To Newfound Harbor

On February 5th we left Islamorada and headed to Newfound Harbor. Pat & Tom on Discipleship were already there and had assured us it would offer protection from the next blow. Besides which, Deb & Keith on Right Hand were headed to Key West and we were trying to catch up with them. The funny thing is we had been taking our sweet time so they could get further south after their unexpectedly long stay in Carabelle but I think their bones were frozen as they seemed to make a beeline for warmer weather!

Well, that was a pretty unpleasant cruise where we rolled around in 2’ swells on the beam. I was definitely sick tho thankfully no puking and it wasn’t long before Eddie also felt sick. Note to self, take sea sickness meds next time we are going out in a beam roll! 

During that trip the helm seat pulled out of the fly bridge deck. Thank goodness the captain felt it coming and jumped out of the seat before he went down with it. It’s always something isn’t it?!

Arrived and basically passed out trying to get through the sick feeling. For me it, almost always, takes a night of sleep before feeling normal. Pat and Tom were right and this was a pretty anchorage and also calm. It’s fun to come in and see their big boat!  There are lots of center consoles zooming by during the day but it quiets down at sunset. 

The next day we took Zoom to Big Pine Key to get our feet on the ground! We tied up at the marina at the end of a canal. A great tip from Discipleship. Paid $5 and could leave Zoom and it was behind a locked gate so we felt safe. 

In the canal on the way to the dinghy dock. It always feels like the grim reaper is coming when we have had to call Tow Boat US so this made us laugh!

Finally saw a manatee, near the marina docks. I always think they look like big potatoes!

First came upon a juice bar/ vegan cafe/ herbal apothecary of sorts. They had vegan Key Lime pie which my dairy free guy was happy to see. We decided to walk further and stop back on our way back to Zoom for pie. 

Had to take this pic for my lobster tail loving friend Rona!

We went to the Big Pine Flea Market. Eddie was in his glory! 

First booth was stainless boat parts where we bought a rod holder for our fishing adventures. Followed by a booth with bin upon bin of hardware parts. Otherwise, clothes cheap and not so cheap, junk and assorted weird flea market stuff! 

Of course my Cookie Monster found the French pastry booth! Happy Boy!

We walked to Ace Hardware to replace our lost anchor chain hook. Success! Got caught in a brief Keys rain shower, stopped to buy Key West Pink shrimp with their heads on and vegan Key Lime pie. All in all, I’d say it was a fun trip to shore. 

The next day Eddie made helm seat repairs and I read, and cooked! Might have done boat chores, like laundry, can’t really remember! I’m so lucky that he figures things like this out!

Beautiful sunsets here too!