KEY WEST TO MIAMI

We just finished a wonderful trip from Key West to Miami !

It was about a 160 + mile adventure, taking six days ... Key West to Marlin Bay, Marathon for two nights, Pilot House, Key Logo for one night, Ocean Reef, Key Lorgo for two nights and then on to Miami!

The trip to Miami was beautiful... especially through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 

The unique State Park includes about 70 nautical square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. It was the first undersea Park in the United States. 

Once we arrived in Miami ... we are pleasantly surprised how much we like it here!

The Marina is wonderful, lots of restaurants, a 25 meter lap pool, many yoga classes, a bike trail along the beach and CrAzY fun people watching :)

We are stalled here due to more windy weather, but LOVING every day XO.

Looper Tip: Many Loopers avoid Miami, but we have found it very inviting and fun! Snorkeling at Alligator Reef was a highlight of The Great American Loop (FYI: No Alligators, just beautiful fish and fan coral). 

Safe travels to all ... in this unexpected windy weather!

We took six wonderful days traveling from Key West to Miami.

A highlight of our Great American Loop Adventure!

Beautiful weather and absolutely gorgeous water :)

Both of us are Happy to be back on the Loop, after an extended stay in Key West :) :)

From Key West, we traveled about 50 miles to Marathon.

We decided to travel on the Outside (Atlantic) to Marathon, it was a little bumpy 

(no drama).

Trolled for dinner (yes, we now have a Florida Fishing License) ... no luck catching any fish.

We cut to the Inside (Gulf) at the Seven Mile Bridge, heading to our Marina in Marathon.

We stopped at Faro Blanco Marina for diesel. 

Many Loopers are staying here!

We said hi to a few friends, while refueling Thistle. 

Our Marathon Marina.

Just opened (after hurricane Irma)  and absolutely wonderful!

Buddy boaters we reacquainted with in Key West, after meeting in Canada two summers ago (Yes, it’s a small world) gave us the Looper Tip to reserve here!

Thanks :) 

Two nights at Marlin Bay! 

We enjoyed the pool and spa...the fresh towels were a nice welcome.

That night we watched the Olympic Closing Ceremony on the outside big screen TV.

A Mini Marathon Looper Reunion at Banana Bay Marina (right next door). 

Nice dinner at Keys Fisheries with our Canadian Looper friends (Tyre less).

The restaurant is famous for their Lobster Rueben sandwich!

Breakfast at The Stuffed Pig? 

A family of dolphins followed us all morning on the Inside (Gulf).

We crossed to the Outside (Atlantic) @ Channel Five Bridge.

It was such a beautiful day...we decided to stop and snorkel at Alligator Reef.

Alligator Reef is about 5 miles off the Keys in the Atlantic.

Great decision:) 

Thank You ... Captain Greg :) 

Best Day on the Loop XO 

Next stop Pilot House Marina, Key Largo.

We stayed for one night. 

It was a very shallow and narrow entrance channel... we made it!

Lots of commercial Fishing boats at the Marina.

Sunset in Key Lago.

A perfect end to a spectacular day on the Great American Loop! 

The next morning we tried to snorkel at Molasses Reef .

It was a beautiful day, but rough conditions?

Very exciting to see a few giant Loggerhead turtles, and too many Flying Fish to count. 

We traveled a short 25 miles to The Ocean Reef Club, for a two night stop. 

It was a bit of a splurge to dock there....and worth it :) 

Thistle docked at The Ocean Reef Club.

(We were probably the smallest boat at the Marina.) 

Many Marina residents saw our AGLCA burgee and stopped to ask us about our Loop Adventure!

Fun to watch the parade of boats coming and going. 

The Ocean Reef Club is an exclusive private community in Key Largo.

We were very fortunate to be granted a Guest Sponsorship to stay at their Marina.

The Atlantic was a crazy turquoise color the next morning!

Traveling through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on our way to Miami.

Miami skyline at the Harbor entrance.

Huge Yachts and water front homes. 

We are docked at The Sunset Harbour Yacht Club.

Our original reservation was for three nights...

due to windy weather and we like it here, our 

reservation is now for two weeks. 

We have enjoyed Sunset Harbour...

Especially the lap swimming pool and visiting with our Looper friends (and two dogs)

aboard Don’t Think Twice. 

Great restaurants near the Yacht Club. 

(Our favorites ... )

A nice bike trail from our Marina to South Beach ... 

Great people watching (especially because it’s Spring Break!).  

Yes, another Small Craft Advisory for Today!

Even though it’s windy...

Our view of Miami from Thistle’s flydeck is pretty special 

Day and Night XO