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Robert & Kay...

"Hello from Marathon, Florida. Kay and I, along with Buddy, Jim, and Vicki, left Everglades City early in the morning to start our adventure south to the Florida Keys. The wind was moderate, out of the southeast, and the seas were moderate as well. Our initial plan was to stop and anchor in Little Shark River, a distance of 35 miles. With the prediction of worsening weather, we decided to make the 72 mile run all the way to Marathon, unless the weather got too bad, then it was to be refuge in Little Shark River. The weather cooperated, and at 5:30 pm we arrived at Dockside/Sombrero Marina. Buddy, Debbie and Cameron are members of the Dolphin Research Center at Grassy Key, Florida, so we just had to visit the research center and go to Key West before Buddy, Jim, and Vicki departed for home (the colder climate!)."

"Marathon is a location that Kay and I had planned into the Loop trip for an extended stay, at least through the month of February. So, we have settled in to boat life at the Dockside/Sombrero Marina. What a tough life of 80 degree days, 60 degree nights, and beautiful sunshine and water. There are dolphin and manatee right up into the boat harbor. While in Marathon our son Joseph and his family, Stephanie, Matthew, Joshua, Ashley, and one on the way, came to visit for several days. I think that they had a great time, as well as granny and granddaddy getting their "grandchildren fix". While here Joseph and Stephanie treated the children to The Dolphin Research Center, a helicopter ride over the keys, fishing, dingy rides, an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Museum, and manatee sightings right here in the harbor. Joseph and I did go offshore fishing on a charter boat and caught King Mackerel and Dolphin, what a great day."

"We have spent a lot of time socializing with other boating friends such as our long time travel partners Larry and Margie of Wanderin' L&M, Louis and Diane of Bella Luna, and Jim and Lisa of Kismet. In addition Charlie and Linda of Freedom's Turn drove down from Key Largo for a great visit. And, what a surprise to bump into our boating friends of many years from Southport, Charlie and Miffi Williams, down enjoying Sombrero for another winter. Also, Jerry and Ginny Harbica of Southport are staying at Sombrero Resort next door to us for a couple weeks and we have visited on several occasions."

"Our month has flown by so quickly, and it is hard to believe that we are to leave Marathon in one more week and start our journey up the east coast toward home. As much as we are looking forward to getting back to Southport, it is sad to be nearing the end of This Great Adventure!"

Robert & Kay

C-Life