2100
24.5N 82.6W
We're sailing overnight from Dry Tortugas to Key West. We weighed anchor at 1800 and are heading to deeper water outside the reef to make for safer, easier night sailing. There is barely any wind, so we are motoring along making six knots; so far no significant current detected yet.
Yesterday we took the dinghy to Loggerhead Key, about three miles from Dry Tortuga and explore the island and do some snorkeling. There is a big lighthouse on the key and the lighthouse keeper's house is inhabited by a research intern studying turtles. It's a pretty place, low lying vegetation and a few palm tress surrounded by white sand beach and turquoise water.
Last night while at anchor in Bird Key a big grouper came to visit us. We figured it was about five feet long, fat as a barrel, probably 200 lbs or more. We all dove into the water with masks and snorkels to look at the big beast.
Today we mostly lazed around, did some boat chores and prepared the boat for departure.
When we get to Key West we'll check in officially to the USA. I'm going to try an app on my iPhone, CBP Roam, which lets you report you entry into the US remotely, send photos of everyone's passports and get interviewed by a Customs and Border Patrol agent by video. No need to leave the boat. It will be great if it works.
