Hey Folks,
We plan to be in the Keys after Christmas and for the first few weeks of January. We planned to put in at Key Largo, but maybe will change plans and get further into the lower Keys.
Last year we spent some time in the Keys, mostly Islamorada and Key Largo. We made a run from Key Largo, down to Key West and back, including stopping in Marathon. Because of timing, we ran down on the outside (Ocean side). Coming back we wanted to be on the Gulf side, but the wind started picking up out of the West, so the better cruising was going to be on the ocean side. At Marathon we switched back over to the Gulf side.
We did a good bit of researching and really wanted to get in on some cruising/anchoring on the Gulf, from Bahia Honda to KW. One place that was on our list was Marvin Key, a spot we visited about 15 years ago on a friends boat. Very beautiful area.
KW is a funny place for boating. We really couldn't find any dock and dine spots, something we really enjoy. The primary anchorage/morring field in Key West proper is a little depressing, with lots of derelict boats. Any slip is EXTREMElY expensive. We ended up staying a Garrison Bite, which is a marina owned by the city, about 1.5 miles from center of town. It was priced right, but no frills. You can rent bikes across the street to get into KW/Duvall st, which is fun.
Keep me posted about the plans. We'd be interested in catching up with whoever is down there.
Best,
Bobby