Kickin' Back in the Keys!

 Kickin' Back In the Keys!


Wednesday, January 22, 2014
We are still docked in Marathon in the Keys.  A great place to be in January, especially this January!
Reports of horrible weather back home: schools and churches closed, car accidents, and cabin fever!

It's cool today with temps in the 60's.  Mary ran errands and Steve worked on projects like- sanding and varnishing the teak boat railings (this project will take 6-7 days).

Just across the dock from Dream Chaser is a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol boat.  With four motors equaling 1,000 hp., they should be able to get where they need to be quickly!  Last night was the night to patrol for three CBP Federal Agents dressed in all black with protective vests (like something out of a movie-handsome too!) and lots of protection power in the form of guns!  Rather exciting!  Steve's a little miffed though, because they wouldn't let him join them on their night run.

This afternoon, our new dock neighbors arrived, Sal and Ina Oliveira, from Picton, Ontario on Salina 'O'.  In the picture up above, they are to the right of Dream Chaser.  They have been loopers and still have their burgee on their ship's bow, but now they winter in Florida and return to Canada each year for the summer.  Nice plan!
It's 5:30 pm, so it's time for DOCKTAILS!  Loopers, Pete and Carolyn, Bob and Loretta, and Sal and Ina, joined Jim and Michelle (Hammer), J.B and Shelly (from Chicago), and another local couple on the dock to socialize.  Besides our sliced beef salami, sliced cheeses, and assorted crackers, there was chocolate, chex mix, fish dip, a vegetable platter, and hot pizza.  Bundled in jackets, we shared boating experiences and had some laughs in spite of the cold wind and temps in the 50's.  We were wishing we had a warm campfire!
Back on board, we spent a quiet evening watching a DVD on the life of Mark Twain.

Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thursday started with brilliant sun and temps in the  50's, but 70's are promised for afternoon.
It was a laid back day starting with breakfast, then Steve's haircut (he was starting to grow a pony tail), poking around Marathon, lunch of rice and grilled Wahoo, varnishing the boat rails (again), relaxing by the pool, and catching some rays.

About 3 pm, we drove to Cocoa Plum Beach for our daily walk and to people watch-great walking and great watching.  Too early for a sunset!
Dinner was nachos and grilled steak with steamed greens.  At least the greens are healthy!

Steve attended a fishing seminar in Marathon on "Cast Net Fishing".  Basically...The art of cast netting is throwing a hooped net (4-12 foot radius) with an attached line into the water.  After fish are caught in the net, a retrieval clamp closes in around the fish and the net is hauled in.  This form of fishing has been around for awhile;  the Romans and Greeks cast nets, and it is also talked about in the New Testament.
Another quiet night on Dream Chaser.

Friday, January 24, 2014
Yes, another beautiful day with brilliant sunshine and  temps in the 70's.  Perfect weather to add more coats of varnish to the wooden rails on Dream Chaser which Steve did.

Did you know that there are seven species of sea turtles and five of these are found in the waters of the Florida Keys.  We learned soooo much at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon opened in 1986. Yes, it's for real!  This state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles (only one in the world) receives as many as 70 injured sea turtles a year and has release over 1200.

The hospital rehabilitates Loggerhead,
Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback,
and Kemps Ridley sea turtles
that have suffered boat hits,
monofilament & rope &
net entanglements, oil spills,
intestinal impaction (eating debris),
and fibropapilloma tumors.  They
think the tumors are due to
pollution.  Sea turtles are also
affected by the lack of nesting
sites due to coastal development.

The facility has outdoor pools to
contain the turtles until they are
rehabilitated and returned to the
ocean.  Some turtles are long term
residents due to physical limitations-
blindness, less than three flippers,
"bubble-butt" (air in their shells, so
they float to the surface and can't
dive down without weights added),
or growths.
Meet a couple of the stars!

                                                      

Our tour guide was excellent and provided
some hands-on items like this turtle shell that Mary is holding.  During the tour, our guide repeatedly warned everyone to keep hands away from the live turtles in the pools because this hospital does not reattach fingers on humans!








It's always Happy Hour in the Keys!
We considered returning to Salty's Waterfront Grille for Happy Hour and Karaoke night, but we learned that it burned down to the sand about a week ago.  So, no Salty's!

Tonight... Be at Sparky's Landing at Key Colony Beach in the Keys by 4:30 pm (we were) or you will stand in line outside with the rest of the crowd waiting for a table.  Peel 'n eat shrimp and Sparky's wings are $.25 each and with a house salad...voilà dinner!
After dinner, we investigated the area.  Key Colony Beach was a planned community laid out in the 1960's before strict environmental laws were in place.  Every block has a deeply cut channel so big boats can be docked in front of each residence.  Steve is impressed!  We drove to the end of West Ocean Drive and found Sunset Park.  A great place to be from 5:30-6pm to watch the sunset!

As the sun set, applause broke out among the crowd of people, followed by music and singing.
This is the chorus from the song,  "The Islands of Marathon" by John Bartus from Keys Disease.
                                                   
                                                         "Days on the ocean
                                                          walks on the beach
                                                          sunsets on the bay
                                                         The moon casts a silver
                                                          light on the water
                                                          takes all my cares away
                                                          Palm trees sway in the breeze
                                                          on this island I call home
                                                          It's tropical life in the Florida Keys
                                                          The Islands of Marathon"

Saturday, January 25, 2014
After breakfast, at 9 am, we drove northeast on Highway 1 towards Key Largo.  Today, our ultimate destination is Everglades National Park (yes, we are returning) for a tour of the Nike Missile Site.
We left Key Colony, and as we crossed the bridge, the sun was shining on the water creating miles of sparkling jewels- breathtaking!  We are anticipating a beautiful day with temps predicted near 80!
After a quick stop at Anne's Beach, we paid a return visit to a boat and fishing consignment shop in Key largo to purchase a fish fighting harness (we are hopeful).  The shop is worth a stop to just walk through; this place is an experience! It has USED everything boat or fishing! It's no Target!

Just outside of Homestead, the car turned
into the parking lot at "Robert Is Here",
our favorite fruit stand in Redlands. Steve
joined the 25 people in line for fruit shakes
and picked canistel & strawberry. YUM!

Canistel is a yellow, waxy skinned fruit
with pulp like a hard boiled egg.  It's flavor
reminds you of egg-custard and  is used
in custards, pies, and milkshakes. It is native
to Mexico and Central America.



At 2 pm, we are back in Everglades National Park to visit a relic of the Cold War, the HM 69 Nike Missile Base.  Completed in 1965 following the Cuban Missile Crisis, this historic Hercules Missile site was built to guard against air attacks from Cuba only 160 miles away.  Security against Soviet attack was America's main priority at that time and many of us remember the threat.  We expected an attack by Russian bombers from the north, but not from the south.  Missile sites were located in many northern locations;  we had a missile site only five miles from our home in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  Many of us remember people building back yard bomb shelters and participating in civil defense drills at school-if you're old enough!  Looking back on those drills, what would huddling under a school desk or sitting against the wall in a hallway accomplish if we had been bombed?   In 1962, reports from an American spy plane informed our leaders of the presence of missiles in Cuba, but we didn't know, until later, that they had many nuclear warheads (twice the size of Hiroshima) armed and ready to shoot at the US on a moments notice.  A Battery of the 2nd Missile Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery, maintained the 41 ft. anti-aircraft missiles which stood on-guard at this Everglades location until 1979.  Some of these missiles were fitted with nuclear warheads three times the power of the Hiroshima bomb and capable of intercepting an entire fleet of bombers.  The men manning these sites used restraint and are heroes of a war never fought.  We enjoyed Ranger Leon Howell's guided tour of the site as he painted the picture of our country on the brink of war in the 60's, brought history to life, and helped us understand what life was like for the men stationed at this site.

Steve and Mary are standing in front of one of the missiles which is stored in one of the missile barns.

Below is a picture of a missile being launched in Texas.  Every year the men in charge of these missiles would complete training to remain sharp and ready at a moments notice.  In 1962, President Kennedy traveled to Homestead to personally award this group for the key role they played in our defense during that time.

Our next stop was at the Annual Stone Crab & Seafood Festival in Key Largo.  We joined hundreds of seafood lovers enjoying the warm day, checked out the exhibits, and indulged in crab cakes, lemonade, and popcorn.  Great food and great people watching!

Steve was excited when he saw the bungee jumping event (shown above), but Mary helped him fight off the temptation with memories of his BAD experience with bungee jumping in Colorado a few years ago!

Making our way through the exhibits,
Mary almost bumped into one of the
exhibitors wearing a live PYTHON!
Yikes!
What is THAT doing at a seafood
festival!!!???
Mary HATES snakes!

On the drive back to Marathon, we pulled into the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar to watch the sunset along with hundreds of other people.  The cameras were clicking!  Sunsets are very popular in the keys, and it was spectacular!

Sunday, January 26, 2014
This morning it was quiet at the docks with sun and 80's predicted; it will be a perfect day!
The boat rails were dry this morning, so Steve added another layer of varnish on the wooden boat rails.  Now, we are free to be gone for the day!
By 8 am, we were headed northeast on Highway 1.  We passed Conch Key and drove over the bridge which provided an awesome view of the bay to our left and the Atlantic Ocean to our right.  The sun was sending a blinding reflection off the sparkling Atlantic waters-breathtaking!  Besides several boats down below, we are sure we saw a whale on the Atlantic side!  Highway 1 took us through the keys and over bridges until we arrived at Homestead, FL and Life Point Church.  After the 10 am service,  we drive toward Miami to upgrade our rental car.  The rental company was so overwhelmed with customers that they handed Steve the keys to a red Sebring convertible.  Awesome!
Lunch was at Sweet Tomatoes, a wonderful salad buffet.  Fresh & healthy, and there is ice cream for dessert!
Mary's love for the rodeo brought us to the 65th annual PRCA Homestead Championship Rodeo in Homestead, FL this afternoon.

These Florida style
t-shirts were for sale.
Fun!

This is the southernmost rodeo in the continental US, and the armed forces were being honored at today's rodeo.  This rodeo started in 1949 and now includes:  bareback bronco riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling, barrel riding, and bull riding.

Barrel Racing!

                Exciting bull riding!

This guy took a 
closer look!






This was of interest to Mary, being a former reading intervention teacher...In 2001, the local rodeo organization began supporting the Black Stallion Literacy Program with reading incentives for first graders where the horses visit the school and the students participate in a field trip to the rodeo.  What a great motivator!

Bring in the clowns!














About 4 pm, we began our journey back to Marathon and Sunday traffic in Key Largo (heading from the Keys to Miami) was beginning to back up for miles.  We were VERY glad to be going in the opposite direction!
Just prior to sunset, we stopped at the Bayside Marina and Boardwalk in Islamorada.  Nearby is a VERY nice Worldwide Sportsman Shop worth checking out.  It is a fancy "Key's style" Bass Pro Shop. Inside this store, we discovered the sister ship to Hemingway's boat, Pilar, on display which you can board.  The experience inspires you want to read "Old Man and the Sea", again!  The nearby marina and outdoor restaurant was a perfect place to listen to great island music and watch the sun go down!  Ahhhhh!

Monday, January 27, 2014
Another beautiful sunny day with temps in the 80's.
This had not been on our schedule, but...Today, we visited the Dolphin Research Center situated on a bay on the Gulf of Mexico on Grassy Key.  Open seven days a week, the center is an education and research facility which provides an opportunity to get up close and experience Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins and California sea lions.  We didn't choose to swim with the dolphins (we had done that in the Caribbean), but we really enjoyed the trainer talks and excellent presentations-spending most of the day!

During this presentation, three activities were going at the same time.  The trainers on the ends of the platform are working on behaviors.  The ladies in the middle are doing an ultrasound on the female dolphin who is expecting.  The gestation period for dolphins is about 13 months.  The dolphins are very well trained and let the staff do almost anything.  It is obvious that the staff love what they are doing and are dedicated to this center.  Several staff are in a college program while working at this facility-great deal.  We learned soooo much about dolphins, but I won't bore you with it all.  Stop by if you get down this way.
This center was home to the original "Flipper" movie, and the dolphin that starred in the movie is buried under a statue of her at the center.  Now to burst your bubble...Flipper was photogenic, but was worthless at doing tricks so she had stunt doubles.  These "stunt" dolphins had offspring who performed for us and they were terrific, but 90% of my pictures were only splashes because these amazing creatures move so fast.  Here are just a few shots that turned out!

The staff at the center
were enthusiastic and 
knew their stuff!

This dolphin 
is painting!

We spent most of the day at the Dolphin Research Center and after leaving, we went for our daily walk on the old Seven Mile Bridge which parallels the present Seven Mile Bridge.   This remaining bridge section took us two miles to the small 5 acre island of Pigeon Key, the original Henry Flagler work camp for the Overseas Railway and on the way back we enjoyed the sunset.  We met Dave and Arla from Wisconsin while we were walking and shared our Florida experiences.

The present Seven Mile Bridge is on the left and the old bridge where we walked is on the right.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014
No complaints after a great night's sleep, quiet morning, and stunning weather forecast for today.   Radiant sunshine and highs in the 80's!
After breakfast, it was a run to the hardware store for boat needs, followed by the sealing of the teak wood rails, and laundry.
That done, we investigated the Art Studio in Marathon, FL.  This studio provides an environment for creativity through many art media:  jewelry making, glass fusing,  leather tooling, ceramics, metal smithing & welding, and crafts.  A REALLY fun place for tourists and locals.

Not much happening today:  lunch, reading, a nap, relaxing by the pool.  

Tonight, we enjoyed BBQ pork sandwiches which were delicious!  Our friend, Meg, shared her Kentucky recipe with us, and now we are sharing it with you!
  Sear a pork butt roast on a grill (at highest heat) for 15 minutes (turn 4 times).
  Place the roast, 1 can dark beer, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes in  
  a crockpot.  Cook until meat shreds (low 8 hours).  
  In the 6th hour, remove half the pork cooking liquid and add the "sauce"
     Sauce: Mix all the following ingredients in microwave for 2 minutes (enough to warm and 
     dissolve the sugar) to make sauce:  1 1/2 c. finely chopped onion, 2 bottles chili sauce, 2 T. 
     brown sugar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 T. cider vinegar, 3 T. mustard, 1 c. raisins (mashed in
     food processor).  Continue the crockpot cooking 2-3 hours.  Salt and pepper to taste.
  Serve with broccoli slaw, chopped onion, dill pickles, and toasted & buttered buns.   ENJOY!
  We follow the recipe and then freeze the excess in small containers for future enjoyment.

Until it warms up to the north of us...We're just kickin' back in the Keys!

More Family and the Florida Keys

Thursday, January 16, 2014
It's a beautiful sunny day with a brisk wind (18 mph) and temps in mid 60's.  It was a great overnight and are still docked at Pancho’s Gas Dock in Marathon, FL.  We have a long "to do" list:  prepping purchased fishing equipment, cleaning, laundry, and buying provisions for our next "company".  We have a rental car from Miami, so we have wheels to get around to get things done.

Marathon has a lot of options for supplies.  Mary loves the big Publix grocery store—-best Key Lime pie, quality foods, and pretty flowers. Steve makes daily runs to Home Depot or West Marine. 

Marathon is not a key (island), but is made up 15 miles of 13 islands in the Florida Keys.  It is half way between Key Largo and Key West.  The name came from workers who had to work day and night to complete the Florida East Coast Railroad through the keys to Key West.  It was a Marathon!

Things to do in Marathon...
If you're a landlubber, we recommend Crane Point Museum & Nature Center with a tropical hardwood hammock (canopy forest), nature trails, and shrubs native to the area.  Crane House, on the Gulf, has spectacular views.  The museum building displays historical artifacts from waaaaay back.  Very interesting!
We also enjoyed the two mile walk to Pigeon Key via the Old Overseas Highway (old highway bridge) from the end of Seven Mile Bridge.  Not to be missed!
The Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital are also very interesting.
We love Sombrero Beach;  it is one of the finest in the keys.

Being docked at Pancho’s Gas Dock near Burdine's Grill we witnessed lots of activity- not the typical marina. It is a commercial area with continual movement by our dock of people and traffic going to and from the seafood company at the end of the street.  People are restoring boats, a few people live in their campers parked near the dock, many docked boats are live aboards, and some have their boats anchored off shore and park their dinghies next to Dream Chaser to access the shore (at all times of day and night).  It opens your eyes to a different way of life.

Tonight, it is cool and a mug of hot chocolate hits the spot.

Friday, January 17, 2014
As the sun is rising, we are up and prepping to leave Marathon and motor to Key West.
Our son, Ryan, and his wife, Sydney, are flying into Ft. Lauderdale and then driving to Key West, so we will see them tonight.
At 7 am, Dream Chaser pulled out of her slip at Pancho’s Gas Dock, eased into the Atlantic Ocean, and pointed her bow south.  Winds are 12 mph with one foot waves, and temps are in the mid 50’s.  


A bit of history...
The Florida Keys are coral islands with deep reefs on the south or Atlantic side and shallow sandy bottomed water on the Gulf side to the north.  In the Atlantic Ocean beyond the barrier reefs lies the great fishing.  Key West is located at the end of the archipelago.

Key West was named "Cayo Hueso" or "Bone Island" by the Spanish Explorers due to the piles of Native American skeletons found there.  The British/Bahamian inhabitants later named it considering its geographical position (key to the west).  The city of Key West covers a 2 x 4 mile area, is sunny 259 days a year, and winter temps are 76/66 with summer temps 89/80 for highs and lows.  It is only 90 miles from Havana, Cuba.

The Keys remained remote and inaccessible until well into the 20th Century, but that only added to the intrigue and fascinating tales of pirates, buried treasures and shipwrecks that litter their history.
While the wreckers and pirates roamed the sea, they caught turtles to eat (which have tender, veal-like meat), and ate lots of turtle soup.  In 1949, Key West had its first cannery for Green Turtle soup.
Following the 1868 Cuban Revolution, many natives found refuge in Key West and brought the secrets of Cuban cigar manufacturing. By 1890, cigar makers grew to 6,000.  The cigars were often made in shotgun houses known as "cigar maker cottages" which added new architecture to Key West.
The sponges harvested off the west coast of Florida were known for their superior textures and colors and brought jobs to the people.  The island of Key West has been a haven for pirates and wreckers, a cigar making center, sponge harvesting, and US drug interception center.

In 1905, Henry Fagler was one of the wealthiest men in the world, and he decided to build a railway to provide access to the Keys by extending the Florida East Coast Railway from Homestead to Key West. The '"Overseas Railroad" was completed in 1912,  eight years, three hurricanes, $30 million, and hundreds of lost lives later.  It was destroyed by the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 (winds of 200 mph and a storm surge over 17 ft,) and was replaced by the '"Overseas Highway" in 1938. Some of the original railway bridges were converted to carry the highway roadbeds. These bridges were used until the 1980s, when new highway bridges were built parallel to the route.  Many of the original railroad and highway bridges remain today as pedestrian fishing piers which are very popular.
The highway (US 1) now consists of 126 miles of roadway, with over 40 bridges connecting the tiny islands.  Highway 1 runs from Key West to Fort Kent, Maine.

There is a long list of movies that have been filmed in Key West.  In 1955, Tennessee William’s writing “The Rose Tattoo” was filmed there instead of Mississippi.  In 1959, Operation Petticoat and in 1988, the James Bond film “License to Kill”.   Also,  “2 Fast  2 Furious”  and “Meet the Fockers” were among the long list.
Today, Key West is a destination for tourists to enjoy sun and warmth via car, ship, or plane.  They come to fish, write, carouse, and rejuvenate as did the likes of Ernest Hemingway, John Audubon,  Tennessee Williams, and President Harry Truman.  The residences of these well-known men have since been turned into Museums and the history of Key West continues to be guarded and celebrated along with the eccentric attitude and "Let It Be" philosophy of the locals.  In Old Town, Jimmy Buffet tunes, cigar smoke, tourist shops, and rowdy bars mix with great architecture and fancy restaurants.

It has been a great day of motoring, and we are docked in the best spot in Key West!
Dream Chaser found her slip in the A&B Marina located at the Harborwalk in the heart of old town  rich with historic sites and architecture.  One hundred feet from the boat is the popular restaurant, Olonzo's Oyster House and the boardwalk.  Two blocks away is the famous Duval Street called the longest main street in the world because it goes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.  Mallory Square is only a few blocks away.

Ryan and Sydney arrived about 6 pm and got settled in.  Dinner was grilled Spanish Mackerel, green salad, rice, beans, and key lime pie for dessert.  After a walk around the old town and a stroll down Duval Street, we returned to Dream Chaser and turned in for a good night's sleep.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 
After sleeping in until 8 am, we finished our breakfast of eggs, bacon, and coffee cake and were ready for the day.  The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and temps were in the 60's with 70's predicted by afternoon.  A great start to the day!

                                            Steve, Mary, Ryan, and Sydney

We heard some commotion outside our boat and realized a diver was checking out the hull of the sailboat docked next to us.  Not to pass up a good opportunity, Steve asked if he would be interested in checking out Dream Chaser's hull for any possible problems, also.  Great timing, great price!  Dream Chaser is in great shape!

With fishing on the docket for Sunday, supplies were needed for that preparation, so off to Key West Marine for a fishing net and other items.  Along the way, we ran into some local wildlife (chickens and roosters run wild all over town) and some flowers gracing the area.

When in Key West,  you have to get a picture with the southernmost-point buoy (after you wait your turn in line for 15-20 minutes)!  Apparently, everyone has that on their to-do list.

Next on the agenda was the Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival held all day at Bayview Park in Key West.  We arrived at 11 am when the festival started, and enjoyed some live band music, shopping, people watching, and great seafood!

There was a huge emphasis
on recycling, ecology, and
saving the environment at
this festival.
This guy was a robot made
of recycled items who rolled around talking to people and 
quizzing them on such
topics.  Actually, he was
a little bit (actually, REALLY)
creepy.

"Max, this picture is for you!"  Steve couldn't pass up the opportunity to show off a cool hammock to our hammock loving nephew, Max.

Together, we 
shared stone crab, 
conch fritters, 
conch ceviche,
fried clams,
a spiny lobster 
dinner with
coleslaw, rice, 
and beans.  Yum!

Ryan and Sydney
love seafood, also.

Great food &
Great fun!







From the park we ventured to a marina where there is an interesting boat docked.  The boat is a 158 foot Italian made spacious luxury sail/yacht, named Legacy. The story goes like this...This yacht is one of two custom made by Perini Navi Ship Builders for Peter Halmos.  During Hurricane Wilma, in 2005,  Halmos, his captain and some friends attempted to ride out the hurricane, but the anchor didn't hold, and she was tossed around for miles.  The boat was grounded off Dry Tortugas (a small group of islands a the end of the keys) about 67 miles from Key West.  The yacht was aground 2.5 years due to a dispute with the federal government over how to free it with out damage to varieties of sea grass. It lay tipped on its side with a mandatory crew aboard for years.  Because it was 1/4 mile from deep water, they had to work with the tides, coffer dams, and a towing vessel to slowly raise it a few feet at a time to get it into deeper water.  It cost $1 million per month to maintain and move the boat.  After being freed, the yacht is now in Key West for repairs.  Presently, the boat is tied up in insurance battles.  Steve attempted to arrange a tour, but it wasn't in the cards!

From the marina, we drove around and Steve showed us where he and Nick had gone to buy numerous used items for fishing from a private party.   This gentleman lives in his sailboat on land (below) in a community of boaters "on the hard".   He and his wife used to travel extensively all over and after her passing, he has lived in his sailboat on the hard for several years now.  He has an stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, and if the water level rises a lot...he is prepared!

We hopped in the car and headed up the keys to Big Pine Key where we checked out the fishing items at the Nautical Flea Market. Then, the fish market was next...lots of seafood!
Big Pine Key is known for island deer which are endangered.  We followed a back road to where it ended at the Atlantic shore, but didn't see any deer or wildlife except lots of birds.

Back in Key West...All roads lead to Mallory Square where crowds gather for the Sunset Celebration, and on the way we passed the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Gardens. This garden has 36 bronze busts of people who have had the greatest impact on the city. Interesting.
About 30 minutes before sunset, we arrived at Mallory Square to experience the entertainment with thousands of other people.  They came with their cameras from old town, local restaurants, and a huge cruise ship docked nearby... to experience the sunset!
Here are just a few of the acts...

So how does he get down?

 He was cute, but
he didn't fly!





Most of the entertainment was.......very entertaining!

After great entertainment and an amazing sunset at Mallory Square in Key West, we wandered down Duval St. checking out shops and people watching.  When it was time for dinner, we returned to the marina and the historic boardwalk. About 100 feet from where the boat was docked is Alonzo's Oyster Bar, a premier seafood restaurant.   Everything we ordered was delicious!
After a quiet evening, we turned in to get rested for our adventure planned for tomorrow.

Sunday, January 19, 2014
Life at a marina...this was where we exited our dock. (We used to stand behind those ropes at marinas and look at the boats and imagine what it wold be like to live on one of them....Now we know!)

This was our view from
Dream Chaser, down the dock
to the right.















This was our view from
Dream Chaser, down the
dock to the left.  There are
electrical hook-ups, hoses,
ropes, and just "stuff".









Our day was bright and sunny with temps in the mid 60’s as we began our Sunday morning.  After breakfast and coffee, we readied the fishing rods, cleaned the galley, and secured everything for our morning departure. 

In this shot, Dream Chaser is docked and the electricity that
is plugged in will soon be disconnected.










 Just a couple docked boats over from Dream Chaser nudging up to the dock, was a gentle creature.  A manatee was hanging out enjoying a fresh water drink from a water hose on the dock.  Below...

Without a sharp eye or someone to point them out, it is easy to miss these silent creatures as they lounge submerged under the water.   They are located where there are fresh water springs.  Also, Ryan and Sydney pointed out a tarpon and this jellyfish in the water next to our boat.  Amazing!

While Mary was out for her morning walk, she heard piano music and saw this funky Key West Christmas Tree (colorful bobbers strung on wires) in a nearby park area.  Very Key West!

(Above) People were gathered along the street, and a gentleman was cheering and playing a piano (placed on rollers) while runners were passing by on the street.  Today was the scheduled 16th Annual Half Marathon and 5K Run.  Uniquely Key West!

Our two night stay at A & B Marina has been delightful.  The facilities are top-notch (free washer and dryer facilities), and we are close to great restaurants and popular locations.  It has been fun to “hang” with the “big boats”.  (Pictured below) Docked on our port side was a 62 ft Prestige, and on our starboard side was a sailboat and a 51ft. Ocean Alexander, Dream Chaser’s big sister! 

It was sad to say farewell to Key West, but at 9:30 am, Dream Chaser eased out of her slip and headed for the open Atlantic waters.  We shared the waters with many vessels on the way out of the harbor area.

It's always good to have
another captain aboard!

This picture, above, shows Dream Chaser at the actual southern-most point of the US, and is pointed directly toward Cuban (90 miles about 13 hours away).  The buoy on land (where all the tourists take the pictures of the southern most point) is not the actual southern point.

The Chase form 
of deep-sea fishing!











We motored into the Atlantic with fishing on the agenda.  We are on a course 6-8 miles from the shoreline with temps at 68.  We have brilliant sunshine, the flying fish are darting ahead of us, and the dolphins visit and swim along side.

Ryan is encouraging 
the dolphins to do 
tricks.

Mary and Sydney are
sitting on the bow
enjoying the sun!





Lunch was BBQ pork sandwiches and salad enjoyed from the upper helm. We caught only three little tuna, so no fish for dinner tonight. We will be eatin' out!

We worked our way back into the Coral Lagoon Marina at Marathon.  As Dream Chaser backed into her slip, we were welcomed and assisted by fellow loopers, Pete and Bob.   Pete and Carolyn Beers on Humbug are from Mystic. CT.  Bob McKane and Loretta Steeves live on their boat the Carol Anne.  Dream Chaser loves her new quiet, peaceful slip! 

Dinner was at the Lazy Days Restaurant in Marathon where the locals go for great seafood, salads, pastas, and sandwiches.  For $14.99, you can have Chef Lupe cook your catch and choose accompanying side dishes.  What a deal!  We ordered from the menu and dined on the patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean as the sun was setting.  Awesome! 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Good morning!....the sunrise at Coral Lagoon in Marathon!

Our day began wonderfully with 70's today, brilliant sun, calm winds, and a predicted high of 75.
After breakfast, Ryan and Sydney left for the Theater of the Sea in Key Largo to see the dolphin show. They loved it and would recommend it to all.

Lunch at Shipwrecks
was a hit with Ryan
and Sydney!









After lunch, Sydney and Ryan went to the Alligator Farm in the Everglades near Homestead, FL.  It was a fun afternoon.  They saw alligators and crocodiles, attended a gator feeding, and went on an air boat ride.  They also stopped at "Robert Is Here"and had a Key Lime Pie flavored shake.  Delish!
When they returned, we headed to Sombrero Beach in Marathon for the sunset and were just in time!

                                                            Beautiful Sunset!

After returning to Dream Chaser, nachos were served which disappeared quickly.  On the menu for dinner was grilled Wahoo and Florida pink shrimp, rice and beans, and Key Lime pie or eclairs for dessert.  Later in the evening, Sydney made Piña  Coladas! The party has begun!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

We woke to a beautiful sunrise in Marathon, FL

The day began with temps in the 70's, some cloud cover, and a 30% possibility of rain.

Our neighbors at the dock, Ron Berlet and Bill Cunningham, in Magdalene (a 43' Tiara) pulled out and were headed to Naples, FL.  What a beautiful boat!  We are hoping to reconnect with them in Boca Raton in about a month.  Bill Cunningham was a Canadian broadcast journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.  His Canadian team worked with the U.S. correspondents Morley Safer and Peter Jennings.  You just never know what interesting people you might run into on a "looper" trip!

After breakfast, the suitcases are pack and with hugs good-bye, Ryan and Sydney are off to Ft. Lauderdale and their flight to Minnesota.   BRRRRRR!

Ryan took a snack of 
apple bananas for the trip. They are 
small and sweet with a rich tangy flavor;  
a good dessert banana. The picture 
shows how much smaller they are than
our normal bananas.  Tasty!





The day was full of errands, laundry, repairs, boat prepping & cleaning, and reorganizing.  Steve spent a considerable amount of time BELOW working on various projects.  This shot was taken with the floor of the galley removed.  That headlamp has been worth every penny;  lit his path up Kilimanjaro and now lights up the bowels of the boat.

In a small space, it is important that everything is in it's place!  At 3 pm, the heavy rains came, drenching everything and actually assisted Steve in scrubbing down the boat.
For dinner, we enjoyed BBQ pork sandwiches and salad while we caught up on news.
It was a relaxing, quiet evening.