Once in November we stayed for just a night, but it was not enough to discover why Boot Key Harbor often has a waiting list for its three hundred mooring balls.  As this beautiful harbor held us safe for four days, winds gusting to thirty knots and singing in the rigging, we got a glimpse of another kind of life here. 

Some are here for pleasure, some out of necessity, but we found a welcoming, accommodating atmosphere for all boaters, no matter what the situation.  It began when we entered the large, open warehouse style building housing the harbor check-in desk, large library, tables for Wi-Fi, mailboxes, and large screen TVs with theater seats. Upon checking in the friendly marina staff gave us keys for both the laundry and sixteen large restrooms with showers, tags for the dinghy and bikes, and explained that water is .05 per gallon, a real bargain for the Keys.  There’s even free pump out for boats and mutt mitts for the doggie do. 

What impressed us the most though was the boating community which extended hand of friendship and camaraderie to any and all vessels who graced its protected waters.  In the mornings we listened to “Cruiser’s Net” on VHF channel 68, where each boater could share where they’re from, and where bound, seek help for problems, get advice and referrals for repairs, even buy, sell or trade items.  Every time we made our way to the marina there were friendly boaters everywhere making acquaintances and connections or just sitting under the shade tree enjoying the cool breezes sharing boating stories.  To complete the evening we might hear bagpipes singing, taps sounding, conch shell blowing, or even a sunset salute cannon accompanying the sun as it slowly slipped away and night in the harbor began.    

Marathon is a quiet town in the middle Keys, small enough to easily explore completely on our bikes.  Riding west from the center of town we came to the old Seven Mile Bridge, and followed it about 2 miles to Pigeon Key.  Amazingly, the clarity of the aquamarine water made it possible to see to the bottom from atop the bridge.   Our backpacks came in handy as we made two trips to Publix about two miles round trip to take on a few provisions.  By the end of the 4 days we knew the location of West Marine, CVS, K-mart, McDonalds, Walgreens, and four great restaurants. 

Even better than getting acquainted with the town was making connections with about twenty new cruisers, many from Punta Gorda Isles.  If you’re one of those following us now, welcome to the blog, and thanks for helping make our stay at Boot Key fantastic. 

Now we can say, once in April this beautiful harbor held us safe for five days and nights and we discovered the truly unique and boater-friendly life in Boot Key Harbor.

Tonight should be our last night in Boot Key in Marathon.  We plan to get up early and head to Rodriguez Key.  That should get us about half way to Biscayne Bay.  I have never seen the wind blow so strong for so many days here in Marathon.  Tomorrow is departure for most of the other sailors here that are cruising as we have all been waiting for the winds to die down some.  Even at that they are predicted to be around 15 from the east south east tomorrow.  Hopefully we will be able to sail all day.