January 25: Marathon!!!

We have finally, after traveling 8 months and 4,200 miles have made it to Marathon, Florida :-) Yesterday's travel from Everglades City to Marathon was a long day with waves mostly broadside making for a very rolly (literally!) trip. The good thing about the gulf (and Florida Bay) is that it isn't very deep. Most of the trip was in 15' or less of water. There had to have been thousands of crab pot buoys (float on the water) that we zigged and zagged around so as to avoid fouling the prop with the line that is attached to the actual crab trap (sits on the bottom). Talk about getting bug eyed!! Anyway, we were very happy to be tied up at 5:45 pm. More about Marathon tomorrow! The last two days: I learned a lot. The first lesson came when we left the dock at Marco Island. The current was so strong that it pushed the boat sideways against the ends of the docks. We were stuck - pinned against the dock! Fortunately, the dock guy came out to give Steve a hand. As the two of them pushed the boat away (just barely able to do so as the current was crazy strong), I would move the boat forward to the end of the next dock and repeat the process until we were able to get away. Not the way to start a day. The second thing I learned: yes - the waterway markers are probably correct if they are stuck in the ground (as opposed to the floating buoys which sometimes aren't in the correct spot) so go on the correct side of them! For the second time in one day, we were stuck - this time in the mud! Could not move back even by gunning the engine. So, we were pondering what to do - call the towboat or wait 'til the tide came in more. The issue was as the tide would come in, it would actually push us more aground! Fortunately 2 small speed boats came zipping by - producing waves!! Steve quickly started the engine and I put it in reverse as the waves hit and lifted the back of the boat just enough for us to break free!! Ok - this was enough stress for one day :-) Good thing we at least started the day right with a ride to breakfast. The rest of the day went much better. The sun was out and winds mild for the short run run of 30 miles to Everglades City. Really fun looking islands and beaches - many of the 'islands' are really only mangroves. We stayed at the dock in front of the Rod and Gun Club - an icon in this area. It was really a fun place - the original 'men's club'! Here's a few pictures - there are more on the hotel's web site: http://www.evergladesrodandgun.com/ As you can see the decor is basically anything that can be had with a fishing rod or a gun. We departed early Monday morning intent on making full use of the 11 hours of daylight we now have in order to make it to Marathon - a distance of 85 miles. It was already pretty light by the time we left just before 7 am. The sunrise as we were heading out of the river was really nice!