Feb 17th, 2017: Still at Faro Blanco Marina, Marathon, FL

We had planned to stay here at the Faro Blanco Marina on Marathon Key for a week.

Our first night here was rough. When the winds is out of the north the waves come in through the harbor entrance and strike Red Pearl with nothing to slow them down. We heard loud water slaps against our hull and boat movement all night long. It was not the restful night we were looking for. I investigated moving to a different slip but most in this marina are affected by the waves. The few that aren't are back in a corner that gets heavy seaweed accumulation that clogs their air conditioner water strainers. So, we'll stay here in this slip and hope for better wind directions.

Northerly winds at Faro Blanco Marina

The first couple of days were spent: picking up our Enterprise rental car; getting provisions at Publix and Kmart; cleaning and maintenance on Red Pearl; laundry; post office; etc.. I thoroughly inspected the engine room on Red Pearl. I found that I needed to tighten the fan belt on both engines. They had loosened since they were installed new late last year. Otherwise everything looked good from our run down from Bradenton.

We checked out our surroundings eating at few local restaurants and shopping at local shops.

Burdines Waterfront Grill

Surf n Turf Burger

Key Lime Pie - chiffon style

On Wednesday we drove our rental car to Key West. We used our Gypsy Guide iPhone app to give us the tour guide narrative as we drove down the keys from Marathon and around Key West to the city center. We parked near downtown and set out afoot seeing the sights and then returned to Marathon late afternoon.

Lunch at Caroline's on Duval Street

Visited the famous Green Parrot bar

Took the guided tour of the Hemingway Home. Notice one of the 35 6-toed cats!

Back at Marathon, here are some pics around the Faro Blanco Marina:

Today we are: planning the next leg of our trip; doing laundry; taking care of some banking; waiting on the icemaker to be returned and hanging by the pool. This evening we will go back to Publix to provision for the next few days. We will probably be anchoring out at night as we go up the keys so we'll need something to eat! Tomorrow will be our last full day here at Marathon. We'll return the rental car, prep the Red Pearl (empty the holding tank, fill the water tanks, fill the cooler with ice; etc.); and relax before our Sunday morning departure. We plan to cruise for 4 straight days to get to downtown Fort Lauderdale and then stay there for five nights.