“Wheels up” at 7:15 am as we leave Sombrero Marina Dockside in Marathon.  Farewell to a great group of friends/boaters, until we meet again.  The weather is beautiful with a “promise” for less wind.  Taking our perch on the fly-bridge, we meander down Sister Creek (a no wake zone) headed to the Atlantic Ocean, sipping our coffee as we watch the sunrise.  I say goodbye to our beautiful little “private” beach that we have been visiting by dingy almost every day since arriving in Marathon.

As we reached the ocean and turned into Hawk Channel it became very apparent the weather predictions were correct, we had a very comfortable ride all day.  Much flatter seas compared to our trip down on November 30th!

Key Largo Fisheries Marina was our destination today.  The marina is one of several in a basin of water known as Lake Largo in the middle of the island.  We located the tiny canal and were a little doubtful that it was actually the entrance to the marinas.  We were very happy there was no opposing traffic!  After 500 yards, the canal opened to Lake Largo and a couple hundred boats, some much larger than ours!

After we docked at Key Largo Fisheries Marina at 2:45 pm, we took a nice walk then taste tested some of the salads in the fishery.  The conch salad was delicious so we bought a couple quarts.  We went back to the fishery for dinner then walked to the nearby Pilot House Marina for a beer, quirky bar, it was a cool place.

Underway passing Boot Key Harbor mooring field

WHO CARES leaving Sombrero Marina Dockside, Marathon courtesy of our friend Jill

Goodbye to our “private” beach

The canal entrance to Lake Largo, Key Largo

Abby’s doubtful we’re in the right canal too!

There’s the marinas!

Steve on the Cafe deck at Key Largo Fisheries

The Pilot House Restaurant and Marina across the lake