A week in Marathon

We have been back in Marathon for a couple of days now.  We left Key West way too early Monday morning after our anchor dragged again.  We had a nice sail to Newfound Harbor with no wind when we anchored - what a change.  Tuesday we sailed to Marathon.  At one point we had 3 dolphins swimming off our bow with 4 or 5 more following our wake - way too cool!!  For a little while 3 dolphins were doing synchronized leaps out of the water in a little circle right near the boat.  It was sort of like sailing through a Sea World  show.  We are stopping here for a week.  We were waiting for mail from home (it came today, Chris - Thanks) and today Dr Don, the critter doc came out to the boat to give Zim and Fluff their health certificate exams.  They both passed, and it was really great not having to take them ashore in the dinghy, and then drive them to a vet's office.  They don't know how lucky they are.

Fluff, getting his physical from Dr Don.

Yesterday our Friend John arrived from Naples, so of course we we had to drive to the local grocery store and buy up a dinghy load of food.  We drove down to Big Pine Key to get our propane tank filled.  Big Pine is the home of Key deer which are about the size of a large dog.  We saw half a dozen or so, but didn't have our camera so you'll just have to imagine what really small deer look like.  John also treated us to lunch AND dinner at two local places that we probably never would have found on our own.  Thanks, John - good meals both.

Today Sue did 2 loads of laundry while I waited for Dr Don, and then took him to the boat for the cat exams.  Then before we had lunch John, Sue, and I took the dinghy through the mooring field to look at all the boats, and to see where they are from.  After lunch we drove to the local hardware store - 7 out of 10.  We considered checking out the Turtle Hospital, but their 4:00 tour was all booked up so we went to West Marine.  After dragging our anchor twice Sue and I decided maybe we should consider a different, larger anchor.  West didn't have what we were looking for on Tuesday but ordered one for us.  It arrived today but Sue didn't think she could carry 44 pounds a mile back to the boat.  (I told she wouldn't know if she didn't try, but she didn't bite.)  Once again John helped us out with his ultimate driving machine.  I'm sure anyone watching us go back to our boat wondered why we would possibly need a 44 pound dinghy anchor!

I think if I wrap it carefully Sue will never guess what she's getting for Christmas.

Tomorrow we plan to relax a bit and check out what else there is to see and do around Marathon. Saturday we are attending the local cruisers Christmas dinner.  A local family/group supplies turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie.  All the boaters bring a dish to share.  At last count some 200 people were signed up.  It promises to be interesting.

Here's a link to what I hope Sue is getting me for Christmas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk1qFaaq4q4

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday - Best wishes!