#42 March 2012 Marathon - Key Largo - Miami - Boca Raton - Palm Beach - Peck Lake

In light of our experience last year in the Bahamas, we can happily report that it isn't necessary to leave our borders to enjoy pretty water.  It isn't gin-clear like the Bahamas, but very pretty, never-the-less.  And even better, Publix is on some nearby corner.

It's so much fun being Irish on St. Patrick's Day!  Oh, the wearin'-o-the green!

A fond farewell as we leave our home for the past 3 months.

Departing is such sweet sorrow!

Our time in Marathon sadly ended and the bitter-sweet time of biding our friends at Boatman's Marina and Resort farewell until next winter.  A sweet tradition, among this boating community, is to gather on the dock and toss flowers into the wake of the departing vessel wishing for safe travels and  return next season.

Dock mates tossing flowers of farewell into our wake as we depart Marathon

Our feelings were definitely mixed---we hated leaving our friends but were eager to get underway again.  We traveled about 55 miles the first day (along day for us). After we anchored, I looked down at our swim platform and much to my surprise, I found these 3 posies (from the flower tossing ceremony) that had landed there and despite wakes from other boats as well as our own, remained there!  How cool!  Tough, strong blooms obviously symbolic of the great, wonderful bond of boating friendships.

Oh, the shame and humiliation a trawler would suffer if a sailboat were ever to overtake her.  This one made several futile attempts.  What in the world were they thinking????

In Miami we actually trod on terra firma, getting together with Steve, our long-time boating friend.  Great food and fellowship. 

We really love Miami, and South Beach in particular!  Both areas have enormous offerings and for we who are car-less, the public transportation is excellent.  Wish we could stay longer but our dinghy repair person is awaiting our arrival in Ft. Pierce.  Till then, we're boat-bound and the kayak offers a very wet ride.

Thought this to be pretty folksy.  Spied these at Peanut Island, north of Boca---a beach that looks like Tent City.

We've had perfect cruising weather everyday---calm seas, clear skies, and beautiful sights along the waterway.

We had a sweet wedding anniversary celebration as we also celebrated the life-style that we share together.

As we await the celebration of the resurrection, we will keep you apprised of our cruising adventures.

Bill and Laura Bender
Aboard the trawler Kindred  Spirit III
Grand Banks Classic 42'