Day 141 – 2/22/24

Starting location: Marina at John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo, FL.

Weather: 58 am, 71 pm, sunny

Ending location: No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne. MM 1096 AICW.

Statute miles: Approximately 46

General summary: We went out of Largo Sound the way we had come in and motored in the Gulf side to Biscayne Bay. Wind and waves pretty minimal so nice ride. At one point we went through a channel for several miles and there was a long stretch of boats (at least 20) that passed in line file as fast as they could. One boat had four 400 HP motors attached. Absolutely no concern for wake or noise. Our experience with some boaters from South Florida so far (based on neighbors in marinas and passers by) is the faster, flashier, and louder the better. No judgement, just not our particular cup of tea. The Miami skyline got bigger.

Passed a cluster of houses on stilts in the North Bay. An area called “Stiltsville” that had as many as 27 houses at one time. Only a few are still in use.

We anchored in No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne. Lots of boats, but we scored a spot. Tents up on land and a band playing – private yacht club party. Dinghied to seawall and heaved Cocoa up. Nice 4 mile hike around perimeter and then through a bird watching trail.

Relaxed and had a beverage at “The Cleat”, a waterfront bar near the harbor entrance, before returning to the boat for the night. Winds predicted to be minimal until tomorrow afternoon.

Boater information:

$20 (pay at a kiosk on land) to anchor overnight. You can tie up to the seawall for $8 but can’t stay there overnight. Waterways indicated this was not enforced, but this was probably due to Covid as it was empty by evening during our stay.