The Stowaway – Vista

32. The Stowaway

In the morning I took a taxi to the grocery store and bought enough provisions and drink for a ten day passage. Of course, it wasn’t that far to the next port, but I wasn’t really sure what my next port-of-call was. I was just planning to cast off and see where I ended up.

I was back aboard well before noon. I stowed everything and ran up to the office to check out and take one more quick shower. As I was checking out at the office, I saw Vista walking by. I figured that she was going to visit Celine.

“Oh, hi Vista. Fancy seeing you here. I had an amazing time with you last night. Thank you.” I didn’t notice or pay attention to the gym bag in her hand. “I’m just going to take a quick shower and walk to the fuel dock to make arrangements to take on fuel, top off my water and get pumped out. Then I’m on my way. Give me one more hug before I go.”

“Hey, Sailor. I’m just on my way to visit Celine. Hope you have a safe journey. Sure was nice meeting you. Please look me up if you’re ever this way again.” She gave me a big bear hug and a kiss on the lips. It felt good to have her tiny body pressed against mine, her ass cheek moulded perfectly in my hand.

I showered, then walked down to the fuel dock and made arrangements with the dockhand to catch my lines when I approached. Returning to the Love Boat, I cranked her up, cast off and headed to the fuel dock. It took half an hour or so to finish the process. Once complete, I pointed her out to open water.

Once out of the harbor inlet, I turned left, headed up the east coast of Florida. Miami was the next major port although there were numerous stopping points along the way. The wind was just right so I deployed both my mainsail and the jib. Once trimmed, I was on my way.

Here was my happy place, trumped only by sex. On the open ocean, healed over at 20 degrees, sails full, ten miles offshore, land rapidly disappearing from view. This was it for me. Nirvana.

The wind was a constant 15 knots, gusting to 20-25. Perfect for my boat, pushing me along at 7+ knots. I debated whether to head farther offshore to pick up the Gulfstream which would add yet another 3 to 5 knots of speed. I decided against it because I got a late start and I really wasn’t in any hurry to get anywhere in particular.

The first real port along the way was Key Largo. Yes, the same Key Largo as the movie. I decided to approach the coast but not enter the inlet, choosing to simply find an area with 10 feet of water just offshore and drop anchor. This method is, first of all, free, and second, avoids all the hassle of motoring in and finding a suitable anchorage or marina. It also allows a very easy exit in the morning. Just pull up the anchor and go.

I saw a likely spot on the north end of the Key.