No Name Harbor, Miami to Rodriguez Key

 Blustery winds did not deter us from our departure from No Name Harbor.  Last night “Toot Sea” had advised that there was plenty of water alongside the south end of the Key and to the channel so we ventured to where last year, novice to the area, we had been too skittish to go.  Rewarded with water deep enough for Aurora’s 5 ½ ft. draft, subtracting about 3 miles off our trip for the day, not to mention savings in fuel, it was well worth the venture into the unknown water.  Blustery is probably an understatement for the 15 to 20  knot winds from the southeast kicking up 6 ft. rollers as we navigated eastward in the channel into the Atlantic.  On the southward turn Aurora, head sail unfurled, rode the washboard sideways for a couple of hours until we neared the shelter of the reefs along the Keys.  After the rolling start of the morning, upon silencing the engine and reefing the sails, the rest of the crossing became a splendid sail into Rodriguez Key around 1:30.  By ending our time on the open ocean much earlier than usual we were able to anchor; close the hatches just before a brief passing shower and retire below for a luxurious nap.  Storms overnight and tomorrow are supposed to be scattered but frequent until early afternoon, which will delay our leaving here for Marathon.

We have been in communication with the group from the Abacos and they are all doing very well.  Our directive to them has been to have their fun, then have some more for us, stay safe and start thinking about next year’s trip to the Exumas.  Our list already includes about 5 cruisers who could not for one reason or the other make the trip with us this year.  Marlene and Bert who are there now asked us to head over from Rodriguez, but again with uncertainties in some of our equipment, left us no leave but to refuse the invitation.   While we love the shorter cruises in PGI, it has been nice to see more Mariners asking about longer cruises and are excited for the interest it has generated in both old and new members.  Anyway, again we say there is no place near or far like our PGI paradise and Mariner friends.  See you soon!