09 Mar Days 176 thru 179 Marathon

As predicted the winds picked up significantly out of the East when we arrived at Marathon. Nautoncall was nestled nicely in slip #8 of the floating docks at Marathon Marina & Resort.The docks were first rate, new because they were replaced after Irma took out the originals. We had some expensive neighbours.
It was interesting watching this guy dock.
The marina was very nice and friendly, had a nice laundry and pool.
I still can’t believe they let us in. It was expensive but when the wind really picked up over the next few days we were happy to be tied to nice floating docks instead of anchored out in the crowded anchorage.
On our way back from the laundry we saw this guy trying to weigh his catch with a fork truck!
The Swordfish weighed in at 289lbs, over 10ft. long. He caught it about 27 miles offshore in 1700ft. of water. He used a squid wrapped with hooks to drop to the bottom. Almost like jiggin for Walleye in the St. Clair river, only ocean sized.
The guy who caught it cut it up like a walleye as well. It was not his first one. He did sell me a big piece that Janet turned into an awesome meal.
Fresh Swordfish right out of the ocean, now we’re living the dream.
There is a lot to do in Marathon. We took a bike ride to check it out. We met with the Watsons for lunch @ a waterfront bar, then a tour of their marina. Marlin Bay Marina was a very nice place indeed. It would certanly be a nice place to spend a month of your loop here.
The next morning we all rode out to Sombrero Beach to watch the Turtle Hospital release a Sea turtle.
“Vacationland” (Apparently the people who bring in the injured turtles, get to name them)
There were a lot of people out to see him swim away. Hundreds!
Some of them are Loopers.
After 11kms on the bike and a big breakfast, it was a quiet afternoon reading by the pool.
Marathon has a Cruiser’s Net every morning at 9 AM. When I introduced Nautoncall, the commentator said “be careful the bottom can be stickey around here”
I can see that!

Sent from Samsung tablet.