Marathon, FL

This is definitely the place to be for all cruisers. We are staying at the mooring field here for the next month. The plan is to enjoy the nice weather while we work on a few more necessities like our Bimini and the water maker.
There are 226 moorings available we have one of the few left. The dinghy dock looks like a parking lot for dinghies. They have a large workshop area so we can work easily sew the new Bimini together.
The boating community is large and friendly. We just picked up a boogie board from another boater and can't wait to try it out at the beach.
More pictures soon.
These pictures are from the kids festival we went to today. The kids built their own wooden helicopters and painted them. Thanks to Home Depot.
Now we just have to find a landing spot for them on the boat.

On to the Keys

After sailing away from Miami we stayed at Steamboat creek and the wind was almost nothing. Mosquitos were everywhere.
The next day we dropped by Gilbert's Marina did some laundry that was piling up then moved on to shop at Divers Direct. Both kids have nice wet suits now.
We stayed at Sunset Bay then stayed at a mooring ball at Lignum Vitae Key. The wind blew strong so we were rocked all night and no bugs.
As we moved to be near Marathon at Horseshoe Key we sailed by a ton of crab/fish traps. Very difficult to avoid while keeping the wind in the sails.
We hooked a trap three different times. Each time requiring Paul to dive on the boat to free us up. Not sure if the picture shows the traps well but they were everywhere.
We are here and taking advantage of the great fishing. Amazing how the fish are being caught one after the other.

Biscayne Bay

This is a large bay where we have been able to use out sails instead of motoring.
We are sailing with our cruising spinnaker and moving up to 7 knots.

Fort Lauderdale to Miami

We left West Palm Beach yesterday and had to go through 18 or so bridges so it made for a long day.
Pictures soon to come.
The mega yachts are definitely a sight to see along with the mansions along the way. From what we here it just gets more spectacular from here.
We met another couple cruising with their kiddos Martin who just turned 5 and Maeve who is 3. They have been fun to hang with and we are going to try and meet up again soon.
The trip along the outside in the Atlantic today was rough for most of us except Paul. The kids immediately felt better when they were above deck.
South Beach in Miami is something to see.

West Palm Beach, FL

We are at the free dock visiting the town and will anchor out tonight because it is a day use only dock.
We are going past bridge after bridge. It is challenging to time each one correctly but so far we are doing great.
We are enjoying the warmth and having ice cream.

From Jensen Beach to Jupiter Narrows, FL

We finally feel like we are cruising.

No longer in a rush to get south, the weather is fantastic.  The nights are in the high 60's and the days in the high 70's.  The water is starting to look more blue and clear.

Paul has been fishing along the beach and the kids are enjoying the sand cliffs and building sand forts.  The best part for them is watching the waves knock them flat.

We are getting to use one of our Christmas gifts and have picnics on the boat.  We have our big meal mid day and then a smaller meal for dinner.  It saves from doing a lot of dishes and cooking when we are all tired.

Captain Nay Nay/td>

Captain Mama

Guess what is missing from this picture

Samantha lost her first tooth!

Pulling up the anchor at Jensen Beach

Yes! Caught the first fish.

Now catching fish number two just minutes later.

Fish number three.  Wow!  They like this bait.

The fort has been breached.

This fort worked until the tide came in.

Jensen Beach was a bit rough because the anchorage was unprotected from the south winds but Peck Lake near Jupiter Inlet has been smooth and cool.