February 8, Day 228 - Little Shark River to Marathon, Florida Keys

We had made plans to depart around 9 or 9:30 this morning, but we were up by 7:00. The other boats in the anchorage had all left by 8:00 (except for us and Second Star). We called Second Star around 8:15 and asked if they were ready. They were just getting up, but said they’d get ready quickly. Next thing we knew, they had pulled up anchor and were heading out. We followed close behind at around 8:30.

The seas were much flatter today than yesterday – a foot or less. Also, the water color was much better. Yesterday, it had been very murky; today it was blue. There were lots of crab pots so we had to constantly dodge them. Gerry had 2 fishing lines out which made it more difficult to avoid the crab pots.

It appeared that Gerry was going to have his usual luck at fishing – nothing. However, about 8 miles north of Marathon, he got a hit. It was a Spanish Mackerel. We stopped the boat and he reeled it in. He was just getting ready to clean it when he got another hit, then another and then another. Can you believe it …. 4 fish. At that point we were getting close to Marathon so he put his fishing gear away. He was pretty excited about his catches. Our friends on Second Star also caught a couple.

We pulled into Harbour Cay Club at around 2:30. This is not your usual marina … it is a liveaboard marina. People actually own the slips/marina. However, there are many owners that do not have their boats here this year and so they rent them out at a very good price (about half the going rate). We will be here at least 2 weeks.

Every night at 5:00 those that are interested meet at the lanai for happy hour. There are around 6 other looper boats here. After happy hour we headed back to the boat and had some of Gerry’s latest catch for dinner. It was very good. We turned in pretty early as we’ve had a couple of long days and were tired. We are happy to have finally made it to the Keys!!

It was a very nice morning at the anchorage ... no wind to speak of, but it was a chilly 42.

Heading out of Little Shark River. It would have been fun to explore a little more, but the weather today was forecast to be perfect for crossing to the Keys.

We were treated to many dolphin playing along the way. Here are 3 that jumped in front of the boat. We had a couple of other ones that jumped way out of the water together but, unfortunately we didn't get a picture. Somewhere along the way I'll get my perfect dolphin picture.

Water as far as the eye could see .... no land in sight anywhere.

Gerry and his first catch of the day

Gerry and his second catch of the day. There was also a third and fourth, but we didn't take pictures of those.

Approaching Vaca Key and the city of Marathon

Gerry checking out the marina

Not much color to the sunset tonight, but thought we'd share the view from our boat. Life is tough !!