Marine Flea Market

Today was a boat show and marine flea market down by what they call the Truman Annex. Overall it was a small affair. I bought a regulator hose and some boots for scuba diving. At the dock was the USS Mohawk, a Coast Guard Cutter that sank 5 submarines during World War II.

Key West Marina

The Key West Bight Marina is a busy place, full of boats. The schooners (masts showing in the background) regularly leave the harbor late in the afternoon for sunset cruises. Walking down the docks, I am often asked if I want to sign up for a sailing trip. Guess I still look too much like a tourist and not enough like a sailor.

Beach Report - Clarence S. Higgs Beach

This is a picture of the Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach on the southeastern part of Key West. Not very many people using the public beach. Does not rate very high on the worldwide beach scale, but would do in a pinch.

Spies on Cuba

Here is a picture of the beach recreation area on the little Navy Base at the southern part of Key West. Not much of a beach, but notice all the antennas. Bet they are aimed at Cuba.

Southernmost House in the USA

This house claims the title as the southernmost house in the United States.

Arrival of Fellow Cruisers from Biloxi, MS

Captain Ray O'Quinn, his cousin Ken, and a friend named Mark arrived in Key West today, also sailing from Biloxi, MS. They anchored and we all went into town. First, we shopped for boat supplies at West Marine and Key West Marine Supply. Then ate lunch at a self-proclaimed "local" seafood establishment named Pepe's. During the afternoon, we walked through the tourist areas, looked at the cruise ships, ate bowls of conch chowder at the Eat It Raw Oyster Bar, and then headed back out to our boats for the evening.

Work Day

Spent the day working on the boat and did not go to town. Partly as a protest to the City of Key West for their $6.00 per day charge to dock a kayak in their town. Was ignorant of their requirement, but yesterday they threatened impoundment, so now I must follow the rules. Accomplished quite a bit of work. Installed three energy-saving LED interior lights, so now the inside of the boat is visible at night without using a flashlight. Then mounted two fire extinguishers where they are handy. Finally, as the sun was setting, jumped in the kayak and scrubbed the barnacles and plant life off the waterline of the boat before it grew too firmly attached.