Finale Leg - Marathon to West Palm Beach

Leaving Marathon, we crossed beneath the 7 mile bridge, (made famous by the 

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Arnold Schwarzenegger film 'True Lies' and into Florida Bay and eventually the

Gulf of Mexico.

Headed North about 95 miles, we anchored at Marco Island, a pretty spot.

Peg and I stayed here last year when we visited on "Firstlight".

Legacy Harbour Marina on the Caloosahatcee River, (Okeechobee Waterway).
The waterway traverses Florida from west to east via Lake Okeechobee.

There are 5 locks, 3 on the west side of the lake and 2 on the East side.

Water entering the lock through the lock doors.

Heading into the lock.... 

...and out.

We finally enter Lake Okeechobee, the second largest lake wholly within the USA, the largest is Lake Michigan. Its like looking across the ocean.

Once we made it to the other side of the lake, the Capt. had

Sandy Botton hauled out for inspection and some new zinc.

Some of the homes coming into West Palm Beach.

yeah...I could live there.

Ice is a privately owned mega yacht of 295 feet and one of the largest mega yachts in the world. She was originally owned by Ernesto Bertarelli, a Swiss-Italian businessman, under the name Air, but was sold to a Russian billionaire in 2005. Ice is distinguished for being the most environmentally-friendly yacht of her time.

A night on the town in West Palm Beach, our final port-of-call.

West Palm Beach is a exciting place with lots to do and see.

The last meal of the trip at 'Pistache' a very nice restaurant.

I had the Duck breast with truffled polenta and lots of wine.

Jim and Sandy Scalise West Palm Beach, Fl.

Jim, Sandy, Peg and I shared a lot of memorable experiences during our

trip. We shared a lot of laughs and some tears. We learned a lot and had

the wonderful opportunity to visit the East coast, the Keys and a large part

of Florida's West coast via the ICW. Peg and I will be forever grateful to

Jim and Sandy for their generous invitation to join them on this memorable journey.

They were wonderful hosts and traveling partners and it has been

our privilege to call them friends.

Images from Marathon and Boot Key Harbour.

Boot Key Harbour mooring field run by the city of Marathon which

is located on Vaca Key. We spent 25 days here. Low 80's every day water temp 78.

One of the many sunsets during our saty.

The Capt., first mate and Rudy enjoying the warm warters.

Peg enjoying an adult beverage.

Yep....that's fresh basil on Sandy Bottom.

The beach. We explored much of the area in the dink.

The Beverly Hilbillies were our neighbors for most of our stay. They were from

Quebec.

A very cool power cat.

I would have loved to see the inside.

Peg-a-loo exploring the Keys.

Key Fisheries, great view and great drinks. Overlooking Florida Bay.

Marathon morning.

Leaving Ft. Lauderdale...headed for Biscayne Bay and Beyond....

Cocktails with Jim and Sandy. Leaving Ft. Lauderdale in the morning.

Big...

Bigger...

Biggest....

Need your boat delivered????

Coming into Miami.

Taking in the view.

We left Miami behind as we wanted to get to Elliots Key.

  

Peg at Elliots Key.....it's tough, but someone has to do it.

A happy Capt. and Rudy.

Leaving Key Biscayne Bay, we headed South crossing Card Sound, Barnes Sound

and stopping in Blackwater Sound...we were officially in the Keys.

Our first stop was at Anchorage Marina.

The Gilberts

The Anchorage Marina

another view...

We treated ourselves to cocktails at Steamers....

and a spectacular sunset.

The girls in the hot tub.

We continued SE and stayed on the hook at the Lorelei-Morada Bay

anchorage.in Upper Matecumbe Key.

You cannot stay here without going to the famous Lorelei's for cocktails and

dinner.

Cocktails and music...

dinner on the beach.

There are always interesting things to see in the Keys

If its weird.... you'll find it in the Keys...

We passed by him in the mangroves!

On our way to the Morada Bay Cafe in the tender.

Jim, Sandy and Peg at the Cafe....a fabulous place.

After leaving the Lorelei's anchorage, we headed South in the Indian Key Channel

and beneath the Lower Matecumbe Bridge which brought us to Hawks Channel

in the Atlantic. We traveled about 35 miles West to Boot Key Harbour in

Marathon Fl.

Our first sunset at Boot Key in Marathon.