Tug to florida keys for Christmas

[SUWANNEE]

**** I know I may receive ONE or more stabs or jabs or other really interesting responses to this post but
b4 you get on my case up there in NY pls hear me out.

I shall be doing reconnaissance for those of you in those areas who have I think the term is "winterized" their TUG and are skiing or moping around the BARN.

WE just made reservations at Bay View INN at Conch KEy. We .wanted a laid back "50s" type motel as we plan to Marina hop also

This will be our longest trailer trip yet.

As we do the Cruise with "SC", we hope to give a few reports on Marinas and BARS and laid back places.

1. first stop on getting ready is to take Little Tug to St Augustine next week for "50" hr routine and have the "water hose " recall performed - no problem called First Mate Yacht service and they had parts in two days.

 

[Stella Maris]

While "Little Tug" is enjoying the sunshine and moderate temperatures in the far lower right corner of this great country of ours, Karma and crew will be enjoying the desolation and serenity of the "far upper left hand corner".

We will be cruising all of the outlying San Juan Islands the week between Christmas and New Years. We will not be reporting back on any Restaurants and Bars as there will be none where we plan to travel. Currently there are two other tugs, "Laxey" and "That's It" that plan to hang with us. Anyone else that would like to come along is always welcome!

There is a good chance we may see snow, ice, rain, wind, or fog, however, we will not have a care in the world as we will be in our own little world far far away from all of the hustle and bustle of this crazy world of ours.

We have no fear of forgetting the sunscreen, just the fear of forgetting our parka...... In either event, it should be a great time had by all!

Have fun in the tropics, we will think of you while in the Artic....... (well, maybe not the Artic but, close enough)

 

[SUWANNEE]

Well - here we are and have been since 12/20/2011 in gorgeous Conch Key at mile marker 63 on the over seas highway. We towed from home White springs fl to Ft. Pierce in one nice leg down to ft. Pierce stopped at a LaQuinta which had plenty of parking.

Next day easy trip to Conch Key. The Bay View Inn is a "50s" quaint little motel with a ramp and a dock out our back door literally five steps door to boat. The little harbor has plenty of water to enter and exit at all tide levels. The man made entrance is a little tight but you can see the big coral rocks that guard both sides of the narrow channel.

Conch key is just past Islamorada and just 20 miles from Marathon.

we have been able to take Little Tug out every day. BUt the December winds kept us from snorkeling and on many days the only boat out in the 5ft seas was that cute little tug.

This is our first extended trip on the boat and having the room with dock has allowed my bride to get acquainted with it all. Her deck hand skills have.. increased incredibly.

We did leave the Marina and cruise up to Wide World sportsman store and Marina to stay overnight. it was a scenic cruise and the food and service were A+++. Islands music wafted over from the little trio on the beach entertaining under the
tiki lights.

note -- if you have a Furry Friend this area is pretty pet friendly the Chamber has lists as do most Marinas.

Even had the opportunity to take "Little Tug" fishing in the Gulf - Atlantic too rough but going out to check was FUN.

The locals with whom i went fishing were quite impressed with the boat.

While at World wide sportsman - Bass Pro Shops Saltwater store - we had 5 couples come up and say never saw one before except in a Magazine - gave tours.

Well - we have stowed the Bimini and all loose items and will pull her out tomorrow and head back to North Florida.