October 9–12, 2026 • Marathon, Florida
For years, Turtles have found one another in bars, military units, workplaces, lodges, clubs, campgrounds and just about anywhere someone was willing to ask a riddle.
Since Covid, our Turtle Club US Pond has been gathering virtually every third Tuesday of the month.
Now we’re finally doing something we’ve talked about for a long time:
We’re getting together in person.
This October, Turtles are heading to Marathon, Florida, in the beautiful Florida Keys for our first major in-person Pond gathering.
There won’t be a convention hall full of speeches or a complicated agenda.
This is a Turtle gathering.
Come meet Turtles you’ve only known online. Swap stories. Tell a few riddles. Raise a glass. Enjoy the Keys. And, naturally, see how many additional pure-minded people we can procure along the way.
The Turtle Gathering
Friday, October 9 through Monday, October 12, 2026
Our home base will be the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon, Florida.
We have special Turtle group rates:
- Queen/Queen Balcony: $189
- King Balcony: $189
- Standard Queen — Tropical View, no balcony: $165
- Partial Ocean View Studio Suite, King: $295
The normal $35 daily resort fee is discounted to $25 per day for our group.
Reserve your room here:
https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1779130414699&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Don’t wait too long. October in the Keys is coming faster than it seems.
Of Course We’re Visiting Turtles
It would be nearly impossible for this group to gather in Marathon without visiting The Turtle Hospital.
We’re planning around the 11:00 a.m. tour so Turtles can see the hospital’s sea-turtle rescue and rehabilitation work firsthand.
Learn more and reserve a tour pass:
Click the link below to visit the Turtle Hospital at turtlehospital.org
I have a feeling there may be a photograph or two taken that day.
Getting to Marathon
Some Turtles are flying into Miami. Others are arriving by train or driving from other states.
As travel plans firm up, we’ll help connect people who may be able to share the ride from Miami down through the Keys.
The drive itself is part of the adventure.
Why This Gathering Matters
The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles has survived for generations because Turtles kept passing it along.
There was never a giant organization making that happen.
Turtles found other Turtles.
One riddle. One membership card. One story. One laugh at a time.
Our online Pond has brought together Turtles from around the world. Now we finally have the opportunity to shake hands, share a drink and make some new Turtle history together.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Someday I ought to meet some of these people…”
This is your chance.
Already a Turtle? Help Us Spread the Word
This gathering is a grassroots effort.
We don’t have a giant advertising budget — and frankly, that wouldn’t be very Turtle-like anyway.
You are the advertising campaign.
Share this article or scroll down and download the square images, copy the shorter blog post and post where you hang out online.
Send it to another Turtle.
Mention it to the people who originally made you a Turtle.
Reach out to an old military buddy, coworker, lodge member, friend or family member who knows exactly what YBYSAIA means.
Somewhere out there is a Turtle who would love to be in Marathon and simply hasn’t heard about it yet.
Let’s find them.
Marathon, Florida
October 9–12, 2026
Stick your neck out.
Come join the Pond.
And until then…
Go forth and procure more Turtles! 🐢🍻
🐢 Turtles are heading to the Florida Keys!
After years of gathering virtually, the Turtle Club US Pond is finally getting together in person.
📍 Marathon, Florida
📅 October 9–12, 2026
🏝️ Faro Blanco Resort
🐢 Turtle Hospital visit planned
Come meet Turtles you’ve only known online, swap stories, tell a few riddles, raise a glass and enjoy a few days in the Keys.
Already a Turtle? Help us spread the word. Share this with the Turtle who initiated you, an old military buddy, a lodge brother, coworker, friend or anyone else who knows what YBYSAIA means.
Stick your neck out and join us in Marathon.
Go forth and procure more Turtles! 🐢🍻
#TurtleClub #YBYSAIA #MarathonFlorida #FloridaKeys
