Boot Key

Boot Key is in the heart of Marathon, it is the small dock and large (208) mooring ball field run by the city. Since my Vols lost in March Madness last night I thought I would lick my wounds and explain life in Boot Key. Every morning at 9am on channel 68 marine radio, various captains hold court for 45 minutes to an hour. They start with welcoming new arrivals and saying farewell to those leaving. Then comes announcements, then a flea market for buy/sale, trade or give away, and they end up with trivia. You announce the name of your boat the DJ/Captain acknowledges you and you say what you want to say. It is a nice way to start the day and you get lots of information. The day we took the bus to Key West someone came on and talked about the process—it helped. Several tips on future anchorages and happy hours are shared as well. In the dock is a big warehouse building with several bathrooms, the laundry, big garage-like work areas, 2 TV rooms and lending library plus a tiki hut where they have covered dish suppers and gatherings. On the balls are several interesting boats. I missed the one I really wanted pictures of—it was a lime green catamaran—except when the light changed and then it was a lemon yellow catamaran—special paint I guess—it was cool. Old Broad has the trumpet player-- there are several characters and a surprising number of families that seem to live here.

Mooring Field

Fitz coming out of the dingy dock

Old Broad

Mast work