Mooring in Marathon, Florida

With the winds unseasonally high this November, we unfortunately weren't able to do a lot of sailing. Instead, we rented a mooring ball at Boot Key Harbor, in Marathon, Florida for a couple weeks. A couple weeks on the ball gave us time to run some important errands, complete a few boat projects, and time to have a little fun. Here's a little about what we did in Boot Key Harbor.

Became Regulars at Sombrero Beach

Sombrero beach is one of the best, if not the best beach we encountered in the Keys, and I mean ALL of the Keys! This beach is dog friendly, is always clean, has great facilities and is free. Best of all, it was a 10 minute dinghy ride from our mooring ball! We made a trip here every morning to let Ruca swim, do a little snorkeling, and do some beach yoga.

Installed New Companionway Doors

THIS was a big deal. It may not seem like it to many of you, but this companionway is used a zillion times a day. The old doors were three horizontal pieces which had to be removed one at a time. That means 1,2,3 panels when you need to get out, and 1,2,3 panels when you need to get in. They got stuck, they went in backwards, and they were a HUGE PAIN. I don't know how the old doors lasted 36 years without someone tossing them overboard out of frustration.

The coolest thing about these new doors? Ben BUILT them himself, using the wood from our old doors. That means they're solid teak for a fraction of the price. Plus, they're removable, allow for our mosquito screen, lock, and they don't drive us to tears with frustration!

Best husband of the year award goes to Ben!

Shared Thanksgiving with the Cruising Community

Being away from home this Thanksgiving was hard, because we missed our families and some good Missouri food, cooked in a full sized kitchen! But since we were thousands of miles away from home, we decided to join the other cruisers in the marina in Boot Key Harbor for a pot luck dinner. We shared some wonderful food, a few drinks and met several folks heading on the same journey we are. We were thankful to have such a welcoming community to share this day with!

Also, apparently there's traditionally karaoke at this Thanksgiving dinner, which was quite entertaining!

Got Ruca's Travel Certificate for the Bahamas

Just a short walk to the Marathon Vetinary Hospital, an akward encounter with a rectal thermometer, a few shots, and a couple hundred dollars later, we got our international travel papers for Ruca. This pup is all clear to go to the Bahamas! Although she won't likely want to visit the vet anytime soon. :)

Caught Lobster Fever, but Only One Actual Lobster

The highlight of our entire time in Marathon had to be the ONE legal lobster we caught. Yep, that's right, one. We lobster hunted day after day, and had bad beginners' luck! All our catches were under the legal size except the lone lobster that Ben wrangled from the 7 Mile Bridge.

Although Ruca and the lobster became quick friends, we ate him anyway, and he was quite tasty.

Worth the $100 we spent in lobstering licenses? Nope. But it gave us a good hunt and a way to spend some super windy days. Plus, it got us fired up for lobstering in the Bahamas, which we hear is a million times better! Watch out, lobsters, we're comin' for you!

We had a wonderful time in Marathon beaching, eating, meeting new friends and lobstering. But we couldn't be more excited to start the next chapter of our journey. We're heading up the Keys towards Miami, where we'll cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas.

Thank for reading!

Next stop, Bahamas!

Quinn, Ben and Ruca

#lifeaboard #destinations #Florida