We’ve taken a temporary hiatus from the business of yachting to enjoy hanging out with daughter Elyse, husband Todd, along with Emma and  Ian (shown above).

If you spend much time in this part of the world a mud trail will become common, even with five foot/1.5m draft. This is ideal for keeping the props clean, but a little hard on cutlass bearings and raw water pumps.

Keeping a good lookout for extra shallow spots is essential, not to mention wildlife.

As you may be aware, this vessel ‘s crew is into galley productions. Emma does her part (above) with a double layer chocolate cake.

Both Ian and Emma are photographers, with good instincts, not surprising considering their great grandfather, grandfather, and father are in the same boat (and Dad is a consummate professional).

It turns out Marathon, Florida, is an ideal place for enjoying the cruising life. There is a protected harbor, a welcoming community, and excellent cruiser oriented shoreside services. There are also a raft of attractions including wonderful wildlife adjacent to the anchorage.

We’ve got eagles,

herons, egrets, a variety of smaller creatures, manatees, and even a raccoon scavenging at low tide.

Of course warm water and inviting beaches abound.

But the biggest draw is the Dolphin Research Center.

Just down the road, uncrowded, with friendly staff, the chance to get close up and personal with these intelligent creatures is an experience not to be missed.

The thrill for the children, their parents, and grandparents is beyond description.

And it is a good chance to study efficient hull forms in action.

We estimate a speed length ratio above 2.0 here, perhaps as high as 4.0, yet there is almost no bow or stern wave. We like the color scheme as well.

We have a high res photo collection by Todd Beveridge here.