Crossing the Gulf of Mexico

AJAYA'S CRUISE
Phil & Nikki Hoskins
Wed 15 May 2013 15:45
Not too much to report on this trip from Isla Mujeres to Key West. After two quite good days, a lumpy third day became wearing on us and the boat. We banged and crashed into a short steep sea caused by an east to northeast breeze blowing directly against the Gulf Stream. Certainly nothing too threatening but mighty tiring after enduring it for over twenty four hours.  The 11 boats that left the following day faired much worse, with three diverting to Fort Meyers on the west coast of Florida, five to the Dry Tortugas 60 miles west of Key West and with just 3 making it to Key West itself. So maybe we got that trip right! Although we did anchor overnight at Boca Grande Key 11 miles west of Key West on the 3rd night. Oh!, and a tiny finch landed on Phil's head looking for a place to roost for the night whilst we were eating dinner in the cockpit. Time for another haircut?
 
     
Rare calm seas in the Gulf of Mexico
 
    
Bl***dy birds!
 
    
Boca Grande Key - deserted                                               P.S They were just finishing the Palapa thatch as we left Isla Mujeres