Scroll through the thumbnails... Larger photos are just a CLICK away.

Brand New Panga

At long last, our new panga arrived on Cannon Royal.. How exciting. We all oo'ed and ah'ed... Mike sat on the boat parked on the trailer and dreamed of taking to the sea. Little did we know that we had QUITE a wait for the motor to be installed.

What a difference a Motor Makes

Blame it on "Keys Disease"... We went from " no problem it's a one day job".. to, the mechanic has back problems, the owner had to go to Alabama, the next mechanic only had a vague idea of what to do... Getting things done in the Keys often requires PATIENCE... but at last, we had a motor!

The Launch

Tropical breezes turned into March winds, and small craft advisories.. So the boat, WITH motor, spent more time on the driveway.. Captain Mike used the time to SHOP West Marine, and Boater's World... till one day, with a LOT of help from our friends John and Sue.. the new Panga met the water.

A Short Ride to Shark Key

It was a short, choppy ride from the boat ramp on Rockland to Shark Key... But both John and Capt'n Mike enjoyed the ride. Karen was along for the maiden voyage, while Sue, drove the trailer home. HOME was the new boat ramp at John and Sue's... and HOME was where the boat would stay for more days of too much wind.

A Body at Rest Tends to Stay at REST...

More wind.. more wait... SIGH!

To the SEA....

It wasn't exactly calm.... but it was doable.. and Captain Mike and first mates, Karen, and Ralph could wait no more..

The Crew....

There was quite a bit of chop in the water, but the mates, "mom" and Ralph held, on tightly and enjoyed the ride.

Paradise Found

Once we were out in the backcountry... it was definitely paradise found... No one else in sight.. Just blue skies, and the incredible gradient of colors that characterize the Keys.

One Happy Captain...

Yes.. he is a happy sailor. The Captain of his very own Panga. She proved herself seaworthy... drew very little water, as promised, kept the crew high and dry up front... Stay tuned for more Panga adventures. The best is yet to come!