Caribbean Diary II #25 | Unexpected Change of Plan

19.03. – 20.03.2025

And firstly, things turn out differently and secondly, not as you think…

Susi and Gordon left on time with the Flixbus, but then we received a message saying their bus couldn't continue – the mangrove forests in Key Largo were burning, and the heavy smoke had closed the highway until further notice...

The Keys are burning – the highway is closed in both directions

Bernd and Florian get to work on the final electrical work and it doesn't take long for the entire boat to wreak havoc again. We decide to stay in Marathon for another day, as we have a quiet berth here, making it easy to carry out boat work.

Work chaos — Once again, the central power supply of Joline is being worked on – now the work is to be completed

Boating life around us is tranquil; we're surrounded by lifeboats—people who live on moored boats. The boats are often in poor to deplorable condition and are likely inhabited until they sink. Then they can be registered with the Florida Department of Lifeboats for free scrapping.

Lifeaboard boats sometimes have a memorable look – here, one has attached an additional storage area…

Several dolphins are frolicking between the boats – they are probably a regular feature here.

Since life isn't all work, we plan to take advantage of happy hour at the Castaway Restaurant. They offer not only happy drinks but also happy meals. So we try our way through buffalo shrimp, fish fingers, and cheese dogs.

Lionfish 2 — The lionfish or firefish is an invasive species that causes great damage.

Florian tries his hand at lionfish sushi – true to the motto: "Save the reefs, eat more lionfish!" This invasive species is killing off native reef fish...

We're sitting in the sun, and manatees are frolicking in front of the restaurant. Condensation from the air conditioning system is dripping into the water, and the manatees are queuing up to drink this freshwater. These giants have developed sophisticated drinking techniques.

A photo magnet for restaurant visitors – these are probably the most photographed wild manatees in the world – and since they are used to it, they don't mind if people hang almost up to their trunks...

so close to the manatees — Manatees love freshwater. Here they drink the condensation from the air conditioning system.

Bernd also does some happy shopping at West Marine – there are new lines, new binoculars, a new fishing rod and lots of cleaning products.

A guest from the neighboring table approaches us. He's noticed that we're foreigners and tries to start a conversation: "Does the catamaran in the bay belong to you?" "Hmm, one of those, I suppose..." "There's only one..." We check on the way back... he's right...

It stormed again last night, and now another boat is on the sandbank, and a deep-sea fishing boat has wedged its superstructure under the bridge… so we're not the only ones who've been thwarted by shallow water and loose anchorage…

Because we feel comfortable in Marathon, we decide to extend our stay for two more days, also to finish the work on the boat.