Tony M Trawler: To Marathon, Florida Can this be winter?

Condos,condos and more condos in Marco Island

Before leaving Marco Island, we met up with a "buddy boat", Present Moment, who would travel with us to Marathon. Since we're traveling five to six miles off shore in shallow (5' deep), unfamiliar water, we felt more comfortable knowing another boat would be in the vicinity. (Internet and cell phones do not work in this area.)
Upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, we were met by five dolphins who swam with the boat for about ten minutes. What entertainment! They catch the bow wake and swim with it. They jump and seem to say hello-they're having a great time surfing and we love watching them do it!

Traveling together with Present Moment worked well and we arrived at Little Shark River in the Everglades around 4:00 PM and anchored in a little cove near the mouth of the river. We couldn't take Buddy ashore for his nightly walk and elimination because there is no shore- only alligator infested mangroves. Buddy would have to hold it-he won't go on the boat-that's just not him!

Anchorage in Little Shark River

Little Shark River mangroves

We had great weather for the Florida Bay crossing - the winds were light and the seas were about 1 foot. The only challenge we had was the huge crab pot population. They are worse than the lobster pots in Long Island Sound. These crab pots are way off shore and seemed endless, beginning near Marco Island and ending near Marathon. Boaters want to avoid these pots because getting their lines (ropes) wrapped around their props cause MAJOR headaches. Luckily, we avoided any problems.

One of many crab pots-can never see their lines

We arrived at Knights Key Passage, scooted under the bridge (with lots of swirling current)and made our way into Boot Key Harbor where there are some marinas and a mooring field for about 200 boats, some beauties and some that have seen better days. These boats get on a waiting list to get on a mooring ball. We are staying at Sombrero Dockside Marina and I'm very glad we're here and not on a mooring ball-every time you want to put dirt under your feet, you need to dinghy to shore instead of hopping off the boat onto a dock.
Moorings balls are ok for short periods of time but we'll be here 3-4 weeks-life is easier at a marina!

Boot Key Harbor mooring field

This marina has many "Loopers" here who are friendly and fun. They get together often and frequent many of the Tiki Bars for lunch etc. This could be addicting!