Fryedaze Cruising Adventures: Shark River to Marathon Florida Keys

We made it! Then why was it almost depressing to come into the marina? Because it signals the beginning to the end of our trip. When we leave here the end of April we will be back into the Atlantic Ocean and away from all the exciting rivers, oceans and bays that we had spent so much time dreaming about. But how depressed can you be in the paradise known as the Florida Keys? Our marina- Burdines is a little different than we have been used to lately- think "resort" marinas with pools and free towels... While it is an older marina we are really warming up to it! The marina only has 15 slips on the dock there are 3 Gold Loopers! People are very friendly and welcoming- which was a little different than what we have experienced the past couple of months! And the biggest bonus is the marina has the Chikatika Restaurant and Bar right on sight! Wednesday night there were two incredible guitar players/singers and we enjoyed the three hour sing-along and concert from the comfort from our own bridge. It doesn't get any better than that!

Publix is a little bit farther of a walk that we experienced at Longboat Key and Marco Island- a little over 2.85 miles but it felt good to walk again with a purpose. No worries though after shopping we grabbed a $5 cab back to the marina! "It's all cool mon"- is all our taxi driver kept saying. Today we walked about the same distance to the beginning of the 7-mile bridge and back. Felt great but we will start earlier tomorrow- that sun gets really hot!

We are looking forward to the beginning of our company starting next Tuesday. We are really excited about Dave's brother- Dale and Pam and sister- Deb and Chuck coming down to visit! We are looking forward to exploring this area further with their vehicles!!!

Yesterday, we got back together with some of our very favorite Loopers at Burdine's. It was so good to see them in person and catch up. We stay in touch by reading their blogs, email and texting but nothing is as good as a wonderful hug and an afternoon of hearing their adventures and plans. I will so miss our "Class of 2015-2016" Looper Friends. I hope that someday we will all meet up again!

Following a waterman out the Everglades Inlet during our early morning departure to Shark River. This is some skinny water.

Shark river anchorage with 13 other cruisers. Most boats went north in the morning. The snow bird exodus has started.

Exploring the Shark river before anchoring for the night. This area is very remote and you can feel it when you head up the river.

Pelicans entertained us the entire time we were in the Shark River. They dive bomb for fish and you can here them hit the water from a few hundred yards away.

Bets caught this guy with her quick camera trigger finger. We saw a few but most dove before we could take a shot.

Coming up on the Seven Mile bridge after a 40+ mile crossing from the Everglades.

Cruising the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Best seat in the house.

Boot Key Harbor mooring fields. 226 mooring balls managed by the City of Marathon. There were probably at least another 100 boats anchored around the mooring field. Not all the boat are "pretty". Looks like a lot of full time live aboards.

Dolphin whisperer in action.