Today is Stella Marie’s (our 3rd grandchild) birthday. Though we are 600 miles from her, we decided to celebrate her birthday and NDRD at the same time. We made our first dinghy adventure day in quite a while. Mark & Lana, Robert & Carolyn, Steve & Susie, with us tagging along started NDRD (National Dinghy Ride Day). It was my idea, so I will take full responsibility for this national holiday, and its imminent success. Just remember Ocho de Mayo. Someday, it may be a paid holiday.
With the Florida restaurants receiving approval to open to 25% capacity, we decided to take a mini-loop around Marathon. Eighteen miles plus, we were able to get off the boat (home) and out of the marina to enjoy a day of sunshine on the water. Because of my heart issues, Amanda wouldn’t let me pull start our dinghy, so we ended up in the boat with Steve & Susie. Their dinghy is almost as big as our home boat, so we were quite comfortable and Amanda was happy not worrying about me doing something to myself.
Mark, Lana, daughter Ann Elise, along with Robert and Carolyn puttered behind us as we all were exploring, seeing fish and a sea turtle.
Steve & Susie (their boat is All Talk II-wonder why?) have become some of our closest friends during this lockdown. They don’t take life too seriously, and that is a good thing.
Approximately, half way around the loop, we stopped at Dockside Marine/Restaurant and enjoyed lunch outside under their canopy. Their first day open in weeks, the wait staff was thrilled to see us and to have clientele again. It’s been so hard for these hardworking restaurant workers and owners during this virus. We were equally happy to eat out and have happy people serving us. We enjoyed burgers, tacos, and chicken pot pie. I think I may have seen someone enjoy a cold beer…or two, as well. We cruised at a slow pace after lunch, enjoying the sunshine and company with our friends. Steve let me drive his dinghy back, so I could be under the bimini. Everyone is really looking out for me, since I will have heart surgery (cath) tomorrow morning.
Being stuck in Marathon has its advantages.
A mooring field on the south side of the island key.
We got back to our respective boats about 3:00 pm. FINALLY, around 4:00, I got the call from the heart surgeon’s office that my wonderful (sarcasm intended) insurance company had come through and that the procedure would happen tomorrow. Quite relieved, we packed a few things and headed to Miami, where we stayed at a Spring Hill Suites, around the corner from the hospital.
We have enjoyed our Dorman Happy Hours since the lockdown. We visit more now than we did before. And the old folks love it more than they will ever know.
We talked to the kids on Zoom, from the hotel, and then crashed for the night. Tomorrow is a big day in the life of this heart patient.
I am writing for the first time in a month. The world isn’t the same since I last wrote. The virus spread at an incomprehensible rate. The term “social distancing” has become a household word. New friendships made are differently. We have not gotten as close, figuratively or literally, to the boaters here, like we have for the last year. It’s just another time. In the weeks we have been here, we gathered twice at a picnic table and shared meals with other boaters. We had one “docktail” party, as well. Typically, that social aspect describes 3 nights in a marina, not a month. Like the rest of the world, we’ve shared our opinions regarding what we think is the right thing to do. Some think social distancing is a joke. Some take it very seriously. Some think it’s Trump’s fault (surprise surprise) and some think he is doing a terrific job managing the pandemic in America. One thing is for sure, regardless of your party affiliation: Trump thinks HE is doing a fantastic job! Nobody knows what is right. I do know that after our 2nd supper gathering, we got a letter from the GM at the marina. Apparently, someone saw us too close to one another, violating the 6’ rule. We got our hands spanked and decided we’d best follow the rule of the law for our health, as well as, to ensure we have a place to stay. Three years from now, we will know what was the right thing to do.
The marina has tried to figure it out, as well. Since our arrival, they have now closed the main lounge, boater’s lounge, fitness center, and steam and sauna rooms. As the world has gone to lock down, we as boaters wondered what our fate would be. With Florida’s governor mandating all short term (vacation) rentals be terminated immediately, we feared those of us in slip rentals would have to leave. After seeking legal counsel, the marina offered us an opportunity to renew our lease, on a month to month basis (meets the letter of the new ordinance because leases are longer than 28 days). That offer provided us a place to stay and we grabbed it. Marinas all over have closed, so we are relieved to have a place to stay for as long as we need. After saying good bye to our Bahamas dream, we are pleased to be in such a good location, even with the restrictions.
The city of Marathon has virtually shut down, like all towns. The state placed a security checkpoint on Highway 1 so no southbound traffic from the mainland can access, without proof of residency. Apparently, northerners (New York, specifically) have tried to escape the Covid-19 hot spot, literally running for their lives. The Keys depend almost exclusively on the tourism industry. Fishing and water related entertainment are the reasons people come. Marinas have settled into a routine, accepting no new boaters, and requiring that any boat leaving the marina must file a float plan or be denied reentry. The plan must also include a commitment to not go anywhere where where there is contact with other people. If there is contact, reentry is denied, or worse, quarantined to the boat for 2 weeks.
So, entering our second month in Marathon, we have almost grown bored with the routine. As beautiful as the environment, we don’t go far. Occasional trips to the grocery with masks and gloves, we find the Publix is an exciting outlet for our psyche. All restaurants, like most places in America, are only open for take-out. We have had pizza a couple times and seafood a couple times. But for the most part, we ride bicycles to the grocery one mile down the road and then do our own food prep.
As all boaters know, there is always a project to do on the boat. But with 31 boats now confined to Marlin Bay Marina, it is my observation from my 6’-0” conversations with other boaters, we are all running out of projects on our boats.
For example, after being here a couple weeks with no functioning TV, I broke down and ordered the satellite antenna system that I have considered since I bought the Honey Queen. That has provided some entertainment relief for us. Over the air TV antennas, the method most boaters use for watching TV, are useless here because the nearest broadcast station in Miami is almost 100 miles away. Amanda can now watch Fox News, which has consisted mostly of Trump’s daily press conferences, providing us with updates on the virus. The antenna installation provided me some entertainment for a couple days.
My buddy, Tom Vail, was as bored as me and begged to help.
A bomb did not go off in the pilot house. Just had to tear everything apart to find a power supply for the new antenna.
My job: read instructions and supervise. Tom’s job: contortionist and main wire connector foreman.
Abigail joined us the 18th of March, and Zach came on Friday the 20th. Their plan was to visit for a few days and then head back to Nashville. Zach did return, but Abigail is still with us. She has been able to work remotely, what little work there is to do in her business. So, for now, 3 of us are living on the Honey Queen. Abigail “enjoys” the skinny couch in the salon as her new bed. She prefers to hang with us in paradise, as opposed to confinement in her apartment alone in Nashville (temps are going to 39 degrees tonight, as I right). I would like to think she loves spending time with her parents, but if the truth be told, I think the weather here may have a little to do with her decision to stay.
The following pictures summarize our weeks and memories in Marathon. We have enjoyed our time here, been happy to have Abigail and Zach with us, and we have made some good friends, in spite of the circumstances.
March 14th–The first weekend we were here, Marathon had a Seafood Festival. Rumors and concerns of the lock-down squelched some attendance, but we risked it, and went on Saturday afternoon. So glad we did, as this was the last public gathering of any kind that we would enjoy. Thankfully, we didn’t get sick.
March 15–grilled burgers with new friends at the marina.
March 18–Abigail made it down to see us and we went to Faro Blanco with friends Tom & Paula. This evening was our last (and first) meal at a restaurant. this is Tom & Abigail “prissing” down the dock after dinner.
The old salt working from the flybridge.
3/21/20 Zach made it down Friday night and immediately began working on his sun…burn.
We are south of the Keys, on the Atlantic side, and the water turned this deep rich blue.
Sombrero Tower. Normally, a great place to snorkel, but the waves were a little too tall this trip.
3/21/20
Manatees came into the marina basin for a visit.
3/26 A rare sunrise (for me)
3/26 …and the same sundown
3/28 This local ignored all the rules of Covid-19, except he had no trouble keeping 6′ away.
3/30 Sunset
3/31 Abigail seized the day at sundown
Sunsets are the highlight of most days. Everyone comes out and watches. Like snowflakes, seldom do 2 ever look the same. A few guys will blow their conch shell “horns” as the sun rests into the horizon.
April 1–Combined fire & pluming contractors are common down here. Glad I didn’t have to complete with plumbers, too.
April 2–a few of us boaters had dinner together at the picnic table. We broke the distancing rules a little and heard about it the next day from marina management.
Susie demonstrating her listening skills as Abigail explains the meaning of life, while the sun fades.
Such a photogenic guy.
Tom pondering another piece of key lime pie, Paula already made her decision, Robert, Carolyn, and Steve watching the sun set in the Gulf.
April 7–Parrot fish frequent the marina. They are not good for eating but they are beautiful. I could never catch the light to adequately show their vivid colors.
April 4
Ab and I took and afternoon father/daughter dinghy ride
Sometimes, captaining a boat like this can be very stressful. It takes a unique skill set to negotiate the boat in these kinds of seas.
April 7..Getting somewhat bored with the routine of the marina life, we decided to drop the lines at the dock and anchor out. Though we only went about a mile from the marina, it was nice to get away from the artificial light and enjoy the solitude and quiet of being at anchor. This has been such a big part of the The Great Loop experience we have enjoyed.
April 11-More grass blew into the marina basin, leaving it quite messy for a couple days.
April 11 Sunset at the grassy marina
April 12–Easter Sunday–Mali sent us this picture of Stella and Will, two of our grandchildren. Our children have made 4 beautiful grandchildren…so far. Missing them so much and looking forward to spoiling them all soon.
April 17—friends from the marina took this picture of the beast, the beauty, and the baby (aka me, Amanda, and Abigail) while we were all looking at our phones. Yep, way too much time on our hands these days. The lounges, fitness center, and spa are all closed, but at least the beautiful pool area remained open. Just can’t get too close to the people we’ve been living around for 6 weeks.
the Honey Queen
the Honey Princess
…and another gorgeous sunset
April 19—to break up the routine, we decided to jump in the dinghy to go watch the sunset from the water.
Wildlife at Key West
Interesting architecture in downtown Key West.
This guy sort of…rules the roost. But he has to do it one leg.
Landscape of the Keys
Southernmost point of the USA.
the only beach Abigail got to enjoy in Florida.
On the 23rd of April, Amanda and Abigail took a field trip to Key West. We had rented a car since Abigail was about to head to Nashville and I had to go to Miami for a stress test.
April 24–Abigail was the “big” girl, and the closest in age to these young ladies, Analise (16), Lola (4), and Ava (8). They loved her.
April 25–Abigail’s planned 3-day visit that became a 5-week visit, ended this morning.
Fielder (the poodle) and Ava say goodbye to Abigail before embarking back to Nashville
April 29–Paula & Tom had us over for a sunset dinner
May 1—we picked up supper at a restaurant and I caught this sunset and babe walking back to the boat.
Wrapping up this post, one more thought. Since late February, I have dealt with an issue that we now know is a restricted opening in one of my heart arteries. After dealing with shortness of breath when running, I went to a cardiologist in Marathon. Now, almost 8 weeks later, I have been scheduled to have a heart cath procedure on Tuesday , May 5. So many of you have promised to pray for success in that procedure. I have been humbled by the genuine interest and concern for me as I enter into this procedure. I am thankful the doctors were able to find out and address the issue, before a heart attack. Thank you for your outreach and your promises to be praying.
My mind turns to the verses in James, Chapter 4:13-16; Look here, you say, “today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Friends and family, I am thankful to you. We are trusting in the sovereignty of God and that His choice will be healing through the surgeon’s hands on Tuesday.
Finally, if the Lord wills, we will be here until May 11. With the hopeful news from Delegal Marina in Savannah, we expect a slip to open very soon for us. Boats at Delegal have not been able to leave for the same reasons we have not. We trust the stay-home ban will soon lift and boats will be able to get to their real homes. We hope to be in Delegal by June 1st.
The trip home will take 14-17 travel days. We have fuel capacity and water capacity to make it without the need of a marina, if it comes to that. A number of marinas are open along the Atlantic coast of Florida, so we trust there will be options.
We see the end of our big adventure coming to an end. What an experience this has been. We do look forward to some time back home, with family and friends. As Dorothy has said, “There’s no place like home.”
