Today, we took advantage of a high tide and adventurous spirits, to take the bowrider into the "backcountry," a term which means, in the Lower Keys, those islands and shallow waterways which lie north of US-1 and south of the Gulf of Mexico. It isn't something to undertake lightly, as some of the water would not cover your ankle at low tide. Surprising even ourselves, we cut through the backcountry and went all the way to Johnston Key Channel.
That tide sensor on the backside of Sugarloaf Key was reading over a foot and a half, and we had no problems planing the entire route. But also, Grace had brought the 8-year-old, 5-megapixel Nikon, whose optical zoom makes it far superior to our iPhone cameras.
On the way out, we passed by this family enjoying Cudjoe Bay with all manner of floaty toys:
And then we got on our way on full plane:
And before long, we were approaching the US-1 bridge, which must be crossed under:
And our intrepid captain remains calm about the whole thing of course:
First, we pass the seemingly-limitless fun at the Sugarloaf KOA:
And finally under the bridge. Watch your head:
New bridge on the left, old bridge on the right, looking between them:
We're officially in the backcountry, what now:
Towards the northern edge of Cudjoe, you get the best views of Fat Albert:
Eventually you come to a narrow passage, marked at each end. When heading north, keep these markers to starboard. I kept them to port, but it didn't matter at high tide:
The other marker on the north side of the passage:
After this, we proceeded north to Johnston Key Channel:
We anchored up briefly and took a few pictures. We had to turn around at this point, to ensure we had enough fuel left to return safely. Here we are looking due East, towards Pumpkin Key:
Planed all the way back to the bridge, time to cross under it again:
And past the people hanging out at the Sugarloaf KOA Marina,
And through a few turns of Bow Channel:
Suddenly we're back in Cudjoe Bay, almost home, going past the sailboater who's always there:
This trip proves that the backcountry is accessible to us, and destinations like Sawyer Key and Marvin Key are reachable with a full tank of gas and some planning. It also sets a new distance record, but lately they only stand for a week or two before being broken. Let's hope that pattern holds.
-Chris