Adventures in Marathon

As soon as the Lighting of the Fleet was over last Friday, we began preparing Ivory Lady for our trip north.  That means, in addition to maintenance activities like generator servicing, we needed to remove all the Christmas lights and also have Rich, the diver, clean the bottom of the boat.

Yesterday while removing lights, we had a guest on the dock who then proceeded to climb up the piling in an attempt to board Bob's boat, docked next to us.

Today, Rich came by to dive the boat, clean the bottom and replace our zincs. We had visitors. Two manatees cruised in and made quick friends with Rich. We had a hose running over the edge of the dock and they both came up to take a drink. It didn't take them long to figure out how to both benefit at the same time. We called it a French Water Kiss. When rich tried to brush them off with his bottom brush, they were skiddish at first, but when he finished our boat and began working on a sailboat at the next dock, they followed him over and wouldn't leave him alone to work.  We all had a great afternoon bonding with these huge creatures.  They're so ugly that they are actually cute.

We plan to leave Marathon aboard Ivory Lady on Saturday, 12/17 for St. Petersburg and Christmas with our many friends there. Some will join us on their boat for a cruise south to Ft. Myers for New Years Eve. Our next installlment will be on the water! Can't wait.







Christmas in the Keys!

We've had a fabulous time since arriving in Marathon now almost a month ago!    Great friends, Willy & Caryn, were here for Thanksgiving week and we have a superb time!  We've reintegrated into the Yacht Club and also into our church family here in Marathon.

As is the case of everyone this time of year, there are more parties and events than our schedule can possibly accommodate.  And yet, I try!   The largest event at the Club, probably for the entire year, is the Lighting of the Fleet.   Every vessel in the marina is decorated and on that special night, the cannon is fired at 6:15p and every boat is illuminated simultaneously.   We spent a couple weeks getting Ivory Lady ready for the event that was held last Friday night.   The Yacht Club was completely full (132 guests), the weather was absolutely perfect and a delightful evening was had by all.

At the end of the evening, Ivory Lady won the trophy for Best Power Boat over 40' - the Rear Commodore & his Admiral were very proud!   The sign hanging says "A Wish for You From the REAR Commodore"

Here's a pic of the front of Ivory Lady --

Today we began taking all the decorations off Ivory Lady.   Weather permitting, we will depart Marathon early Saturday morning headed for St. Pete for Christmas.   Christmas lights do NOT like salt walter, so they need to come down.

Watch for posts along our travel the next couple of weeks -- and have a Very Merry Christmas!!