Two days out
These first couple of days have been pretty ideal Keys days. We spent the first day mostly just hanging around the house here, put the boat in the water, and went fishing out in what’s apparently named “Newfound Harbor Channel.” No luck fishing, but we weren’t exactly prepared or trying too hard.
Day two was a little more exciting. We went on a snorkeling trip a few miles out to Newfound Harbor Key, a pretty decent reef and rock bed that’s protected from fishing and anchoring. There was nothing epic out there, but we saw a number of grouper, an arrowhead crab, huge schools of bermuda chubs, and some abandoned lobster pots (empty, however).
We’re planning to go to Looe Key either today or tomorrow. Looe is about 5 miles offshore, with clearer, deeper water, so we’re hoping for some more variety. Key West is also on the docket as well, but we don’t know when we’re heading down there.
The highlight so far has been Little Palm Island. Colette and I went down the street and hopped on their private ferry last night to take us out there for dinner. We arrived right around sunset and their hostess led us on a mini tour of the island facilities before seating us at a small table right on the beach. The breeze was cutting right over the corner of the island, preventing the typical Keys mosquito barrage at dusk. Colette had tuna, I had skirt steak, and we finished the evening off with some beignets for dessert. Colette got several good pictures from around the island even in the dark. The island itself is a marvel of engineering, it’s no wonder they charge a couple legs to stay in one of the bungalows or to eat dinner out there. I’d highly recommend the experience, regardless of price. It’s worth it.
