We Approach the End of a Season

We're now into our last days in Boot Key Harbor in Marathon for this winter. As I began thinking about this entry, a neighbor was dressed in a kilt and playing bagpipes as the sun sets for another day. What an interesting and unusual place this is. We've thoroughly enjoyed our time here once again, but also look forward to stops we've planned for the trip north.

Even Maddie has enjoyed the boating here.

Our daughter Jennifer came down to visit for several days following Samantha's visit. We thoroughly enjoyed her time here, but we were frustrated by not being able to get her out to the reef. The winds were up which prevented us from trying it. We did get her out into Florida Bay for a night – even managed to include a rip-roaring thunderstorm for a little excitement. We also got to the Dolphin Research Center. It was great to get there again and watch the dolphins people watch. (Note photo in previous blog entry.)

As we get to the middle of April, we continue to notice the changes in the harbor and town. Far fewer boats are here, although we still see regular traffic. Most of the boaters arriving now appear to be on their way back north from somewhere else or Florida boaters out for a week or two of cruising. Most of the snowbirds have already departed.

The coral is 20 ft. below the surface.

One aspect of our time here has been our contact with the creatures that call this area home. Our several trips to Big Pine Key have afforded us many meetings with the Key Deer, a small variety of deer that are unique to that island. From our boat we've seen dolphins playing with fish before eating, a spotted eagle ray swimming around our dinghy and manatees swimming here and there around the harbor. Our neighbors include pelicans, gulls, frigate birds, cormorants, osprey and terns on the water along with a variety from iguanas to ibises on land. Having finally made it out to the reef for a bit of snorkeling, (after Jenn left) we've come up close and personal with lots of fish from parrot fish to barracudas as well as blue tangs, Bermuda chubs, angelfish and yellow tail snappers among others. The coral was beautiful to see as well. It seems that the water clears up in the spring to allow for great visibility out there. Of all the places we've visited, this is probably the one allowing contact with the greatest variety of creatures with whom we share the planet. And this contact reminds us of our important relationships with other life here.

One of our neighbors

We've now determined our travel plan for the first part of the trip at least. We'll head up the Keys to Islamorada on the Bay side. After checking the charts, it appears the water will be deep enough to make that trek. We'll pass through two cuts at or near high tide, but otherwise we should be fine. This area we'll visit will offer plenty of swimming, a bit of island music and just relaxation. Then it will be north in Hawk Channel up to Miami and north. Our exact route beyond Miami will be determined by weather. We'll report on how this goes and future travel plans as we go.

Until then...Carpe Diem!

Captain Bob