Meandering Magees: Back in Marathon

Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Day 275
3215 miles

While we enjoyed celebrating Christmas back in Ludington with our family, Greg and friends moved the boat to Marathon. We got back to True North on Thursday, December 21. The drive from Tampa to the Keys was eye opening. We were surrounded by sights of damage and cleanup from Hurricane Irma from Key Largo south. We were struck by the random-ness of Irma's fury. There would be a multi-story building standing, seemingly unscathed, and right next to it, devastation. As with many natural disasters, the most exposed and most vulnerable areas and buildings were hardest hit - trailer parks, boat yards, and marinas top that list. Our marina, Marathon Marina and RV Resort sustained extensive damage and it is through the hard work of the employees and management that it reopen for business and we can be here. There was over 4 ft of water in all the buildings. While not everything is fixed 100%, we have power, water and a sturdy dock. You have to be thankful for the big things! The recovery is ongoing everywhere. Temporary signs announce that establishments (including the hospital) are back up and running.

The other signs we see are "Help Wanted" or "Hiring". I was standing in a long line at Walgreen and overheard the two women behind me talking. One was complaining that there was only one register open. The other lady said it is because all up and down the Keys, there is a lack of workers, due to the lack of housing. A fellow boater who lives in Marathon full-time said that 1 in 4 students at Marathon High School lost their home in the hurricane. I could go on and on with hurricane stories but suffice it to say this area is rebuilding and prayers and support are still needed.

"Keys Strong" is the prevailing attitude here and we aim to do our part to help stimulate the local economy!

Matt joined us for Christmas and stayed until New Year's Eve. His friends from Tarpon Springs, Billy and Ashley Howard came for 4 nights, and we had a fun week with terrific weather. We like it when we have company because it gives us an excuse to do some touristy things like a day in Key West. Billy and Ashley had never experienced a sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Unfortunately, they didn't get the full effect as a large cruise ship was tied up alongside the square and it totally blocked the view of the setting sun! Mallory Square is filled with vendors, fire jugglers, magicians and musicians, but the real star of the show is the sunset, so there was some grumbling in the crowd. Most of the cruise ships that dock at Key West are only for the day and leave by 5, so we were surprised that this one didn't. The vessel name was World, and a Google search revealed that it is a luxury residence ship and stays in most ports several days.

Back in Marathon, we were all too happy to introduce Matt, Billy and Ashley to the french fries and deep fried Key Lime pie at the Chiki Tiki at Burdines. In anticipation of going snorkeling this winter, (especially in the Bahamas), I asked for my own equipment. Mike got me a prescription mask and snorkel for my birthday in July and on Christmas Day I unwrapped a pair of fins. We spent a beautiful day on the water, snorkeling at Sombrero Reef.

Our warm weather left when Matt and the Howards did. Today has been overcast, drizzly and in the low 60's. These types of days are conducive to catching up on paperwork, correspondence, and the blog, with chili in the crock pot. Sixty degree weather in Florida calls for chili!

Greg will be back on the boat next week so the fishing will resume.

Since we are here for several months, I will do an update when something exciting or unusual happens, or we have visitors, or we catch a sailfish!