Hey Dave,

Sounds like you’re getting too much input from too many Marina Dwellers looking for more excuses to stay right where they are… (grin)

Obviously, the anchoring situation in Florida remains a state of flux, no one knows precisely at this point where things will go… But, I think you’ve probably been hearing a lot of hyperbolic bullshit from some folks who don’t have a clue what the current status for transient CRUISERS is, at least in the spots I’ve visited this winter…

As I've mentioned previously in a recent post, I’ve lingered in Florida this winter far longer than I usually do, before crossing over to the Bahamas… And, I’m glad I have, I have enjoyed my time in Florida this trip IMMENSELY, and have had NO hassles whatsoever… That has included anchoring in the heart of Palm Beach, Lauderdale, and Miami Beach, surrounded by real estate of the Rich & Famous…. Of course, I try to keep a low profile, I doubt my presence is barely noticed, but generally my reasons for moving on sooner, rather than later, have frankly been due to the annoyance provided by fellow cruisers… Every single encounter I’ve had with any sort of law enforcement presence, thus far, has resulted in nothing more than a friendly wave returned…

My current trip down the Florida Bay side of the Keys has resulted in some of the most pleasurable cruising I’ve had in the last few years. It’s just a delightful area, I’ve been very fortunate with the weather, and have been blessed with some fantastic sailing. I’ve always loved the Keys, have spent a lot of time here over the years, and have been down the Hawk Channel side a bunch of times, but this is the first time I’ve taken the inside route on the Florida Bay side… The cruising guides all say 4.5’ max can be taken thru there, but they’re obviously not written for someone who sails a foot more than that out of Barnegat Bay… Playing the tides, and lucky with onshore breezes so far, I haven’t so much as kissed the bottom,… YET… (grin)

Right now, I’ve been hanging out for a few days in the Islamorada bayside anchorage, it’s a delightful spot… just returned from a superb cracked conch dinner at Lorelei's, one of my favorite Keys sunset/happy hour hangouts, the very good live music still wafting out across the water as I write this…

http://loreleicabanabar.com/

I’ll probably be in Marathon this weekend, to ride out the next front that’s due late Saturday… One of the reasons I’ve come this far, I’ve not been into Boot Key harbor in several years, and an curious to check out the scene…

Of course, I don’t mean to dismiss some of the SERIOUS problems Florida needs to sort out with a certain “class” of liveaboard, and the numerous derelict vessels… Pictured below is one of my “neighbors” here in the Islamorada anchorage… Trust me, you only want to approach this piece of shit from upwind… (grin) And, not so sure how effective that solar panel is, seems to have become significantly "shaded", if you catch my drift...

And finally, I have to laugh at what you’ve been told about Cuba… Christ, whenever I hear some kroozer go on about “just wait until they open up CUBA, then I’m… blah, blah, blah…” Hell, that’s the SUREST sign those are people are never going anywhere… (grin)

I can just see it, all these Libertarian Flotillas , departing Savannah or Brunswick, headed for Castro’s Socialist Paradise… 400 miles or more, non-stop, pinched in between the Gulf Stream and Floridas’s beaches, but absolutely REFUSING to stop in Florida, because of some freakin’ PRINCIPLE???

LMFAO!

Bottom line, my friend… don’t believe everything you hear via the Coconut Telegraph… (grin, bigtime)

Best regards,

Jon