Gemini Loop: Boca Chica

Hello all! We left Marathon bound for Key West on an overcast but calm day. Any time we can be in big water with flat seas, it's a good day. Along the way we crossed under the 7-mile bridge - very impressive.

The water here is a beautiful greenish blue, with mangrove islands and lighter colors where the water is shallower. Truly paradise. We are at Boca Chica, which is the marina for the Naval Air Station at Key West. This is one island east of Key West. The marina is for military and retired military, and most of the boats here are "permanent" residents.

Once again, we have been reminded of what a small world we live in. The boat across the dock from us is owned by Ted and Nancy. We had dinner with Ted at Solomons, MD, when we were docked at Steve Speer's house. This is a wonderful little community of boaters. They have a pot luck barbeque each Sunday night - you bring your own meat to grill and a dish to share. Once again I brought the Vidalia Onion Torte (Diane Harwell's recipe). It received enthusiastic applause!

The sunrises and sunsets here are gorgeous. I have included some photos for you. The beautiful photo of a sailboat at sunset is included in honor of our friend Nancy. Nancy and Speedy were to drive down to visit us while we were in Key West. They will not be able to come. Nancy had a major health setback and is not expected to survive. We ask your prayers for Nancy and her family. She has lived her life with love and passion, not allowing her illness to hold her down. Rarely have I seen such courage and heart. Speedy and Nancy visited us several times on their sailboat as they headed for warmer waters. We visited them in their home port of Deltaville as we began our loop. We will cherish those memories.