12/21/2010 SNAKE RIVER ANCHORAGE TO MARATHON MOORING

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 40 NM

Dan and I did some deep exploring in the Snake River and its ribbon-like streams. The distinctive aroma of the Everglades hit you upon entering one of these tributaries. It was the odor of life, death, decay, food and regeneration – “life’s cycle”.

WE PADDLED THE DINK BACK INTO THE EVERGLADES

We never did see an alligator but the mangrove was rife with birdlife. We found a wading, white bird that we thought might be a White Ibis, vultures, pelicans, swiftly darting kingfishers, and even a woodpecker.

WHITE IBIS?

LURKING VULTURE

WATCHFUL PELICAN

Paddling out one of the streams, we found a raccoon drinking from the waters. Dan let the dink float over towards him and we got within 10 feet. He just eyed us with curiosity and went on about his business. He showed no fear of us.

WE GOT "UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL" WITH THIS WET RACOON

By 10:00 the tide had raised enough for us to make our exit and we set off for Marathon. We basked in the warmth of sunshine as we ticked off the miles going south. So nice! Unfortunately for Captain Dan, much of the day he was also dodging the mine field of crab traps.

CRAB TRAP MARKER



LOOK CLOSELY AND YOU CAN SEE THE CRAB TRAP  MARKERS DOTTING THE WATERS


Soon we were passing under the Seven Mile Bridge and making our turn towards Marathon. We made a quick stop at Burdines for a drink and to check out their facilities then decided to go onto the moorings at the City of Marathon. While still at Burdines, Steven discovered that we had somehow managed to snag a crab trap rope and hacked it off. Guess we will (that’s we as in Dan) have to explore the prop and shaft to make sure none of the rope is still entangled. Always another job!

THE FAMOUS SEVEN MILE BRIDGE LINKING THE KEYS

BURDINES

Our assigned mooring ball was W9 and Steven skillfully snagged the rope and tied us up. Dan and I dinked to the office while Steven, now hooked back to the internet, made communications with Landmark College and engulfed himself in some work.

THE FAMOUS SEVEN MILE BRIDGE THAT LINKS THE KEYS

MARATHON MOORING FIELD

W9 OUR MOORING BALL

Dinner was a ding ride to Castaway, the oldest restaurant on the island. We sampled their alligator appetizer along with our meals of grouper, tuna and sushi. Mighty tasty meal!