Rodriquez Key

Location:  Rodriquez Key, Key Largo, Florida

Mileage Log (N/M):  1831

Engine Hours:  1569

Lat/Lon:  N 25 3.424, W 80 26.918

Our daily shower

Monday, March 30, 2020, we secured the boat for anchorage at Rodriguez Key, an island off Key Largo, took real showers for the first time in a while, instead of using the camping solar bag, and hit the rack.  We were both tired from our 36-hour recent passage. We slept well. 

Crash Corner at Port Largo

The following day I made my regular Tuesday morning call to mom; then prepared the boat to travel to the Ocean Dives Marina nearby, for fuel and water.  Monica and Rob, the managers, were extremely nice people. Monica offered to take Ruth to the nearby Publix for groceries. She graciously accepted .  Some of her pay-it-forward was returned as she as often offered her vehicle to transient sailors passing through our home marina.  I secured 23 gallons of diesel and 2 gallons of gasoline then filled the water tanks and every jug I could find with fresh water. Afterward I walked to the post office to mail off our Island Wi-Fi card, used exclusively in the Bahamas. Ruth secured enough food to last us a long time. We were hoping the wind would be in a direction to sail to Channel 5, at Long Key, 22 mi SW where we planned to stage for the next leg; however, the wind had already shifted to the west, so we decided to wait out the blow at Rodriguez Key. Upon entering the Port Largo Channel, you must announce your entry on the radio using a securite’.  The channel is so narrow it allows for only one way of traffic. There is also a 90 degree turn, known as crash corner, which could create a dicey situation. Since everything is shut down there were very few boats moving. Thus, entry and exit was simple.

Stocked up with the essentials

One blunder I could not mention previously, that I can now since we have full tanks of water is that while on passage from Nassau we lost a tank of water.  After washing my hands in the head sink I forgot to turn off the electric water pump.  We generally leave it on while at anchor but have a steadfast rule to turn it off while underway.  On passage we put several items that live on the counters into the sinks. One jug pushed the galley sink faucet into the on position. Approximately 20 gallons remaining in the tank went down the drain from our 40 gallon tank. Under the limited prospects for water at the time, it was very disheartening. Those feelings went away once our tanks were full again.

Wednesday, April Fool’s day, was a day of boat projects and rest.  Most projects are menial, such as checking oil, improving the preventer line system and tightening jerry can lashings.  Pura Vida has served us well and has held up very well.  With west winds, on this day, we would of had to motor to Long Key where we plan to stage for the next leg. Thus, we stayed at anchor.

Some have it tough in Key Largo

Thursday, April 2, we pulled up anchor at 0700 and turned the boat SW toward Long Key anchorage. Our initial plans were to anchor there overnight then leave Friday morning as the winds were predicted to be from the SE for the next several days.  However, the wind apps have changed their minds.  They are predicted to be SE for Thursday and Friday then become light and variable for the next few days.  So, the decision was made to continue past Long Key into the Florida Bay (north of the keys) and continue up the west coast of Florida.  Until next time. 

Port Largo Channel