Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Angel Fish Anchorage

We left Plantation Key around 10a as our destination anchorage for this evening was not that far away. Storms are predicted for this afternoon and evening so Captain Mark wanted us to anchor in a well protected area where we would be sheltered as much as possible. Angel Fish Creek turned out to be the perfect location to be in should a storm arise. It is also a spot where boaters gather to await weather conditions that will allow them to cross and catch the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas.


Again today, we traveled in very shallow water along the leeward side of the Keys via the ICW. The day was very hot and humid and you could feel the rain in the air.
Just before we arrived at the Jew Fish Creek Bridge we saw a sign posted in the opposite direction welcoming boaters to the Keys, but we did not see a sign informing us that we were departing the Keys. SO, I made Mark turn around so that I could get a picture of the signing welcoming us to the Keys. We will just have to pretend that it is also thanking us for visiting the Keys.



The bridge tender at the Jew Fish Creek Bridge was darling. She had the most pleasant and cheerful voice and you could just tell that she loved her job. She even came out to wave to us as we passed and tell us how cute she thought the Lolligag is. Unfortunately for boaters, her job will be eliminated in the near future when the new bridge under construction is completed. Hopefully, she will be able to find another bridge opening job.





We kept hearing jet airplanes but we could not see them and then it dawned on us that we were very near the Homestead Air Force Base. As we looked into the sky for the planes, we saw something that neither of us had ever seen before – a circular rainbow. It was truly spectacular and so vivid and beautiful. The pictures that I took simply do not do justice to the rainbow.

We arrived at the anchorage location and the water was so clear that I thought I would try to do some snorkeling. It was amazing that when I lowered the anchor, we could see the entire length of chain – the water was that crystal clear at a depth of approximately ten feet. However, as we looked at the water with a more critical eye, we both saw a very strong tidal current that made me afraid to snorkel without being tethered to the boat. In addition, I also saw more jellyfish than I am comfortable being with in the water, so I put my snorkel gear away for another day.

This anchorage like so many along the Tenn-Tom was wonderfully secluded - so very peaceful, calm and tranquil. Soon after dinner the dark rain clouds started gathering and the rain fell, immediately cooling the evening. It was so wonderful to fall asleep with the rain gently coming down upon the boat.

Hours on the water: 4.5
Nautical miles traveled: 32
Number of bridges need to be open for us: 1
Time spent waiting for bridge openings: 10 minutes
Next Destination: Miamarina in downtown Miami
What we're listening to: Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
What we watched: Dancing with the Stars
Lesson for the day: One is never too old to see the wonder in a rainbow
Obligatory knitting report: Baby Sweater for Maxwell

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