Cruising mangrove lined passage
Cruising ICW through the Keys
What having all of your ducks in a row looks like
Ominous skies building en route to Marathon
Captain and Crew conferencing
Day 8, March 18, 2009
MM 1154 Mangrove Marina, Tavernier FL.
9:00 PM
We had some scattered showers, and one big downpour. The navigation today was pretty straight forward, but the depth alarm really got a workout with all of the shallow water !
We arrived the marina at 4:00 PM with the depth sounder wildly ringing. Once tied up, Jon was not very excited about the finger pier that was about a finger wide. Jon had to put his arms out to each side to balance himself to walk on it, kind of like walking a gang plank. I found it quite amusing, Jon did not share in my amusement.
We walked about ¼ of a mile away for dinner at pub – big surprise there …….
Crew is really doing great on the boat. His only bad time is about 4:30 to 5:30 PM. If we do not get him out and run him, he is one crazy, hyper little guy. It has become our cocktail stroll. He appears to be housebroken or I should say “boat” broken, but appears is the operative word here.
They are predicting heavy rains and winds tomorrow so we will make the call in the AM on if we move on or stay put.
Day 9, March 19, 2009
MM 1193 Blackfin Marina, Marathon Fl.
9:30 PM
We are here !! We will be calling Marathon our home for the next three weeks.
We woke up and delayed our departure with hopes that the really gray and ominous skies would clear. They did not clear, so about 9:30 we decided to just go. We had rain showers on each side us, and behind us a good part of the way here, but the Cruising Gods smiled kindly on us and only sent a few sprinkles our way. The entrance to the marina was very narrow, Jon did a lot of verbalizing about it, but not as much verbalizing when he realized the entrance was not quite as narrow as the turn he had to make into the slip. There are only two transient boats here, all the others are live aboards. We are in the middle of everything and all is a close walk. We also have our bikes on board which I am sure will see some miles this stay.
Once we got hooked up, and boat chores done, we christened the on site restaurant (read bar.) We had some celebratory libations, and a great meal. Tomorrow we will get the boat in order, and start exploring.
Day 10, March 20, 2009
3:30 PM
We spent the AM storing things we will not need while dock, and then did a deep clean on the boat in and out. We then took off for a bike ride and explored the west end of Marathon. Lot sof great restaurants, and spots.
We are right across the street from Home Depot, so we also did a depot run. Our afternoon plans are to go swimming then cocktails on the poop deck. We get awesome sunsets here – one thing I do not think I will ever tire of. We have yet to see the green flash at sunset, word is you can see them here so I will keep my eyes peeled !
You have no option but to relax here and proceed at a slow pace – I could get use to this !!
MM 1154 Mangrove Marina, Tavernier FL.
9:00 PM
We had some scattered showers, and one big downpour. The navigation today was pretty straight forward, but the depth alarm really got a workout with all of the shallow water !
We arrived the marina at 4:00 PM with the depth sounder wildly ringing. Once tied up, Jon was not very excited about the finger pier that was about a finger wide. Jon had to put his arms out to each side to balance himself to walk on it, kind of like walking a gang plank. I found it quite amusing, Jon did not share in my amusement.
We walked about ¼ of a mile away for dinner at pub – big surprise there …….
Crew is really doing great on the boat. His only bad time is about 4:30 to 5:30 PM. If we do not get him out and run him, he is one crazy, hyper little guy. It has become our cocktail stroll. He appears to be housebroken or I should say “boat” broken, but appears is the operative word here.
They are predicting heavy rains and winds tomorrow so we will make the call in the AM on if we move on or stay put.
Day 9, March 19, 2009
MM 1193 Blackfin Marina, Marathon Fl.
9:30 PM
We are here !! We will be calling Marathon our home for the next three weeks.
We woke up and delayed our departure with hopes that the really gray and ominous skies would clear. They did not clear, so about 9:30 we decided to just go. We had rain showers on each side us, and behind us a good part of the way here, but the Cruising Gods smiled kindly on us and only sent a few sprinkles our way. The entrance to the marina was very narrow, Jon did a lot of verbalizing about it, but not as much verbalizing when he realized the entrance was not quite as narrow as the turn he had to make into the slip. There are only two transient boats here, all the others are live aboards. We are in the middle of everything and all is a close walk. We also have our bikes on board which I am sure will see some miles this stay.
Once we got hooked up, and boat chores done, we christened the on site restaurant (read bar.) We had some celebratory libations, and a great meal. Tomorrow we will get the boat in order, and start exploring.
Day 10, March 20, 2009
3:30 PM
We spent the AM storing things we will not need while dock, and then did a deep clean on the boat in and out. We then took off for a bike ride and explored the west end of Marathon. Lot sof great restaurants, and spots.
We are right across the street from Home Depot, so we also did a depot run. Our afternoon plans are to go swimming then cocktails on the poop deck. We get awesome sunsets here – one thing I do not think I will ever tire of. We have yet to see the green flash at sunset, word is you can see them here so I will keep my eyes peeled !
You have no option but to relax here and proceed at a slow pace – I could get use to this !!
Crew taking Jon for a stroll
Sunset point at Blackfin Marina
Blackfin Marina - Marathon
Day 11, Sat. March 21, 2009
6:00 PM
Beautiful sunset last night, followed by another delish dinner at Hurricanes.
Crew clock got us up at 7:00 AM. A must do for cruisers is to tune into the cruisers net on 68 at 9:00 AM. It is an interactive broadcast where new boats arriving and departing are announced, there is a session for announcements and happenings, then a sessions for questions and concerns, then a session for wanting to sell, buy or trade. It is really a hoot to listen to, and participate if you want. After a leisurely morning of drinking java, walking, and tail chasing, Jon and I set off on the bikes again to explore. Today we rode down by the harbor, there are literally hundreds of boats all moored in the harbor. We ate lunch at the Dockside on the harbor, then had an exciting shopping trip to K-Mart and Winn-Dixie. We bought a folding Butler tray style “TV” tray for the boat. Jon managed to get it strapped on to his handlebars and turned several heads riding his bike back to the boat.
We got back and then got Crew into the bike basket and took a second spin. Jon then settled into watching the basketball games, and I worked on updating this site.
We are having quite a downpour now. Plans are for a pork chop dinner on board, followed by who knows what ?
6:00 PM
Beautiful sunset last night, followed by another delish dinner at Hurricanes.
Crew clock got us up at 7:00 AM. A must do for cruisers is to tune into the cruisers net on 68 at 9:00 AM. It is an interactive broadcast where new boats arriving and departing are announced, there is a session for announcements and happenings, then a sessions for questions and concerns, then a session for wanting to sell, buy or trade. It is really a hoot to listen to, and participate if you want. After a leisurely morning of drinking java, walking, and tail chasing, Jon and I set off on the bikes again to explore. Today we rode down by the harbor, there are literally hundreds of boats all moored in the harbor. We ate lunch at the Dockside on the harbor, then had an exciting shopping trip to K-Mart and Winn-Dixie. We bought a folding Butler tray style “TV” tray for the boat. Jon managed to get it strapped on to his handlebars and turned several heads riding his bike back to the boat.
We got back and then got Crew into the bike basket and took a second spin. Jon then settled into watching the basketball games, and I worked on updating this site.
We are having quite a downpour now. Plans are for a pork chop dinner on board, followed by who knows what ?
Great sunset viewing spot
Marina liveaboard's front yard
Marina local - Charlie
Getting our nerve up
Crew "crewsing"
Marathon sunset
Day 13, Monday March 23, 2009
10:00 PM
I can not figure out how we stay so busy doing nothing………
The weather has been cloudy and windy with intermittent rain since we arrived. We actually like this because it keeps the temps cool, and is great bike riding weather. We have hit all the stores and stops in Marathon via the bikes. Yesterday we did boat projects (never ending), shopping and biking. We ate dinner at our marina restaurant which had a rib special for $5.00. Jon and I had to talk each other out of ordering a second round they were so delish.
Today our wanderlust got the best of us and we decided to rent a car. What started out to be a week rental, ended up in us getting the car for the whole time we are here due to, a long story made short – a big mess up on the car company’s part. They made lemonade out of lemons though, and all is well.
We hit West Marine and bought a new chair for Susan, an adjustable lounge chair for us both, and a new helm chair for Jon. We planned to cook dinner on board, but the hours rolled away and it was 7:00 PM before we knew it, so it was pizza delivered to the boat tonight.
Crew is about 90 % with his boat breaking, hoping for him to be 100 % trained before we return to the house. He is growing like a weed. He is scheduled for a visit to the vets on Wed. We are curious how much weight he has gained. Approximately three weeks ago, he was 10.5 lbs. From what I read, a good guesstimate of how big he will be is to double his weight at four months. So, on April 21st, we should have general idea of what we will have. I think my hope for a dog around 30 lbs. is not going to be the case !
10:00 PM
I can not figure out how we stay so busy doing nothing………
The weather has been cloudy and windy with intermittent rain since we arrived. We actually like this because it keeps the temps cool, and is great bike riding weather. We have hit all the stores and stops in Marathon via the bikes. Yesterday we did boat projects (never ending), shopping and biking. We ate dinner at our marina restaurant which had a rib special for $5.00. Jon and I had to talk each other out of ordering a second round they were so delish.
Today our wanderlust got the best of us and we decided to rent a car. What started out to be a week rental, ended up in us getting the car for the whole time we are here due to, a long story made short – a big mess up on the car company’s part. They made lemonade out of lemons though, and all is well.
We hit West Marine and bought a new chair for Susan, an adjustable lounge chair for us both, and a new helm chair for Jon. We planned to cook dinner on board, but the hours rolled away and it was 7:00 PM before we knew it, so it was pizza delivered to the boat tonight.
Crew is about 90 % with his boat breaking, hoping for him to be 100 % trained before we return to the house. He is growing like a weed. He is scheduled for a visit to the vets on Wed. We are curious how much weight he has gained. Approximately three weeks ago, he was 10.5 lbs. From what I read, a good guesstimate of how big he will be is to double his weight at four months. So, on April 21st, we should have general idea of what we will have. I think my hope for a dog around 30 lbs. is not going to be the case !
Jon at work installing the new helm chair
Susan and Crew at work on the reclining chair
Day 14, Tuesday March 24,2009
9:30 PM
The morning project was for Jon to install his new helm chair. With Crew’s assistance, knocking all of the screws off of the table, chewing the plastic bag the parts came in etc….. Jon was able to assemble and install the chair in record time.
Jon and I drove to Key West in the afternoon – it is about 45 miles away.
On our way driving back to Marathon, our friends Jim and Kathy called to say they were about 35 miles away and are expecting to be in Marathon tomorrow. Initially we said we would drive the 70 miles round trip to Islamoroda to meet them, but then decided to just wait until they arrive tomorrow. We arrived at the boat and were invited for cocktails at Randy and Rebecca’s. We had cocktails there, then ran into Barb and Dan who are staying in the hotel. We had been chatting with them throughout the week, so the four us had dinner together at Hurricanes – they are leaving tomorrow, but live in Maine so we may see them again someday up north.
It is warm here – but continues to be very windy. We are hoping the wind lays down soon so we can start exploring with the dinghy !
9:30 PM
The morning project was for Jon to install his new helm chair. With Crew’s assistance, knocking all of the screws off of the table, chewing the plastic bag the parts came in etc….. Jon was able to assemble and install the chair in record time.
Jon and I drove to Key West in the afternoon – it is about 45 miles away.
On our way driving back to Marathon, our friends Jim and Kathy called to say they were about 35 miles away and are expecting to be in Marathon tomorrow. Initially we said we would drive the 70 miles round trip to Islamoroda to meet them, but then decided to just wait until they arrive tomorrow. We arrived at the boat and were invited for cocktails at Randy and Rebecca’s. We had cocktails there, then ran into Barb and Dan who are staying in the hotel. We had been chatting with them throughout the week, so the four us had dinner together at Hurricanes – they are leaving tomorrow, but live in Maine so we may see them again someday up north.
It is warm here – but continues to be very windy. We are hoping the wind lays down soon so we can start exploring with the dinghy !
Crew hanging out at Randy and Rebecca's
Rebecca mixing it up at her Tiki bar
Barb, Dan and Truffles
Day 15, Wed. March 25, 2009
Regular morning chores, then took Crew to the vet. He weighed 14.7 lbs. today ! We then spent the afternoon exploring by car.
Jim and Kathy called to tell us they arrived and ended up at the Marina right next to us ! We all had cocktails at our sunset point beach, then dinner on Sundance. Jim and Kathy told us there is a slip available at their Marina – hmpphhh…… it does include breakfast every morning which is enticing. We had already checked out the marina on Monday and decided to stay put here – but tomorrow is another day.
Regular morning chores, then took Crew to the vet. He weighed 14.7 lbs. today ! We then spent the afternoon exploring by car.
Jim and Kathy called to tell us they arrived and ended up at the Marina right next to us ! We all had cocktails at our sunset point beach, then dinner on Sundance. Jim and Kathy told us there is a slip available at their Marina – hmpphhh…… it does include breakfast every morning which is enticing. We had already checked out the marina on Monday and decided to stay put here – but tomorrow is another day.
Now this is a tricky little channel - Duck Key
A subtle mailbox
Jon, Jim and Kathy - cocktails at Sunset point