Skin diving in the Keys with Amanda and Chuck

We had another great visit from Amanda, Gary's daughter, and her boyfriend Chuck.  We picked them up at Key West airport and had a great time eating out and having fun despite some rain.  We took the boat out to Sombreo Reef where we stayed out on  mooring ball.

Amanda the mermaid

Beautiful day and water

Getting gear ready for snorkling

Visit to Lorilei's beach bar

Blue Macaw in Key West

Pick up at the airport

Plane down

Touch down!

Laura's visit to the Keys

We were so happy to have our daughter Laura, her husband Carlos, and our granddaughters, Chloe and Carly, for Thanksgiving.  They drove down from Panama City and we had great fun exploring the lower Keys.

Best ideas involve ice cream with Papa

Hog's Breath fun times

Key West foodie

Great times

Mallory Square performers

Beautiful sunsets

We watched the Disney Wonder leave

Sloppy Joes stop for a rest

Chickens saved by Laura

Checking out the Old Harbor

The group at the point

Football food for Alabama and FSU game day, Carly chefing!

Turtle Hospital Iguana

Turtle friend

Checking out the turtle ambulances

Beach day, big swimmer Carly

Adult beach fun

Visiting manatees
I think we got to do a little of all the fun things here.  I didn't get pictures of fishing.  They caught fish at Miss Em and also took a party boat out.  That was good eating that night.  We all enjoyed lots of family fun.

White Marlin at Marathon Key

Beautiful days at White Marlin.  We were so happy to find such a beautiful, deep water, secure Marina to spend the winter in.  Last year was so wonderful here.  I made great friends and enjoyed wonderful weather.  The marina is the best kept I have ever been in, with wonderful staff.

Entrance from Coco Plum Drive with the bathhouse and laundry.  I especially like the green and red marker lights at night.

The beautiful common with Tiki Hut.  We have great times here.

Harbormaster's office

View from owner's balcony

Owner Ms. Sue and Harbormaster Annabelle

View from the front dock

View from the side dock with great sunset views

Side common deck 

Beautiful garden grounds

Ms. Sue's home

Says it all!

Back of the Harbormaster office

Divine Miss Em at her slip

Beginning of a great winter!

We worked hard when we arrived at White Marlin to get the boat cleaned and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.  After a pigout at the stuffed pig we checked out a few of our other favorite hangouts.  Then we went to get our car from Ft. Pierce.  I was glad to get back to Marathon Key.

At Lorelei we had a great lunch and replenished T-shirts

The best beach restaurant

You can eat right on the beach

We loved tripping to Islamorada.  Every year they have a huge flea market so that will require a trip back.

On the way to the Keys!

We loved our visit to St. Augustine, but it was time to start traveling to Marathon where we had decided to spend the winter.  After a big year of major boat projects, it was time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labors.  We decided to go the ICW as the weather was not the best for traveling.  As the captain says when there are small craft warnings it applies to any boat under 100 feet! The best part about traveling is anchoring out.  It is so peaceful and quiet.

Anchored at Lake Worth we saw the big cruise ships leave

Moved dingy to the deck due to winds and large wakes

Dingy motor on its deck home
It is inconvenient to have to put the dingy off the davits.  Then you can't use it to go ashore.  But better safe than sorry.

Beautiful boats at West Palm beach

Rainbow at West Palm

Hurricane Harbor in Key Biscayne

Beautiful homes surrounding Hurricane Harbor

Looking out to Miami bay

Reefed down running the Atlantic from Lake Worth inlet
We left the ICW at the Lake Worth inlet, too many bridges. Finally some great weather, heading for Rodriquez Key

Light Winds

View from the cockpit
We began the Lobster pot lookout.  One of us on the bow of the boat to avoid them.  We used our remote autopilot which worked out well

Rodriquez Key Anchorage
A group of boats anchored around us and left early for the Bahamas

Next stop White Marlin Marina in Marathon Key