Cay Player and neighbors preparing for Isaac

Cay Player and the other boats docked at Cudjoe Gardens Marina on Cudjoe Key have been preparing for hurricane Isaac coming through very soon. This includes running extra dock lines across the canal, taking in all movable items, and securing the bimini, etc.

Docked in on Cudjoe Key

We arrived here about two hours ago, after a beautiful sunny sail from Key West. Barry navigated us spot on with his Navionics iPhone app. The canal to Cudjoe Gardens Marina was tight but we passed through easily. We have several neighbors, including a (for-sale) larger catamaran across the way.

Leaving Key West for Cudjoe Key

The marina on Cudjoe Key offers a much more attractive rate for docking with electricity and water included, so we're heading there now.

5 large tarpon visited Cay Player this afternoon

She's still secured to the mooring ball. We came to check and rest aboard after our overnight drive back to Key West. We were delighted to see these big fish (considered worthy gamefish, not for eating).

We plan to move Cay Player to Cudjoe Key tomorrow for a semi-permanent marina home.

Wahoo's bar & grill mascot at Whale Harbor, Islamorada

Here's one way to recognize you've found the right spot! I have good memories of eating here last year, & happy to be here again.

View northeast from Whale Harbor to channel markers

Today's fresh catch (Cohia) may be shared by the pelicans too!

Whale Harbor also has a fishing fleet, charters, skiboat rentals, in addition to restaurants & bars & birds

It's on the north side of the island, facing the ocean side. Channel markers dot the waters here too.

Wahoo's bar & grill at Whale Harbor, mile marker 83.5, Islamorada

Here's our view from where we've stopped for lunch on the drive back to Jacksonville.