We are really enjoying our time in our quiet little anchorage on Marathon Key. In fact, I think this is our very best anchorage so far. The water is calm, the scenery is gorgeous and it might just be the quietest place on the planet. A couple of nights ago I woke up around 3 a.m. and just could not get back to sleep. I decided to put on a long sleeved t-shirt, sweat pants and socks - to protect myself from the no-seeums, and just sit out on the deck and enjoy the night. How amazing that turned out to be. The stars went on forever, and aside from a few fish jumping - no sounds at all - amazing. I wrapped up in a blanket, grabbed a pillow and fell asleep in the cockpit.
Over the weekend we had amazing weather! I spent some time working on a few boat projects. I put new support posts in for the bimini - so I can fold it back out of the way when not in use. I also had to investigate an engine over heating situation - and discovered that my water strainer and the incoming hose was totally full of turtle grass and other assorted gross stuff. I suspect it happened when I felt my through the shallow little creek to this anchorage. Anyway, I cleaned all that out and then decided to inspect the impeller. So all by myself (with only a little coaching) I took apart the water pump and inspected the impeller. Turned out to be not such a big deal and I took a video - so I'll remember how to do it next time.
Coleen and I took the kayak to the beach on Sunday. The wind was blowing hard and making huge waves so we had a fun landing on the beach! It was by far the best beach weather this year!
I also tried my hand at making homemade bread in the pressure cooker - and so far so good. That stuff is way too yummy. Also, DJ borrowed a solar oven from a fellow in the harbor and I tried it out - made brownies and then later some baked potatoes. Both turned out well although the brownies were a little lopsided and required extra icing - which we called no harm no foul :-) I haven't tried my bread recipe in the solar oven yet, but if it works out - then I'm totally sold. It would be a welcome addition to our galley during the summer months - when it's too hot to use the indoor oven.
I have some vacation time coming up in April. Unfortunately it's not enough time to do the Bahamas, so instead we're planning a trip to the Dry Tortugas. Still a week spent, snorkeling, sailing and playing on the beach won't be all bad.
After that we're headed back to Oklahoma for a while to deal with our house. I'm trying not to thin