Boco Chica Key, Marathon, Long Key
Crazy Wind, Another Eviction and dealing with a broken exhaust pipe, at least it is sunny and hot!
Boca Chica Naval Air Station was a beautiful marina with floating docks, bike rack, a beach and an on-site restaurant, Navigator. It was a quick cruise of 12 NM from our mooring in Key West to the dock at Boca Chica. By land, the distance was only 5.5 miles. Once settled, we biked backed to Key West to check out some more sights and do some errands. Kudos to the area for a well maintained bike path that made the ride quite enjoyable.
On Day 2, we took the bikes north to Geiger Key Fish Camp and Tiki Bar. Upon returning to the Naval Air Station we were informed Bob’s civilian military ID was invalid. When we arrived at the marina, Bob’s credentials were accepted, however it seems on Sept. 1st his ID was no longer accepted and needs a new one. The pass office was closed so, we had to wait outside the gates, with our bikes, until security arrived to check our ID’s and background. An absurd chain of events that is an incredibly long story turned into us being told we need to immediately leave. The new officer would not help or call his supervisor and just told us he was unable to check our ID’s. After being on base for two days, we needed to immediately leave. While riding our bikes, we were escorted back to the marina by police with flashing lights. With the help of our dock mate we got underway in high winds, darkness, a leaky exhaust hose and under the watchful eye of the Navy police. Luckily, we able to secure the boat safely outside of the dock. Thank goodness for the comradery of boaters, two neighboring boats jumped into their dinghy’s and helped us with our lines. Needless to say, this story is not over as this was a senseless way to treat anyone and we’ll continue to unwrap the craziness.
The next morning, we left early to get to Marathon for our appointment to be hauled out to fix our exhaust leak. The entrance to the boat yard was a skinny canal and we had to dock between two boats on a wall. We (ok Bob) popped Three Sons into the tight space like threading a needle. Within 15 minutes of lines being secured the mechanic was on board investigating the problem. Everyone agreed the port exhaust hose was leaking but could be replaced in the water saving us the cost of a haul out. The quote of the machinic was “that is the biggest hole in the boat but we will be fine.” He was right! Parts were ordered before the close of business which meant they were delivered by 8AM the next morning. Three Sons was completely fixed by 1PM! We are thankful, this is our first major boat issue and could not say enough positive about our experience at The Marathon Boat Yard. What a crazy two days!
After sleeping two nights on the wall of a working boat yard, we cruised to Long Key and enjoyed a relaxing, peaceful quite night on anchor. We grilled fajitas under the moonlight and stars. Stargazing, watching and listening to flying fish and some games ended the peaceful evening.
Segment Stats
- Key West, Fl to Boca Chica Naval Air Station Key West, FL
- Monday, January 8, 2024
- Cruising Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
- 12 Nautical Miles
- Weather: Temperature 74, Winds: E 16-20mph, Sunny
- Docked at NAS Boca Chica/Key West
- Boca Chica Naval Air Station Key West, FL to Marathon, FL
- Wednesday, January 10, 2024
- 38.1 Nautical Miles
- Cruising Time: 5 hours 21 minutes
- Weather: Temperature 71, Winds: NNE 7mph, Cloudy
- Docked at Marathon Boat Yard
- Marathon, Fl to Long Key, FL
- Friday, January 12, 2024
- Cruising Time: 3 hours 44 minutes
- 24.7 Nautical Miles
- Route: Indian River to St. Lucie River
- Weather: Temperature 82, Winds: SSE 11mph, Sunny, Humid, Hot (Good forecast but terrible cruise)
- Anchored Long Key Bight