Waiting in Marathon

We left St. James City anchorage at first light Tuesday morning to a beautiful flat calm day on the Gulf. We traveled South to West Pass (Tiger Key) in the Ten Thousand Islands area where we anchored in a beautiful remote spot that is not listed on any of the guides. This is a place we are going to make a note of and come back when we have time to explore the Islands and huge white sand beaches. (we promise, Cassie and Godiva) Wednesday we traveled to the Little Shark River, the area we explored in mid February with Tide Hiker and Rickshaw, and anchored for the night. Thursday we left at first light and made our way through Florida Bay and tons of crab pots to Marathon Marina. When we arrived, our slip assignment was next to Sea Pearl, Joe and Salty, Cassie and Godiva's friend, and were met by Jim and Robin on Adventures who are also in the marina, to catch our lines. After we were tied off many of our friends from when we stayed here for a month and a half came by to welcome us back. We didn't have much time to settle in before we were informed that we were invited to Gypsies in the Palace, along with Adventures, Sea Pearl, and Lucky Stars, who are all waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas, for cocktails and then dinner at Dockside. (where two or more are gathered!) Today we are going to run some errands, clean up September Song and chill for the day. Saturday we are going to join 16+ of our fellow Defever cruisers who are in the area, at Sombrero Beach for the day, then Sunday evening go back to Dockside for the crazy goings on that happen there on Sundays and another, what else? party.

September Song (where two or more are gathered) out
Bob


Thunder storms building over the Atlantic as we came into Marathon.

View of the 7 mile bridge coming from Florida bay into Marathon.

Traveling on the ICW

Along the ICW from Sarasota to the Venice inlet. Thought you might like to see what we see as we traveled South. Lots of wild life.

Dolphins

On the move

Yesterday we left Sarasota at first light and put the pointy end South. Because the tide was low we had to travel the ICW for the first half of the day as the inlet at Sarasota is to shallow for us at low tide. After five bridges and a few hours of the ICW we exited the Venice inlet. (is it still an inlet if you are going out?)
We got a call from Diane and Steve on Aurora and said they would be anchored off St. James City and would like to have us over for dinner. (where two or more are gathered) Come to find out, Chuck and Pat Berry, on Got The Fever, were also anchored there and it was Pat's birthday. Let the party begin. As usual, Diane and Steve were great hosts and the dinner was wonderful, especially the stone crab claws before dinner and steak on the barby that Steve prepared perfectly. Thanks Aurora!
Today, Tuesday, we left again at first light and are currently in the Gulf of Mexico with Stephanie at the helm while I blog. I wanted to get this in before we are out of range in our next anchorage in the Ten Thousand Islands south of Marco Island.

September Song (pointy end South) out
Bob


Spring is in the air. Ospreys setting up house.

Stroke, Stroke, Stroke

September Song at anchor at sunset

Where two or more are gathered