February 9th- Boot Key Harbor, Marathon FL

We’re still floating around in the East end of Boot Key Harbor. It’s well protected on all sides so Catalpa doesn’t move much, even when there is some wind.

The dinghy channel, at the city marina, has been visited by various manatees over the past week or so. This momma and baby were around for a few days. One evening I watched the baby eat seaweed off of the seawall.

Another day, this beast was spotted at The Dockside.

Later in the evening the same beast was still prowling around for any food that hit the deck.

We watched some karaoke before heading back to Catalpa for some much-needed sleep.

We heard, on the radio net, that there was going to be a “turtle release ” at Sombrero Beach this morning. We grabbed some coffee, hopped in the dinghy, and went to check it out. There is lots of local support for the Turtle Hospital and their mission. These events are well attended.

I was a little concerned that Ollie might not act appropriately at the site of a big turtle. Since everyone at the beach was watching the turtle, Ollie and I got some exercise (off leash) at a distance. Lynne managed to work her way through the crowd.

This young green sea turtle was found last June. Terri had surgery and was rehabilitated at the turtle hospital. Fair winds and following seas Terri.