The weather continued to cooperate as we traveled from Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning to Ocean Reef in Key Largo. Since we decided to stay "inside" the ICW, the pace was relaxed and measured -- partly because we weren't in a hurry and mostly because the combination of NO WAKE zones and low bridges makes it that way! None the less, we arrived at Ocean Reef without issue .... well, until we got there!
It seems our dockage reservation was mistakenly cancelled, so upon arriving they didn't have a place for us! I kept my cool, but made it clear that they needed to find a solution. The first option was to put is one of the large concrete fixed docks that an owner had vacated for the weekend. That would have been fine if we were in a big trawler with high sideboards, but for ENCORE's low profile, it would require a ladder to get off the boat and onto the dock. So, we patiently waited (about an hour) until one of the mega yachts on the T-head departed from the floating dock. While we seemed out of place among the MUCH larger yachts, we ended up at one of the best locations in the marina (D16) with an open view to port and the constant of entertainment of boats navigating in and out of the marina. We enjoyed two great days in Ocean Reef including a delightful Easter Sunday dinner buffet in the Ocean Room. Sometimes, be patient (but firm) pays off!
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| ENCORE among the "mega yachts" |
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| Seems the Easter Bunny got on board and left something for the Captain! |
We departed Key Largo yesterday morning for our 90 mile run to Little Palm Island. While the winds were up to 18 knots, it was at our backs with following seas the entire way. Of course, when we arrived, those same winds presented a bit of a challenge when docking ENCORE into her berth. The Harborview Dock is exposed to the northeast which meant a very strong crosswind along with a strong current. Even with the Zeus drives doing their magic (and testing my boating skills), it took two attempts before we finally settled in and were tied up for the night. As an added treat for the Admiral (well, and me too) we have opted to stay on land in one of the thatched roof huts on Little Palm. More on that later!
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| Only two ways to get to Little Palm Island - Seaplane or Boat (we came by boat!) |
You realize, of course, none of this is real until we see pictures! And I'd like to see the shot of Encore's name posted by your slip at LPI - I assume they still do that.
ReplyDeleteLPI is the only place I've ever had to make more than one attempt at a landing because of a formidable crosswind and current - and of course, there was only about 3.5 feet of water below the keel. Glad and not surprised all ended well.
Continue to enjoy both the place and the pace!