A wonderful surprise at Boot Key Harbor Dingy Dock

 We maneuvered our way into a spot on the crowded dingy dock and noticed a crowd on the opposite dock looking into the water and taking photos.  Being a bit nosy I had to go see what the excitement was about. We had seen glimpses of these big guys on the ICW and in other areas of warm water but to have one so close, was just to cool! What is it you ask?  Manatees, also known as Sea Cows or gentle giants. These big guys and gals are adorable. He or she was near the fresh water hose hoping someone would turn it on.  They love fresh water and some locals will run hoses near their docks to attract them.  It is against the law to harm them, touch them and or give them water as they are an endangered specie. They love fresh water so much they will drink it rather than eat. Not a good thing. An adult manatee can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh as much as 3500 pounds. The average length is 10 feet and 1000 pounds.  Manatees are far sighted, meaning they do not see clearly at close ranges. This can be very dangerous for them causing them entanglement in crab trap lines, fishing line and tangle with boat props. They can also mistake garbage for floating plants. Any and all of these have caused harm and death.  We see so much garbage in the water on our travels. Whenever possible we retrieve it hoping that our little bit of work helps.

His tale

Marathon Florida, a great spot to winter

Last January we spent 10 days on a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon Fl. before moving up the coast to cross to the Abacos. I really enjoyed our stay and suggested that we spend the winter there this year.  Tom agreed to the plan less than enthusiastically. I knew down deep he was concerned that he would get bored staying in one place so long. Following a month of playing softball on Tues. Thur. and sometimes Sunday, boat and happy hour gatherings and exploring he admitted his concern and how happy he was that there was so much to do it would be impossible to be bored.
 I went to yoga on Tues. and Thurs. and Zumba on Mon. and Wed.  Wednesday night was potluck night at the Marina, a great way to meet other boaters. Friday nights was movie night, we didn't usually attend, and on Saturday nights very talented boaters played and sang to a filled patio of boaters that gathered. I was in awe of the talent and equipment they had on their boats.
A radio show at 8:30 each morning on VHF 68 provided community information, a buy, sell or trade of equipment section, and an opportunity to ask for help with something on your boat. Each day boaters coming and going were asked to provide their names and info so that we could welcome them or wish them safe travels.  Tom especially enjoyed the trivia and actively participated in this segment of the show. Seminars were offered by fellow boaters on Solar panels, travel to Bahamas, Cuba, and more and on Tuesdays the ladies gathered for an afternoon of crafts, offering to teach you how to basket weave. I think you get the picture.  There is no way on earth you could be bored unless you really dislike being around other people.

Boot Key Harbor has 225 mooring balls and two long docks for those wishing electricity and water, which adds up to a community of about 450+ people, including families with kids.
After December there is usually a wait to get on a ball.  We waited two days this year four last.  They have a very large building that has three mini theatres with large TVs, a library, mail area and tables for crafts, internet use, or just visiting. There are also three other marinas within dingy distance from the mooring field. Many of the boaters live in the harbor all year around. We met one who has been on a mooring ball there for eight years. 

          The Tiki hut where movie night, the potluck dinners and music on Saturday night took place

 There are no facilities to handle births or deaths at the local hospital which is right in front of the marina so we frequently had a helicopter come and go overhead taking patients elsewhere.

 

               The old seven mile bridge is now use for walking and riding your bike. We went on a windy day. The bike ride one way great! Coming back, not so great.

The library and craft/meeting area tables. The internet area is to my back and the TV theatres to the right.

 

A view of one side of the mooring field