We did enjoy our stay at the anchorage, and hoped to be here a few more days, but the winds are coming in. We added a couple extra nights to our reservation in Marathon so that we can get in early before the 30 knt winds start. Leaving the jetty into Marco Island left us with flat seas and a beautiful day for a cruise of 80+ miles. Scott decided to go on plane at about 18 knts for a few hours because we have heard that the crap and lobster pots are abundant getting to the keys. We are only off shore by over 3 or so miles and follow the landscape all the way on the Gulf. About 20 miles from Marathon we slow down as we start seeing a lot of crap pots. Those bowling ball size styrofoam floats marking the pot are hard to see. One clip of those and we could be in for a tow.
Scott slows to a consistent 8 knts and we both watch out the window for the next 3 hours dogging pots like a frogger game. There are thousands of them in these waters and it does take at least 2 watching. With the temps warming to a nice 80 degrees and calm seas we really don’t mind the trek. It was a nice cruise all the way to our slip.
Arriving in Marathon we tie up and enjoy the sun as we sit on the back deck. We are on vacation now with no significant moving for 5 weeks. We decided to stay in The Keys as a winter over, comfortable stay because we have never been here before. The temps are usually consistent in the 80s and lots of Loopers like to stay long to take advantage of a cheaper rate than a daily transient price.
We are at Marlin Bay Marina & Resort. They rent condos and apartments to tourists, mainly from Miami, a heated pool and hot tub. The grounds are well maintained and the staff is very courteous. Pump outs at every slip, once a week, and views of the gorgeous waters of the Gulf.
