Leaving Miami Beach Marina
  

On our way out from Miami Beach into the Atlantic
  

CRUISE Day 12 - Tuesday, July 30, 2002 

We left Miami Beach at 11:30 am, fueled up and went off into a slightly breezy Atlantic Ocean. Waves were about 2’ – 4’ chop with a heavy “rolling” motion. Miami looked like it was under a haze in the distance. After all those days on the inside inter-costal waterways and putting along in very calm water… this was an unexpected change for Salty (the dog). He handled it quite well and was at least smart enough to stay up top with us instead of his usual air-conditioned spot by the bed in the cabin. At around Marker 16 and only about an hour into it, the seas calmed down and the aqua water was beautiful. After that, Salty liked being up top with the breeze in his beard, watching the water, and being with us…some of his favorite things. The depth at red Marker 22 was approximately 10’ and you could see the bottom. There were several Dive Boats coming out of and going into Key Largo – obviously a popular sport in this area. We went into the channel with the intention of staying at a marina in Key Largo – houses are very eclectic and Key West style. At around 4:30 pm, the wind started to pick up again but after going down a couple of canals in Largo, we decided to turn around and go further South to Islamorada where the marinas would be larger and with less “concrete”. As we are heading out of the channel, it looked like “weather” was rolling in – just our style – let’s head out to the Atlantic when it starts to storm! Salty snuck into the air conditioning while we where cruising in the canals and looked a little “sea-sick” down below.  He was ok once I got him out of the cabin and onto the stern seat for a half an hour or so. We arrived at Islamorada to the Holiday Isle Resort/Marina at 5:50 pm. and had a very tricky docking situation with no side pier – just the stern pier wherein we had to climb off from the swim platform. With the help of the cooler to step on, we barely managed to hoist old Salty dog off the boat! Once docked, it started to rain and thunder – but it had been so incredibly hot all day, the rain was a welcome and refreshing interlude. We must have been quite a sight…. Barry, Barbi and Salty sitting in the rain and having a cocktail – soaking wet and loving it! We dried off after a while and walked to the local restaurant for the “best hamburger” Barry’s had in years! We were docked beside three other Sea Rays – four of us all in a row. They were all very nice people; one couple from Fort Lauderdale, another from Lighthouse Point and the other from Pompano. They all loved Salty (and liked the boat too)! Islamorada is a really funky place with lots of touristy spots, diving and fishing boats.

Miami under a haze in the distance
  

Aqua water changes in the Atlantic
  

Salty's hiding from the rocking motion!
  

Dive boat coming out from Key Largo
  

Salty looking a little weak in the cabin
  

Entrance channel to Key Largo
  

Very eclectic houses in Key Largo
  

One of the bigger houses along the Key Largo Canal
  

A peaceful moment for Salty
  

Very Key Largo style house
  

Early morning in Islamorada on the Atlantic
  

Salty posing with the Atlantic in the background
  

Holiday Isle Resort in Islamorada
  

Islamorada landmark and our entertainment for the night
  

Three wise men and (the boat) Salty is the first
  

Tiki bar at Holiday Isle - come on down!