We leave Stock Island, head back toward Key West, and then onto Marathon via the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Bay. The quicker Atlantic route is too rough for us this day. It’s approximately 72 miles. As I am still not 100%, we plan to lay low and relax at Marlin Bay Marina.
Marlin Bay is a beautiful resort with a gorgeous pool surrounded by lovely rental townhouses. There is a pool bar, but no food, along with poolside games such as cornhole and ping pong. I am not up to a game of ping pong…so those who know me, know I must not be feeling well!
May seems to be the perfect time to visit. The weather is gorgeous, not too humid, and the spring breakers and holiday travelers are all gone. Perfect seclusion for Covid recovery.
While the resort is beautiful within the gated grounds, the surrounding area outside is very commercial, mainly fisheries. Stone crab season ends this year May 1st, two weeks earlier than previous years, to help protect the egg bearing females in late April and May. Like so many other species, the stone crab is being over harvested and Florida is trying to rebuild the stock and resiliency with this measure along with increasing by 1/8″ the size of the crab claw that can be harvested. Since we are here the beginning of May, all the crab traps are back in the yards, and to be honest, can be quite stinky.
Although I am still staying away from people and restaurants for a few more days, Tom is able to get away and meet some of our friends for docktails at nearby Faro Blanco. Taking the dinghy provides easy transportation!
Another great, although different, stay at Marlin Bay. We will miss these sunsets as we head to the east coast!
So long to Marathon!