11. Heading home to QCYC


So we went to the most southerly point of the continental USA, turned around and starting heading north.


First stop Marathon.

Wow. There must be 200 boats in here!

Boot Key Harbour is the only land-locked anchorage in the keys. Some of the boats belong to transients like us but most are the homes of permanent liveaboards. Where else can you live for almost nothing in a benign climate? Curiously, a surprising number of boats seem uninhabited or abandoned; a few have sunk. Other mast-less, rust stained, oyster encrusted, floating caves are the lairs of thin faced single men rarely seen.

The city provides a dinghy dock and a vast warehouse where cruisers can meet. There is a book swap and laundry (even TV’s for a rainy day). It is a tolerant, friendly place. No one locks their dinghy.

It is good to have company. We have met old friends from previous cruises. Ron Smallbone (well known to QCYC single handed racers), who sailed ‘Epiphany’ all the way from PCYC, is anchored near by. And, wonderful surprise, Bruce and Lynda, from ‘Jetstream’ dropped in for a few days.

Marathon is one of those convenient places (like Georgetown in the Bahamas).

It is easier to arrive than to depart.