Still Partying in the Keys--a mooring ball in Marathon and a week in Islamorada

Roger Carpenter

Peggy

After three days at anchor, Sevilla is happily tied to a ball in a huge mooring field of some 200 boats in Marathon.  On Saturday afternoon, knowing that she was finally secured, Glen and I jumped into Roger and Peggy's Sebring convertible and headed East to Islamorada--about 25 miles from here-- where they invited us to spend a week with them in their condo. Our friends are neighbors from Saefern, our community in Annapolis, so we had lots of news to catch up on. And we started out by toasting a beautiful sunset together.

It was great to sleep in a regular bed, to swim in a nice pool, relax in the hot tub, and eat some great meals at home, as well as patronizing some of their favorite restaurants along the Keys.  We tried delicious yellow striped snapper with Thai chili sauce at the Island Grill, fish and chips at Lorelei's where we could also admire the Nautilimo, and a couple of great breakfasts at the Green Turtle.

We took a road trip to Key Largo to see our Catalina buddies--the crews of Andiamo, Brunelle and Pekabu--who were still waiting for a decent weather window to head to the Bahamas.  We've had fierce East winds steadily for most of the month, except for the Northers that have blown through.  We've missed each other and were glad to spend a little time together as well as to introduce our Saefern friends.

Another good day was spent at the John Pennekamp State Park where we signed up for a Glass-bottom Boat Trip our to the coral reef where we could look at the magnificent fish who reside there. Unfortunately, conditions were not conducive to getting photos of the fish themselves swimming in their natural habitat through the glass.  They were moving as we were moving, and the cut glass panels were not large enough, nor was there enough light to photograph anything.  So I gave up that idea.

 We were glad to observe how boats get in and out of the park marina because we intend to take Sevilla there on our way home in March for a couple of days.  Maybe we'll even get some snorkling in then.  The park is really set up for snorkel dives--good prices on equipment rental, dive trips three times a day, and instruction if you need it.  We'll need wet suits; the water is pretty cold right now.

We toured several of the beautiful neighborhoods of Islamorada, especially Hawks Cay--very luxurious resort and homes.  There was a "dolphin pen" which I didn't like very much.  Supposedly, these lovely creatures "perform" at their mealtimes for the wealthy guests.  All I could think of was the movie, "Free Willy."  I don't like to see sea creatures in cages and think their wild cousins are poking their noses at the pen's fences trying to help their brethren escape. I thought the "Tranquility" sign for extra peace and quiet in a resort designed for such was rather amusing.

Most of the week involved watching a lot of CNN coverage of the Egyptian uprising.  I was riveted by the live coverage as were the four of us--waiting with baited breath for the next move and countermove.  I hope that Egypt can create a fair and just society based on democratic principles like the rule of law and human dignity.  Those 18 days of the uprising were spellbinding as the situation unfolded before our eyes. 

 
The weather turned nasty by Friday.  Of course, Glen and I were in shorts and sandals.  I had a golf jacket; he had only short sleeve shirts.  We dashed in and out of the Winn Dixie where the Carpenters patiently waited while we bought provisions for the boat and then packed everything into their freezer and frig.  We stopped at the fish market for fresh Gulf shrimp so Peggy could make us a delicious dinner.  Peggy also shared Ritz crackers with the pretty little doves who visited her deck daily.

We had to take a walk around Robbie's Marina, where there was a Tarpon feeding dock.  Visitors bought fresh fish to feed these creatures, some of whom were enormous--two feet long or so--and great jumpers.  The funniest aspect was the flock of Pelicans who just muscled in among the tourists, hoping for a stay piece of fish they could dive for.  Tame Pelicans were everywhere.  They are birds with a sense of humor, that's for sure.
 
The interesting plants and flowers on the condo grounds--cactus and shrubs-- caught my eye.  As well as some big coral "rocks" that Glen wished he could take back to his garden in Saefern.

Roger graciously drove us back to Boot Key Marina early on Saturday in 20 knot winds.  We unloaded our loot into three dinghy loads and I guarded two at the marina while Glen ferried stuff back and forth.  It was very cold.  He brought me a pair of jeans on the return trip.We piled on the boat, started up the engine to boost the batteries, put everything in the frig, and took a nap.  We were exhausted from all the partying!  Many thanks to Roger and Peggy for the wonderful week.

Hope these winds let up soon.  We'll let you know more about social boating life in Marathon next time.

                                                                          Best,  Glen and Maureen
                                                                                     Marathon, Florida
                                                                                     February 12, 2011