Day 31 - Sunday, 2-10-08 - Marathon

The happy crew arose early, anticipating our run to Key Largo. We squeezed Last Dance out of the skinny slip and were on our way. But not for long! The guys had decided to take Sisters Creek to the Hawke Channel instead of going back out through the bascule bridge the way we came. We promptly ran aground while making the turn into Sisters Creek. Luckily for us, a nearby live-aboard sailor saw us trying to refloat the boat, got into his dingy and came to help us. With his help and Divine Providence in the form of a strong gust of wind at the right time, we were refloated and off we went on the next leg of our grand adventure. The guys decided to deal with the devil we knew and went down the channel we came in on, through the bascule bridge, and out into the Hawke Channel. Oh, happy day, we were on our way.

We cleared the harbor channel and were looking forward to making our turn for Key Largo. The wind was good and the seas were not high so the guys decided to put up the sails when we got a little farther up the Hawke Channel. Up ahead, we noticed someone in a small runabout waving wildly at us. When we were sure that he was signaling us, we headed his way. It was a group of five young men who had been out fishing and had a problem getting back. They had been without propulsion since 2:00 a.m. They were anchored, so they were in no danger, but they were well and truly stuck. It was time for us to "pay it forward" and help them, just as we had been helped earlier in the day. Although their English was limited and it was sometimes difficult to convey what we wanted them to do, we took them in tow and delivered them to the fuel dock at the Marathon Marina and Boat Yard. By the time this was done, it was too late in the day for us to start out again for Key Largo so we got a slip at the Marathon Marina and Boat Yard, where we were two nights ago. We seem to be going around in circles here.

It looks like we will be here for a while. The expected cool front came in today with high winds, making a layover necessary. We may be here until Wednesday. Sara and Roger took a cab into town and went to two art shows this afternoon. They were happy campers. After our pre-dinner cocktails, we walked to a nearby restaurant and had a nice dinner. We have rented a car for tomorrow, so we will go further afield in search of good restaurants and fun things to do in and around Marathon. (JGR)