Marathon and the Keys

Marathon Marina and Boatyard proved to be an ideal base for our visit to the Keys. Key West marinas were full and expensive so we opted to stay here, rent a car and tour Key West without the expense or hassle. The marina was most accommodating, friendly and one of the best facilities in the area.

Our visits to Key West were mixed with museums, shopping and checking out the local eateries and bars. In two days we had made the rounds including a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffett's Margarettiville. No one got a tattoo and everyone had fun.

Carolyn had heard about the tale of the Robert doll. It so happened that Robert was on display during the time of our visit and although he doesn't like pictures, we had to include one for prosterity. So if something strange happens you can blame it on Robert, or so the legend goes.

Sunset at Mallory Square was a collaboration of acrobatics, arts and crafts and a host of unusual individuals. Everything was in good taste, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Sunsets in Key West are dramatic and a perfect way to end each day.

This young fellow was seen around town during the day, but also showed up in Mallory Square. He would find a spot, arrange his costume, and remain in a fixed pose similar to the Buckingham Guards. Everyone tried to make him laugh, or flinch, but he had been tempted before and remained absolutely stationary.

One fellow had trained cats performing for the crowd. They would jump through hoops, similar to what you would see lions do at the circus. We assumed a recent Las Vegas act gave him an incentive to "tame the cats."

Every night at sundown a crowd gathers. Being entertained just before sundown, and then watching the sunset seemed to prepare everyone for an evening on the town that typically ended in the wee hours of the morning.

It's Key West, it's different yet an exciting place to visit.

Just up the road from Key West there is Small Deer Key which is famous for nothing more than - small deer. They are like an endangered species here and they populate several small islands

If you have local knowledge you will know of a favorite watering hole by the name of No Name Pub. It was formerly a roadside brothel but since remodeled and famous for it collection of one dollar bills stapled to the walls, and its food. A casual spot with some interesting history. They say if you can find it, it doesn't need a name. The pizza, burgers and wings here are great!

Marathon itself is really laid back. Composed mostly of charter and commercial fishing fleets there is little to offer cruisers, except Boot Key Harbor where you will find all varities of floating homes. There are floating apartments left over from when the railroad was being constructed to a flotilla of live aboards in seemingly derelict boats. Happy Hours operate between 11am-2pm and from 4pm-8pm with a daily food special, usually under $4. Enough said about Boot Key.