growing barnacles..

---

Still in Marathon - but trying to get out!

We've been here much longer than intended - six weeks tomorrow and the barnacles are getting bigger on the hull - we scraped them off the dinghy last week.

"Worst winter in 40 years" the regulars are saying as one cold front follows another then another. We need 2 good days to get back up the west coast - it was possible last weekend but we couldn't miss the gold medal hockey game! Fortunately it proved to be worth staying for.

At last count there were 39 boats anchored nearby waiting for a mooring ball - they send scouts in dinghies looking for vacated moorings - but no one is budging until the weather improves.

We have included photos from 2 memorable events that happened elsewhere since our last blog - Ian's Mum, JOY celebrated her 90th birthday in Sydney on February 13th and is pictured with the many cards she received - 15 from Canada alone.

And Patrick is pictured with his fiancee Claire on a ski trail near Banff! He popped the question just last weekend - Kim helped Pat pick out the beautiful ring.

---

Photos

turtle hospital
we took a guided tour of this specialized hospital last week - it has been very busy lately with many turtles becoming "stunned" by the cold water

leatherback
this is the shell of one of five types of turtles found in the waters around the keys

operating room
a pretty sophisticated facility

recovery room
this green turtle had some tumours removed earlier in the day

injured green
many turtles like this one are injured by boat propellers or get tangled up in fishing nets and need amputations

Kemps Ridley turtle
this permanent resident has had weights fitted to help him compensate for missing flippers

oysterfest
a 30lb box of oysters helps pass the time - it took 2 days to get through them all (I had help!)

opening up
Jim didn't take long to get back into the swing of opening oysters - and eating them!

on the barbie
this was a good alternative for those who were squeamish about eating raw oysters

hockey gold
about 50 Canadians were on hand to cheer our team on to the gold medal last Sunday - here we are with new friends Brian & Vivienne from Belleville

Cards&Flowers
Mum celebrates her 90th birthday at her home in Sydney

engaged
Pat and Claire celebrate their engagement on the ski trail near Banff, Alberta

ring
Claire's engagement ring

warning
this could have been posted in January and not taken down since!

approaching front
Peter took this from his boat in Key West - it hit us about 30 minutes later

Comments

[Ruth Dunlop]

Crazy Weather
Hi Marlene and Ian...it is good to get you update......Jim and I just got back from a ten day cruise in the Caribbean.....the weather was nice in the south.....but we spent a couple of days in Florida before we left and then six when we returned and it was chilly....at least for Florida.....weather is quite nice here right now....supposed to be plus 9 by the weekend....go figure....looks like you are making the best of things and seeing some sights at the same time....take care

[Bill and Audrey]

cold here too
Hey Ian and Marlene....good to hear from you...we have been staying warm..just...stop in if you can..phone no is 941 807 8369...we have room...my son may show up next week..just got back from Afghanistan...we are in Bradenton...just off I75...6520 Fairway Gardens Dr....you can fill us in on your adventures...talk soon Bill

[Anne]

Hi Marlene and Ian, yikes, I didn't realize the impact of the weather on your location. Best to stay put for sure. I wanted to dive right into the computer and eat some of those oysters. Wonderful about Joy's birthday party and Pat's engagement. xo's Anne

[penelope jayne]

hello wiarton gypsies
i guys sounds like quite and adventure. gary and i live vicariously through your blogs. so sad i didn't know it was joys' 90th birthday. will get a belated card and send it out. she's a great gal. remember if you need a bed we are in st catharines until middle may. have fun and ian, lay off the oysters!!! see you this summer sue and gary

[Yola and Garry]

March greetings
Thanks for keeping us posted on your adventures in the Keys. Didn't realize that the crazy cold was affecting you so far south in Florida. We just returned from our 12 day sailing trip in the Grenedines where we rendezvoued with Linda and Garry Graham on their boat July Indian. Their base these days is in Bequia - a beautiful spot among many. Greg and Leslie Mason chartered a Beneteau with us out of St. Vincent. Lots of great sailing and snorkling wherever we explored!! We forgot how hot it can be that far south and took a few days to climatize to that. Hope the weather improves for your boating plans and look forward to your next blog. Yola and Garry/ Liberte'