Day 165: Travel to Cedar Key

Day 165: December 30: A chilly but calm morning. After yesterday's strong winds we were pleased to have a good day to travel to our destination; Cedar Key. Engines were started and we got UW at about 7:00 a.m. John took the lead; guiding our entourage along the Steinhatchee River onto the Gulf. 


Dolphins escorted us out of the river and onto the open waters. The gulf was calm, allowing us to enjoy our trip to Cedar Key. Thankfully the sun was out most of the day, but riding on the flybridge continues to be cold, requiring us to don our sweatshirts. 


We traveled 51.7 NM in about 6 1/2 hours, arriving at an anchorage in Cedar Key Harbor. Located 50 miles southwest of Gainsville, Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. A key is a small, low-lying coral island; it is a remnant of ancient coral reefs. When healthy, a key hosts incredible ecosystems. 

Cedar Key is the second oldest established town in Florida, right behind St Augustine. It was settled in the early 1840's and became a bustling port with the completion of the Cross Florida Railroad which carried lumber, turpentine, cotton, seafood products and passengers along Florida's east coast. Only one road leads into the town, crossing over marshes and channels on four small, low bridges. The population is approximately 800 full time residents but tourists make up for the low number of people living there. 

All 6 of us piled into Frank's dinghy and meandered around the fishing pier into the small lagoon. There was a boat ramp and a floating dock at the end of the lagoon. We tied the dinghy and wandered onto the main street along the water's edge. Restaurants and shops loaded with items to catch a tourist's eye lined the sidewalk. We walked over a bridge and into the main part of town where we saw a laundry, post office, liquor store, art gallery, small market and gift shops; very typical for these sea side communities. 


We asked a local for recommendations for dinner since there were numerous restaurants to choose from. She suggested "Steamers" Clam Bar and Grill. We took her advice and were not disappointed. The place was packed even in off season. John ordered a Southern Low Country Boil; much like a clam boil cooked with Old Bay seasoning and including a cluster of crab legs! I couldn't resist the seafood pasta! 

It was just about dusk by the time we finished dinner and headed back to the dinghy. So many scenic views to be had; especially when the sun begins to set. 



Here is our NEBO route on the Gulf around the Big Bend. 














made it back to our boats, anchored securely in the harbor. The sunset was gorgeous, 



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