January 14, 2012 Saturday Miami to Rodriguiz Key

When things seem tough!

The day started out with a 20-25 knot wind from the north with cooler air coming in.  We had anchored near shore along the Rickenbacker Causeway so there was little fetch (fetch is the distance over water the wind has to create waves).  Obviously the longer the distance wind travels over water the more likely waves will be taller and bigger.  Even with little fetch the waves were already 1 to 2 feet high!  We had agreed with Pat and Walt to meet them at the entrance of No Name harbor, a favorite spot to anchor safely for many transient boaters.  With the wind at our backs we literally surfed the four to five miles from the causeway to their anchorage.  We met up with them part way down the channel that meets up with the Hawk Channel.  The northerly winds were exactly what we needed to cruise (surf) our way to Key Largo, specifically Rodriquez Key.  It would be a lengthy day even with the wind at our stern.

Sunrise near South Beach

The Hawk Channel averages about 15 to 25 feet deep.  It is separated from the Keys by a coral reef that is the third largest living reef in the world.  What this does is keep the large ocean swells and waves to a minimum.  It makes for a quick and safe way to get to the lower Keys without hitting bottom in the shallow inland waterway where the depth is only 4-5 feet deep in many spots.  However, we went the inland route two years ago and the scenery is much better and we did touch bottom once or twice.  The interesting part of the ICW here is that the water is only 7-9 feet deep for much of the distance to Key Largo from Miami.  The first time we traveled at 6 knots in 7 feet of water was a lot scary!  After checking the charts a few more times I was convinced it was safe to motor that fast in that shallow water!

Bon at Wheel in 25 knot winds

As we rounded Elliott Key and headed to Key Largo we gradually changed  direction as the Keys turn from a southerly  to a westerly direction.  The wind though was still out of the north and we were able to reach for the entire day.  Rodriguez Key is just off the south or ocean side of Key Largo near the entrance to John Pennekamp Underwater State Park.

Approaching Rodriguez Key

We arrived early in the afternoon and had plenty of time settle in and have a couple of Pusser's (BVI) Painkillers!

Sunset at Rodriguez Key

Recipe:
      2 to 4 oz rum
      1 oz creme de coconut
      1 oz orange juice
      4 oz pineapple juice
      shake with ice and top with a touch of nutmeg


Captain Sid