Boot Key, Marathon - ICW mile 1195

There was a lot of satisfaction in dropping the anchor in Boot Key Harbour - after 1200 miles we had arrived and did not have to plan the next day's leg.

From Fort Lauderdale we decided to go outside to avoid a repeat of the endless bridges we have encountered in this part of Florida. So we had a good look at Miami from the Atlantic - then on to Key Biscayne. We have had only one night in a marina in the past 2 weeks - a nice change and good for the budget as most down in this area expect $80 - 100 per night then charge extra for electric plug in and water - all in US $$ of course.

Marathon is quite a gathering port for cruisers like us. There are 265 boats on mooring balls and another 200 or so at anchor like us. Some haven't moved in years and have colonies of birds living aboard - sometimes along with the resident! One guy has pitched a tent in the bow of a 20' runabout - and lives there.

From here, cruisers are waiting for a window before heading off to the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico or Panama. We will stay and relax for awhile then may visit Key West and the lower west coast of Florida.

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