March 7, Day 255 – Marathon to Islamorada

We did it – we finally escaped Marathon – one day short of a month. First thing this morning we started getting the boat ready to leave. We figured today’s weather would be pretty much like yesterday’s and that the winds would calm down around noon. We walked to West Marine one last time just to make sure there was nothing else we needed and then we went for an early lunch at Porky’s. We got back to the boat around 12:30, started engines, released dock lines and headed out. Yippee!!!!

Now don’t get us wrong – we liked Marathon and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Harbour Cay Club. The people there were great, the facilities outstanding and Marathon itself was enjoyable. The only thing that was a disappointment was the weather, but that is something that cannot be controlled. We had planned on staying a week, or two at the most, so the fact that the weather kept us there longer made us a little restless and eager to move on.

We had a nice day on the water. Temps were in the high 60’s, a slight breeze and pretty flat seas. Gerry fished for awhile and even caught a couple of Cerro Mackerel, but he did “catch and release” today so no fish for dinner. We pulled into our anchorage off Islamorada around 5:30. After settling in we poured a couple of drinks and watched the sunset. It was great being on the hook again.

This picture is entitled "Here We're Not". Snapped it just as we pulled out behind Second Star. This is the dock wall we both occupied for a month.

This is a picture of the yellow floating barrier. It is usually pulled out all the way across the opening. It keeps the seagrass from entering the inside part of the marina. They had to open it up when we entered and then again when we left. It sort of gave us that "trapped" feeling, but it did help keep out the seagrass and was relatively easy to open and close. The boats you see in the picture both belong to Loopers -- Andrew and Sallyann and Tut on Freedom on the left and Tom and Diann on Noah Genda on the right.

As we worked our way north we passed Long Key and associated bridge. We went up the Intercostal so the Florida Keys were to starboard and the Florida Everglades to our port. Since we are heading north, guess you could say we're on our way home. We've reached our southernmost point and made the turn. However, we don't plan on reaching Annapolis until mid-summer.

We passed a shallow area with lots of bird-stick condos. Looks like they were all occupied except for one in the lower righthand corner.

It was a nice day to be on the water.

Gerry was working hard at doing a little fishing

... and look, he caught one. He was even wearing the appropriate shirt. The fish looked identical

This is where we anchored. Behind Cotton Key off Islamorada

Second Star getting ready to drop the anchor

A sailboat in the anchorage with the start of a nice sunset in the background

... and here's the sun dropping below the horizon