WillT wrote:
I'm planning on cruising the Florida Keys for the first time this
Winter.
Any suggestions for not-to-miss places to go? We draw 6 feet and
will mainly stay on the Hawk Channel side...

I don't want to sound negative about the Keys, but I think you will find far
fewer interesting places than you may at first expect. The 6 feet will also
become an issue in many entrances. Having said that, you will certainly
enjoy the different flavors at Key West, Marathon, Big Pine, Tortugas, etc,
and the diving at the several marine parks. Unfortunately you are unlikely
to make much distance on the Florida Bay side where there are a few hidden
and quite interesting stops. There are a few cruising guides, but none are
in my view outstanding. Best bet is to hitch up with a local boat for info
and suggestions.

In recent years the trend toward controlled anchorages and increased
restrictions has hit the Keys hard. Years ago when this started there were
a few incidents at Marathon that caused outrage in the cruising community,
but since then the landowners have apparently gotten the upper hand and the
boat people are pretty much treated as second class citizens by local
authorities.


--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.home.comcast.net/