January 2, 2012

We remain in Marathon, awaiting and now experiencing a passing front. The winds are expected to reach 25-30 tonight and we are all buttoned down. Intend to stay on the boat, or close by, tomorrow. May go in for some showers and laundry, but not any great distance.

So, today, we did a bit of walking (something in the order of 5 miles or so) up the highway to the Crane Point Nature Preserve and Museum. It was well worth the visit, the ~1 mile trek around the 60+ acres, the museum, and the history of the place. While there, we overtook a couple on the path staring intently into the brush. We looked but saw nothing so asked what they were studying. They said “a spider” and there was this guy, not 2 feet away. He (or she?) is about 3” from leg tip to leg tip and quite colorful.

We had dinner aboard last night with three other couples, Jim and Irene from Escapaid (VT), Brian and Lynne from Midori (Canada), and Steve and Mary Ann from Living Well (Indiana). Midori and Living Well are from the same boat yard where we store Gratitude and we wanted to introduce them to Jim and Irene who will be cruising the West Coast of Florida this year. Had a grand time and then today, we provided Jim with more particular information re routes, anchorages, etc. We, Midori, and Living Well, as well as Molly and Baxter from Stella Blue (Utah) are planning to depart here Thursday, head up the coast toward Miami and possibly make the crossing to Bimini on Sunday. The winds are projected to be light and from the SE and S, perfect directions for a crossing.

Van and Lauren