Maurading in Marathon
21 February 2012
Now we're all settle on moorings in this vast harbour and expect to spend a bit of time here as we did two years ago, enjoying the camaraderie, convenience and comfort of this cruiser-friendly town.
Of course, the day revolves around the 9 o'clock cruisers' net where a moderator engages boaters to introduce themselves if they are new to the harbour, bid farewell if they are leaving, post notices, comments ask for help and advice and, of course, post things for sale or wanted to buy. The "net" concludes with a few trivia questions posed by the moderator or other boaters. It is an upbeat, helpful and welcoming forum.
I then usually take Judy in by dinghy to do Yoga while I roam around doing provisions or chores. After lunch we may dinghy to the beach, or walk to town or do chores. And, of course there' the mandatory happy hour on someone's boat late afternoon. We then retreat to Sea Sharp for dinner and normally bunk down around 9 pm.
We spend a very pleasant day on our friends' trawler snorkelling on a reef a few miles off of Marathon. Sharks, Barracuda and a plethora of reef fishes are noted.
It's easy to fritter away much more time in this environment than you intend. Indeed, there is a story of this old gent who, in his boat was blown into Marathon in a storm in the '80's. The legend goes that he tied up at the dock and remains there today!
However, for Judy an I, we have some compelling developments which are beckoning on us like a siren's call; specifically the recent birth of our first great nephew and the impending birth of two additional great nephews/nieces. So we decide to start to work our way north so we can participate and enjoy these joyous events.