Red Pearl

We last left you in Gulfport… We took a week away from the boat, and Larry traveled for work while Dea went back home to Lawrence. Before we left, Larry changed the oil in our twin diesel engines! Dea was very proud (and we saved hundreds of dollars!).

Back in Lawrence, we both had doctor’s appointments, Dea worked a day at the hospital, we decorated Dea’s mom’s house for Christmas and connected with friends.

Back in Gulfport, our next big goal was Marathon in the Florida Keys. This is a 3-4 day trip and we had 8 days to work with, so our plan was to slow down and stay 2 nights in each stop. Once again, Looping is not a good place for plans. We looked ahead at the wind and waves, and we had beautiful weather for 3-4 days and then it was looking really choppy and not a fun ride. So, once again we changed our plans and pushed!

On December 12th (Dea’s Birthday), we departed Gulfport and we made it to Burnt Store Marina, near Punta Gorda, Florida. They had a restaurant about 100 feet from our boat slip. We enjoyed seared Ahi Tuna, some live music, Key Lime pie and even a little dancing. Great Birthday!

The next morning, we made our way further south and east to the Everglades. We saw dolphins and turtles and all kinds of birds. We found ourselves in a very peaceful anchorage called Indian Key. It was absolutely silent and pitch dark. Unfortunately, it was overcast and we could not see the stars.

We launched from the Everglades cutting across The Gulf, destination Marathon! We get to chill in Marathon for the next few days. We are excited as our family (Spencer, Becca, Dea’s mom, and her sister and family) is coming to join us for Christmas. We have an AirBnB with a dock for the boat. Next update will be from the Keys!