boca Chita Entrance

Hangin' out in Boca Chita

Saturday 2/23
After nearly 10 weeks in Marathon, the crew with Puffin sans truck and trailer, depart our nest for new watery adventures. With the weather forecasted for light winds from the south, we make our way north thru Vaca Cut, which allows us to cruise along the ICW on the Florida Bay side of the Keys, affording us protection from the winds & waves of the “ocean” side of the Keys. Our trek is pleasant and after around 50 miles, we tie up to a mooring bouy at John Pennecamp State Park in Largo Sound. We dinghy into the docks to pay our fees and our pleasantly surprised to find Dick and MaryEllen aboard Knot Home, loopers we met in Canada. While having ice cream sundaes aboard their boat, we catch up on our respective trips. Later that afternoon ,out at the moorings, we are invited aboard Passport with our looper friends, Van and Diane for cocktails and dinner.

Enjoying the view from the housetop

ICW along the Keys

Royce catching the bow wakes

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