WE MADE IT TO KEY WEST!!!!

Captain's Log...............

Never have I traveled so far, so slowly!

Missy and I had no idea of the complexity of this journey before we started out. It took us 20 days.Each and every day was a unique experience with new challenges.  I am sure Melissa would not have even started if she knew ahead of time what she was in for. 

I am so proud of my wife for stepping up to the tasks I presented her with.  I needed her help and support every mile and she reached way beyond her comfort level and did all that I asked of her.  Melissa is a remarkable woman and I am so grateful to have her at my side so we could experience such an adventure.  Our relationship has strengthened throughout the voyage. The experience has enabled us to grow closer than ever and deepen our love and trust of each other.

It was a short voyage today as Bahia Honda State Park is only 35 miles from Key West.  We took our time getting out of the park since the weather was gloomy with light showers.  We motored into Safe Harbor Channel just after noon and parallel parked "Aye Sea No Snow" between another trawler and a sailboat.



Entering Safe Harbor Channel

 The marina is exactly what we were looking for.  It is very low key and unpretentious.  It is also a working harbor as 40% of the boats are commercial fishing boats.  The staff is very nice as are all our neighbors.  We must have had 12 people walk up and introduce themselves this afternoon.



Missy prepares the lines and fenders one last time!!!!!!!



The red houseboat in front of the sailboat in front of us is for rent by the week.

 It took a little time to get everything situated for our winter stay.  I had some issues with the electrical hookup but finally got that figured out.  We did a little biking around to get to know the neighborhood.  It is industrial right around us and then residential a couple of blocks away.  It will be fun to explore further.








Our new winter home!!!!!!!!!!!!!




This is a working harbor with several tugs and fishing boats.



I am looking forward to going back to work on Monday teaching class from down here.  The marina might have an office available for me and that would provide me with the perfect spot to conduct class.

Thanks for all the interest that you all have had in our trip.  It has been fun doing this blog every night and we will continue for a while as we get more immersed in the Key West life style.

First Mate's Log.............
We finally made it!! 20 days on the boat....it seemed really long and short at the same time. We have met some really wonderful folks and heard some incredible stories...Key West will be an interesting and entertaining place to spend the winter. We have a US Air Force base really close...a little Top Gun action going on...it is really fascinating! Tomorrow evening we are going to the 21st Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade in Key West ~ there is a contest to see who displays the best Christmas lights on their boat....go figure. This is about as far removed from Minnesota as I can imagine....and believe me, I like the fantasy! I understand it was really cold in MN today...hang in there you hardy folks...we are sending many warm thoughts your way!