The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The title sums up Roland and Mary Ann Martin Marina and Resort perfectly.

First off, the good.

The marina is right on the edge of Lake Okeechobee. A large shallow lake that churns up quickly. The preferred route is almost directly across with no wind protection until the end. Also, the wind is typically on the beam and builds during the day so best to go early in the morning. We planned to leave at sunrise 6:38.

Roland is also close to Moore Haven. We had a short cruise and arrived by mid-morning. This gave us lots of time for chores. The marina laundry is set up in a lanai making a lovely cool spot to wash and fold. Whilst the laundry was being processed, Rocco got clipped, Maggie groomed, boat was tidied and vacuumed. Engine checks were done and strainers emptied. John off-loaded a scooter and went hunting for cash – which is surprisingly hard to find – and groceries. I replanted two of the window boxes.

Next, the bad.

Like many marinas Roland has a restaurant on site. This one operates primarily as a bar something we have been known to frequent. It was karaoke night and everyone was having a good time. The noise amped up after 10 once karaoke was finished. Then it got ridiculously loud.

So what is the ugly?

After the dogs started barking at 12:15, John went up to ask them to turn it down. There was one patron grasping three drinks so drunk he could hardly stay in his chair. The wait staff was cleaning around him and prepping for the next day. It seems the music was for them and they kept it going until one o’clock.

We caught the sunrise as planned, despite the late night and enjoy another day on the water. We arrived in Stuart about five miles from the west coast mid-afternoon.