While we were coming down the gulf side of Florida it seemed like the majority of loopers were scattered about, but now that we are in the keys we are having fun reconnecting with people we haven't seen in months and meeting loopers we hadn't met before. I love getting "the looper story"...why and when did you start the loop, where are you going from here, when do you expect to finish? Every story is different and unique...but one thing is in common and that is that life is short, do the things you have dreamed of doing while you can and enjoy the memories you are making!
The name Marathon dates back to the origin of the Florida East Coast Railroad. The railroad workers were working night and day and complained "this project is getting to be a real marathon", and was later used to name the local station along the railroad. There are two seasons here; hot and wet from May through October and warm and dry from November through April. There is no record of snow/frost or freezing in Marathon.
We've been having fun taking the dinghy to Sombrero Beach (about 5 miles by dinghy),exploring the canals, looking for iguanas and going to restaurants when it isn't too windy. We've had a lot of winds from the north which stirs up the gulf. Once we get under the 7 mile bridge we are blocked from the north winds and it has been smooth sailing over on the Atlantic and into Sister creek. And just when we thought we had the tides completely figured out we learn that the Gulf side and Atlantic experience different tides, causing a pretty good current when crossing under the bridge from one side to the other.
Superbowl Sunday we got together with people from our marina as well as a few loopers from other marinas came over to watch the game at the restaurant. We do not have TV here (the one downfall of this marina), so we were happy to find out they were hosting a superbowl party and happy we didn't have to trudge through the snow to get to the party!
We are anxiously awaiting our next visitor...our daughter Allison flies in Saturday and will be spending a few days with us!
Becky and Mike shared their sunset view from the
stern of True North
We went to the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key for
pizza with Mike and Becky. It was really out in
the boonies - notice the sign "You Found It".
The inside walls are lined with dollar bills which
we were told has approximately $250k. I guess
a lot of people have found it!
Sombrero Beach
Looper Superbowl pregame party
One of the larger Iguanas we found
Dinghy brigade on Wednesday
On our way to the first of many restaurants
What a gorgeous sunset!
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