Leaving the Keys behind...

April 14, 2016

Beautiful morning!  We set sail about 0715 for Miami and the day was turning out to be pretty perfect.  By 0800 we had all the sails up and by 0900 we had shut down the engine. 
We were sailing along at 6.4 knots on a close reach - which means we were sailing close to the wind rather than having the wind on our side (beam reach).  Along the way we picked up a couple of hitchhikers - they ended up hanging out with us all the way to Miami.  Why fly when you can ride for free?

Our hitchhikers

Unfortunately our great sail did not last - the wind died down but the seas were still rolling.  By 1500 we were approaching Miami and the shipping channel.  There are some big ships coming in to that port!

Container ship waiting on a pilot to enter Miami's port

 Our planned anchorage for the night was in "No Name Harbor".  Getting there was an experience as there is shallow water all around the entrance - locally know as the "flats".  Near Cape Florida and the entrance to No Name Harbor is a collection of shacks on stilts in the "flats".  The area is called Stiltsville and at one time there were several shacks out in the water.  The first shack was built in the 1920s but most have been destroyed over the years by the forces of nature.  Those remaining are now the property of the National Park Service.  

Stiltsville

Finally, after running aground once we made it to No Name Harbor and settled in for the night.  Turned out to be a popular anchorage - but there was room for us thank goodness!

Entrance to No Name Harbor

Sailboat tied to wall at No Name Harbor - near the walking trail

 

Our neighbors in No Name Harbor - Miami, Florida

It was a very nice anchorage - IF you can manage to get there without hitting bottom.  It is a confusing area and if you make a mistake you will pay for it!