Victoria 18 Archive Travel-Florida
Updated 04/02/99
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Message 342
From: Randi Ernst (SNIFFLER) To: BillBrewer (BILLBREWER) 1 of 2
Posted: 3/22/99 10:01 AM Reply to: 338 Next
Good choice, you are doing something I have dreamed about. If you do it make sure you come back here and tell us how it went.

They no longer sail out of Marathon but a few years ago Barb and I took sailing lessons from Annapolis Sailing school out of Marathon, the boats were kept by Boot Key.
 
It's a great area to sail and the Victoria is a perfect match for the area, I was surprised how shallow the Gulf side is and you will want charts but will have no problem with the Victoria.
 
While there we drove down to Key West and stopped at Bahia Honda Key. I have always thought that would be the perfect place to sail from. It is a Park,( can't remember if it's state or federal) but has a great little protected harbor and nice boat landing. There is camping available as well as some little cabins. You can only stay for 7 day's or so which I would think means space is a little more available. If I remember you can call ahead and reserve a spot. I remember thinking the prices were very reasonable.
 
They run guided boats out to Looe Key which has great snorkeling. You could take a guide boat the first time to figure out how it works then take the Victoria out later. You can also sail around some of the old lighthouses. Take time to figure out the rules though they have declared the reef an endangered area so if you run aground or just indiscriminately drop anchor there are some hefty fines.
 
For an even cheaper place to stay you can drop the hook in the harbor between Boot key and Marathon. The instructor told us there is no charge but that too may have changed by now.
I will dig through my stuff and see if I can find the literature I picked up. Hope you do it, should be a great time.
Randi
 
 
Message 352 Previous
From: Randi Ernst (SNIFFLER) To: BillBrewer (BILLBREWER) 2 of 2
Posted: 3/25/99 12:24 PM Reply to: 342
 
Bill,
I found some literature from our trip to the keys in 97. We stayed at Faro Blanco marine resort in Marathon. They had nice little cottages that must have been built years ago, maybe something to do with the railroad, perfect for us as I tire of the "resort" lifestyle and would rather hole up in my own little cabin.
Across the highway they had "houseboats" (more like a house built on a barge hull) that would be pretty neat cause you could tie the boat up to your back door.
 
1997 On season rates; Cottages $79 to $119, Houseboats $79 to $145 , Lighthouse $145 , Condominiums $205.50 (rates are based on double occupancy, $10/day extras person, children under 12 stay free. Boats 25' or under, using no power and with on-land accommodations $10 per night.)
 
Bahia Honda is a state park, 524 acres, 80 campsites, three duplex cabins with accommodations for 6 people per cabin. Camping, cabin and park info 305-872-2353 attached is a map of Bahia Honda.
Randi
 
 
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