[/caption]Cutter Loose is underway from her dock in Tavernier before sunrise in order to transit the canal at high tide. Our journey today will take us to Marathon, 52 miles to the southwest. Ten knots of breeze from the north provide our entertainment for the day as we enjoy a relaxed sail on a broad reach all the way to Boot Key (aka Marathon). We enjoy the silence as the diesel engine takes a well-deserved rest. Along our route, we pass a series of reefs, including Hens and Chickens and Alligator Reef. Fishing vessels ply these waters in search of gamefish that feed on bait fish trapped in the shallows.
[caption id="attachment_2626" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Broad reaching to Marathon"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2627" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Seven Mile Bridge"]
[/caption]After a brief stop in Marathon Harbor to take on fuel, we pass under Seven Mile Bridge and enter Florida Bay. Our marina is the Harbor Cay Club just inside Fanny Key. As we approach the dock, we are greeted by a gathering of a dozen slipholders who assist us with our lines. We are reunited with friends Hayden and Radeen (Island Spirit) and Carey and Bobbi (Catspaw). We last shared a mooring with these folks in Vero Beach on December 10th.
A well-planned buffet dinner is served this evening at the clubhouse. Each slipholder brings a dish, including five different types of lasagne and a variety of salads and desserts. With a total of 30 slips, this is a small marina. All of the slipholders are on a first name basis. We are pleased to become part of this tight-knit community.
[caption id="attachment_2637" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cutter Loose docked at the Harbor Cay Club"]
[/caption]Cutter Loose will remain here at the Harbor Cay Club for another week or so. This will permit time for exploration, relaxation, boat maintenance and planning for the next leg of our winter cruise.
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