But, we left and it was a  good day.   Very calm water and little wind, so we had to motor-sail.  It was a relaxing sail, along the way,  We saw tortoises, fish on top of the water, and  a thousand or two crab pots  to dodge.

Sonny saw fish and birds in front of us hitting the water, so he grabbed our fishing pole and started trolling.  It wasn't one minute, until he caught a Spanish Mackerel.  It was a very nice one.   He immediately cleaned it and we have him in our refrigerator, ready for our  next dinner.

It  was 45 miles to Marathon and it took us about 7 hours.

When we arrived at the harbor, there were boats everywhere.   It was tricky to find a spot to anchor.  We found one open spot and were heading straight for it, when we heard a lady hail  "Valentina" on the VHF.   After responding, she said, "It is very shallow in front of you, you may want to back up".......that is why it was open!   We then found another spot close-by and anchored without a hitch.   Here you set two anchors so you do not swing into other boats.

Our neighbor told us there is a "Smorgas Boat" that will come by to bring you coffee, a newspaper, or even a pizza delivered, if you want it.   She also said she was going to let the welcome wagon know we had just arrived, so they can bring us the brochures and information on the area.   There is also a net on the VHF every morning at 9 a.m. on Channel 68 for cruisers.

We are ready to explore.......yet another island.

We  are currently anchored in Marathon, Florida, along with hundreds of other boats in the harbor.  It is a safe haven, similar to a very small lake surrounded 90% by land.   The anchorage is long and skinny, running along Highway 1 in the Keys.

The cruising guides talk about cruisers coming to Marathon and just staying here.   A lot of boats in the harbor have been here through several hurricanes and content to stay.   There is a net on the VHF radio each morning at 9 a.m.    They also match up "buddy boats" with each other for next crossings and departures.   We met two other sailboats that are interested in going directly to South Riding Rock in the Bahamas from here.   It has  probably the easiest access from Marathon and you can take advantage of the  ride in the Gulf Stream to push you and additional 2-3 knots.  It is about 110 miles from here, so it will be an over-nighter, in order to arrive in sunlight.    So, we will probably go directly to the Bahamas, rather than up to Miami and then across.

We have been exploring marathon, by foot and by dinghy.   Dinghy is far more comfortable.   While exploring yesterday, we saw two huge manatees right in front of our dinghy.   They are not pretty, but, they are gigantic and we took some pictures. 

The nearest grocery store is over a mile away, so when walking, you limit your purchases (or buy light stuff)....

Dinghies are definitely a way of life here.   You hear them in the distance.....it will get near.....it will get very, very near.....then you hear it continue on its way down the harbor.   We hear one, right now passing by.

This anchorage is a nice one.   The wind has been from 0-12 knots the whole time, and mainly out of the east.   At night, there is a nice breeze for sleeping.

Most of the boats here, have been here through hurricanes and are secure right where they are.    The other cruisers are just waiting for a good weather window to journey on to some other destination of choice.

On the cruiser's net this morning, evidently, there are several boats that are ready to depart for the Bahamas.  So, we arranged for everyone interested to meet at the local dockside restaurant and compare itineraries and life stories.   There are a total of seven boats going together with stop offs at different destinations along the way.  Two of the boats are gentlemen that are single-handed.    As soon as we get the weather window, and give the Gulf Stream time to settle down, we will all head across.   We are thinking it may be Tuesday, but, not sure yet.

Living aboard on the hook is a very different lifestyle and would not be for everyone.  But, we sure do like it.   It makes you very aware of your surroundings.   When the sun is beaming and wind really blows, Sonny is happy.   Our solar panels and wind generator are making power, therefore, we would not have to charge the batteries as often.   It becomes a game to see how long we can go without charging our batteries.    You learn to conserve water, like never before.   I wash my dishes in the salt water, and rinse them with fresh water.  And, washing clothes, you either wash them in the sink or haul them to shore in the dinghy.   It makes you either wear them more than one day or not wear as much.   There is no television and limited radio, so what news you get, it is either on-line or on BBC on the ham radio.

We went to the dockside restaurant Wednesday night for dinner and stayed until almost 1 a.m. to watch the exciting Rose Bowl game with Texas winning the championship.   It was such an exciting game, and, we met another couple from Houston.  

It is a small world.

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