Tom and Ashley's First Visit

Back to back visits and good times for all.

Tom and Ashley came down with the goal to go fishing in the Keys.  They were not disappointed.  We went fishing, from Yasmine Ann, for the first time and they were able to catch three large Jack Crevalle.  We anchored right near the old seven mile bridge and Tom's first cast brought one in. 

A few days later, we went on a fishing charter and caught 24 Mahi, 3 Bonitos and Yammy caught the largest (again!), with a 40-45 lb Marlin.

We have left Marathon now and are sitting in Fort Lauderdale, waiting for the next window to jump.  Three great sailing days with Sunday from Rodriquez to Miami one of the 2% days you hope for.  We haven't been back to Fort Lauderdale since we bought the boat and are staying in Lake Sylvia for the first time. 

On the way to Rodriquez Key, we stopped at Hen and Chickens Reef, off of Islamorada.  All we can say is WOW!  Some of the most amazing coral formations and sea life we have ever seen in the Keys. Highly recommended stop for everyone.  This has given us an incentive to buy an underwater camera for next year.

 Jack Crevalle.  They grunt like a pig when out of the water.  Put up a great fight, but not good eating.  Tom and Ashley prefer catch and release anyway.

 Yammy's Catch.  Over 20 minutes later, it was spent. 

 If you want to catch the biggest fish of the day.  Don't bring Yammy along.  Last year was the 35 lb King Mackerel.

 You can see Tom reeling one in behind Ashley.  We hit a school and nailed a dozen within minutes. 

 Now that's a haul.  We brought a bag of fresh fillets to Castaway's and had them cooked up that night.  Best Mahi I have ever had.

 

Rochelle and Kevin's First Visit

It was so great to finally have one of our kids make it down here.  They spent 5 days and we did everything we could, including a trip to key west, except snorkel.  The wind gods kept it too rough at the reef, but that kept us cool on the boat.  Temps have been unusually hot hitting near 90 everyday.

Once our new grandson is old enough to enjoy, we looks forward to them returning for another adventure on Yasmine Ann.

 Rochelle wasn't here 5 minutes and was greeted by one of our lawn pets.  The fact they are herbivores, does not quell the fear factor.

 Went to the turtle hospital one day.  You learn a lot about sea turtles, but it is also sad.  This one had its rear flipper taken by a shark.

Rochelle and Kevin returning from another kayak adventure.

 I understand Kevin's paddleboard experience went much better here than in Jamaica.  No tow boat needed.

 Great pictures from our trip to the Dolphin Research Center.  A must stop for anyone going through Marathon.

 He was actually spinning the hula hoop.

Better than a sunset picture.  Rochelle is due in July.

Mangrovia

Kent and Jane, from Rising Tide, arranged a dinghy expedition of a settlement, we call Mangrovia.  It is actually Boot Key and used to be a bustling island with many fishing businesses and a radio station.  It was connected to the mainland with a lift bridge.  Once Marathon became a city and had to take over maintenance of the bridge, they decided it was too expensive and removed the lift section.

Now, a key you can only get to buy boat, has become a bit of folklore fodder.  So 4 boats decided to go and explore.  To be honest, it was a little freaky.  Sunk boats everywhere.  Ramshackle buildings and  "stuff" just scattered everywhere.  There were a few active fishing camps back there. 

Like I said, a lot of folklore, but I was told that once you staked a claim, it was yours for free.  Not sure if that is true.  Can't imagine living surrounded by mangroves.  The no-seeums have to be brutal.

 Heading back into Mangrovia

 Sunken attempt at building a submarine

 One of the largest iguana's we have seen.  I think sit eats people's pets that wander to the island.

 Our own Gilligan's Island on the south side of Boot Key.

 Sunset from Burdine's.  We go every Wednesday to hear Cory and Ty.  They are both cutting CD's this summer in Nashville, so they may be too big to be back.  We hope not!