Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond

Tuesday and Wednesday February 6-7. At last the wind died down, and we moved the boat to a marina on Boot Key Harbor. I say marina, but it is better known as Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Restaurant. We are right in the middle of the action, with live music every evening. If we ever get here again, we will anchor out with the hundreds of other boats in the harbor. That is clearly the authentic cruising experience in this area. We accidentally discovered a resource that is really valuable. Every morning at 9 a.m., everyone tunes in to VHF channel 68 for a moderated Cruiser's Net. New cruisers are welcomed, announcements are made, and a huge amount of information is exchanged: the source of the best deal on house batteries, recommendations for local dentists and hair dressers, where to catch a shuttle to Key West, etc. The information exchange lasts for about an hour, and it is a terrific way to feel at home in the local boating community.

Bob and I have mainly used these few days to run errands, since most of the major chain stores are available in Marathon. We both got much needed haircuts and stocked up on groceries. We did meet some great folks, a couple from Wilmington, NC, on a Nonesuch sailboat and the owner of another PDQ. As everyone has told us, it's meeting the people that we will remember more than the destination. Tomorrow we are moving to Islamorada, where we look forward to having Susan and Keith join us. Can't wait!