3/13/2016



One of the friendly Marathon natives

Entry to Boot Key Harbor

Everything you need to know during your stay

Shopping expedition to Publix

Tiny Restaurant in the Harbor, says Ozark Food, Ozark prices.

Sunday, 3-13-2016

Marathon anchorage dinghy dock

We've had a great stay at Marathon, but the wind has diminished and we must start our northern movement tomorrow.  We should have a week of good weather. Every time the weather changes it is like you are in a different world.

We took the local bus over to Key West and have tried out some of the Marathon venues, lots of good fish and Key Lime Pie.  Being on anchor the last week, riding in the dinghy every day is a required pleasure.



Some boats are headed for Cuba from here, but we will pass this time.  Hate to miss the Rolling Stone concert, but we've seen 'em before a few times.

Neighbors are about 20 yards aft with a new wind direction.  Glad I took up on that anchor rode last night in anticipation.









We took the local bus over to Key West and have tried out some of the Marathon venues, lots of good fish and Key Lime Pie.  Being on anchor the last week, riding in the dinghy every day is a required pleasure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We rode the Trolley to Key West for the day

Selfie while on the bus to Key West


 

 



3-10-16

Boot Key, Marathon, Fl.

 

 

Boot Key is a bit of a different world from what we've seen.  All our stops have been good in their own ways, but this area reminds us a little of the 1960s in Berkeley or Gate 5 in Sausalito.   Everyone is on anchor or mooring ball.  We all dinghy in to the dinghy dock where there is a community center.  There we find a large all purpose room with tables, wifi, TVs, mail and information.  Attached are workshop rooms where boaters sew sails, do repairs of all sorts, even build small boats.  There is a Tiki Hut cabana where people meet up, party, play music and generally hang out. It has a commune feel. The vibe is extra mellow. Each morning at 0900 there is a cruisers net on marine radio channel 68. It is a forum for announcements, buy-sell-trade-giveaway, help with anything, advice and trivia.  It unites the harbor of 200-300 boats so they know eachother and can help eachother out.  This is our 6th day here; I could get used to this. No wonder people come down here on a trip and never leave.

 

 

Mooring Ball Field



Inside dinghy dock.

Like parking in LA but no dents.  Maybe cars should be rubber???



This boat, like many, dragged anchor in the high winds and went aground.

Manatees are common lolling in the the harbor and channels, much like us Loopers.

Sunrise with the east wind blowing on Boot Key Harbor. 72 degrees.

A new neighbor schooner just dropped anchor.