Spending the Holidays in the Keys

Merry Christmas from Naughty and Nice!

Sombrero Beach on Christmas Day

Sorry Capt Chappy, Santa couldn't fit this in your stocking!

Christmas chow-down on the dock

Mr Manatee visited us on Christmas morning 

NautiNell was all decked
out for Christmas

Take a look at the sign behind us........

No, it's not Jimmy Buffett
but they were good, anyway

It’s really been a different Christmas this year.  Not used to the temperatures being in the 80s at Christmastime!  Not complaining though!  We’ve enjoyed days at the beach with our toes in the sand! 

We finally got to try out Boondocks.  It’s a really neat bar and restaurant on Ramrod Key about 25 miles south from here.  Carlton and Becky (Sea Moore) had a car for the week so they invited us to go with them to check it out.  A  Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band – “Caribbean Chillers” was playing.  They were pretty good!  And the food and company were great!  They have a miniature golf course there but we didn’t have time to give it a try.  We’ve heard really fun things about it.  Maybe next time…

I’ve spent several days baking goodies, even though it’s only Mike and I.  It does seem weird baking Christmas cookies when it’s 85 degrees outside!  I tried playing Christmas music, but it still seemed strange.  I still felt the urge to bake though – it just wouldn’t have seemed like Christmas otherwise.

We have met a couple, Dan and Elise, who have a home here close to the marina.  They invited us to spend Christmas Eve with them.  They have recently moved here from Indiana.  We were their first “official” guests!  We really enjoyed visiting with them.  They have a beautiful home here on the canal. 

We spent Christmas Day taking a dinghy ride to the beach.  The beach was really busy!  Lots of people on vacation, I guess, and wanting to go home with a tan.  The water was really calm.  We also went back into the mangroves looking for wildlife – iguanas and crocodiles.  Didn’t see any of either!! 

That evening we enjoyed a potluck dinner with several of the cruisers here.  Lots of them had gone somewhere for the holidays but there were several of us still here.  We managed to have turkey and all the trimmings.  It was nice to share the day with friends.  The only thing though – we didn’t have any leftovers this way!  SO…..

The day after Christmas, Mike and I made a trip to the grocery.  We cooked our own after Christmas dinner and stuffed ourselves again!  Now we’re still eating turkey sandwiches!  That’s more like it!  HA!

Mike spent most of yesterday refurbishing some of his lures with new hooks.  You know he always finds something to do…..  It’s been really nice weather with crystal clear skies.  The full moon last night was awesome!  He went fishing today with one of the guys here who has a 20+ foot fishing boat.  They were gone most of the day and came back with a huge mess of fish – hogfish and yellowtail mostly!  Yes, fresh fish for dinner!  No turkey tonight!  Yea!!

Oh, I have to tell you what I heard on the radio yesterday  - a cleanup crew working back behind the local Publix here in Marathon which is only about ½ mile from us – (we go by there about every day) stumbled across a 10 foot python!  They hung it up using a front loader.  It was huge!   Probably been feeding on the iguanas around here.  I can’t imagine what I would have done had I came across that thing while on my scooter!  Hmmm....

Right now, I don't have any idea how we will be spending New Years Eve and how we will be welcoming in the New Year.  I'm sure we will think of something.  We talked about going to Key West but that is just too crowded.  We'll miss the giant Pink High Heeled Pump dropping down  on Duval Street or the huge Conch Shell dropping at Sloppy Joes.  Ours will be a little tamer, I'm sure.

2012 has brought a lot of heartache for some – I offer up my prayers for those that are hurting.  May they find some peace in God’s Love.   I also pray that 2013 bring peace, love and happiness to everyone.

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

 

Spending the Winter in Marathon

Cool boat in the Marathon Parade

Interesting cat-rigged sailboat out on the mooring

Lots of lights - Key West Parade

Even more lights!

Now this is a fishing boat!

Having a beer at Sloppy Joes

Okay, it was a steel drum band
just not what we expected

We invaded the beach on a Sunday afternoon

Linda and Jeff along with Molly and Snickers

Now where are we going?  Who's our leader??

The Keys seem much quieter now that our company is gone.  We really did enjoy seeing everyone.   It was just such a whirlwind!!  Haha! 
 

Right after they left – our computer crashed.  We’ve now realized just how dependent we have become on this little machine.  It was only a couple of days before we got it back but it seemed like a lifetime!  LOL!  Thank goodness for my android phone!

The last couple of weeks have been spent enjoying the Keys and the local attitude.  I believe we’ve caught the “Keys disease”.   Not a bad thing!!

We spent one Sunday afternoon taking a dinghy trip to the beach and to the local hangout “Castaways”.  There were six dinghies in number with 14 people in tow.  What a great day!  The weather was great and so was the company.   I was anxious to get to Castaways to see the little puffer fish “Valentino”.  We had seen him back in February when we were here. Unfortunately, the sweet little blue-eyed fish that made everyone smile had been sick and his tank was being treated.  Later that week we heard on the radio that he had passed.  He was quite a local celebrity.  It may seem rather silly but everyone was really sad that the little guy was gone.

We’ve enjoyed several dinners at the local hangouts – Hurricanes, Dockside, Salty's and Keys Fisheries to name a few.  There are about 10 boats here so far and more on the way.  There is always something going on. 

Unfortunately the restaurant here at the marina (Dockside) had to close for a few days – in order to make a few repairs.  The locals told us that it was slowly sinking into the harbor.   It should be open this weekend.  Hope so!  I like hanging out there  - nothing fancy – but there is always some good music and things going on. They plan to be open by Friday so they can hold the "end of the world" party.  There are several of those parties going on around here this weekend.  I'm looking forward to Saturday moring!

Marathon held its annual lighted boat parade.  Although there weren’t really a lot of boats this year – the ones that did decorate were great.  The cruisers here had a little get together (lots of food and drink) and we watched the parade from our dock. 

We’ve had our boat bottom cleaned again.  And Mike spent one entire day power washing the bottom of the whaler.  He can stay busy doing about anything!  HA!  I have been busy shopping and wrapping Christmas presents for home.  They are all bought, wrapped and mailed.  I’m done!  At least, I think I am….. 

Last Saturday, Mike and I along with two other couples (SeaMoore and Jeremiah) rode the bus to Key West to see the lighted boat parade there.  It turned out to be a very long day – fun - but long……  First the bus schedule had changed – we had to literally rush to another stop – only to wait another 30 minutes for the bus to show.  Then off to Key West we went.  No problem!  We hung out at Schooners Wharf where there was to be a steel drum band.  What we didn’t know was that the steel drum band was from an elementary school.  It turned out to be nice enough but not what we had expected.  They kids were good and the singers were very cute.  But after a while we had had our fill.  We finally landed at a place near the bar and on the pier where we could see the lighted boats.  These boats were amazing!  The pictures don’t do them justice.  There were over 65 boats in the parade!  There was a huge crowd and I wondered if the pier would hold us the entire time – but it turned out to be a good time.  Of course, we had to rush to the bus stop to catch the last bus out of town.  It was a long ride home but we made it safe and sound.  Maybe we’re getting a little too old for such adventures….  Maybe not!

Today Mike is going to golf with a few of the guys.  Not that he's a big golfer or anything.  I'm not sure how many guys are going but I do know of three and it's safe to say that between those three - they may have played golf a dozen times in their lifetime all together!  It should prove interesting at the most.  The girls are meeting them for Happy Hour at Sparky's afterwards..... :-)

This is our first Christmas in the Keys.  It is quite different down here.  Not only is the weather different – 80 degrees and sunny about every day – the attitude is different.  The radio has been playing lots of Christmas songs – tropical ones – not the more traditional ones you hear at home.  I’m talking – Cheech and Chong – Calypso – lots of steel drums  - and lots of local recordings – some of them are quite creative!

Although a few are going home, there are several cruisers that plan to spend Christmas Day here.  A great potluck dinner is in the works.  It won’t be home – but it will be good.  Here’s to a very Merry Christmas with 80 degrees and sandy beaches – I can handle that! 

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!  And from the words of Tiny Tim – “God Bless Us Everyone!

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends here from Missouri - what a visit!

The girls looking good poolside!

Hanging out at Sunset Grill - catching some rays

Catching up with everyone

Fresh stone crabs - can't beat it!

chowing down on the stone crabs -
don't think Capt Mike wanted to be interrupted!

Everyone happy - "good friends and good food"

Yes, that's foil - getting a few "highlights" poolside

Interesting Elk painting in the
Key West Elks Lodge

Sunset at Mallory Square - Key West

Last night together - cooking up the fish
Quite a feast!

Capt Mike practicing his casting skills

Dick honing up his tennis skills
Notice the flip-flops
Serious game!  Ha!

On Friday – November 30 the whirlwind began!  We had 3 couples from Missouri here for a visit.  Scott & Julie got here about 4:00 and Dick & Debbie and Randy & Julie got here around 6:30.  First thing we did was hit the liquor store!  Then once they dropped off all their stuff at the condo – it was off to Dockside for dinner and drinks.    Their condo was really nice and less than a mile from NautiNell – just down the road a spell.  We enjoyed catching up with everyone.  The food was great and so was the band.  You can always count on Dockside and it’s only a short walk away.

Saturday morning we were all up early and headed to Key West for the day.  What fun!  We stopped at the local Elks Lodge for a drink and ended up having ribs for lunch.  They were cooking them out on the grill in front of the lodge.  This Elks Lodge is an IBPOEW.  “Improved BPOE of the World” A little different from ours back home – that’s all I’m gonna say.  Everyone was really friendly and they made really good drinks!

We had dinner at Hogs Breath and several cocktails in several places in between.  I really wish I had taken a picture   - on the east end of Duval Street it is rather “colorful” – Key West Style.  Right outside this “gay bar” was a Santa – (man) dressed as a woman would dress if she were dressing as Santa – right down to “his” red fishnet hose.  What a sight!  Something just isn’t right seeing Santa that way!  LOL!

On Sunday we spent most of the day at Sunset Grill here in Marathon.  The bar/restaurant has really good food, a swimming pool and a sandy beach area.  You literally can spend the entire day here and we did.  It was too windy to take out our boat.  We really wanted to give everyone a boat ride but 5-7 foot waves dictated that we didn’t.   The rest of the week didn’t look too good as far as wind goes either.  Oh well.  

We hung out at the condo mostly on Monday.  Their pool is heated and it was really nice to just relax a bit.  However, that didn’t last very long.  Randy and Julie had to go back home.  Sorry to see them go.  Guess some people do have to work, huh….!  For lunch it was off to Hurricanes.  Really busy and it took a while for lunch but it didn’t seem to matter.  It gave us more time to visit. 

That night we celebrated the sunset at Keys Fisheries with some really fresh stone crab.  Then it was back to the condo for more visiting and “a little more partying”………..! 

It’s really good to have a friend that’s a hairdresser.  Julie fixed me up and made me look “beautiful” again!  Pretty cool getting my hair highlighted poolside.  That’s a first!  While we girls were playing – the boys went fishing in the whaler.  Think it turned out to be more of a boat ride.  We hit Sparky’s Landing for happy hour and dinner.  I had a coconut Margarita that was out of this world.  Sparky's Happy Hour has wings and shrimp for 25 cents from 2-4.  Pretty good place to be!  We'll be back!

Wednesday the seas were supposed to lay a bit so the boys chartered a boat to do a little fishing out by the reef.  From what I could tell the ride was a little bumpy out there.  They came back a little green and not wanting lunch.  They did catch several yellowtail, mutton and a black grouper (grouper not a keeper) While they fished we girls shopped.  Perfect day. 

We spent our last night together at the condo with a wonderful fresh fish dinner.  Julie has way too much energy!  She dove in and did most of the cooking – fresh fish cooked three different ways, along with potatoes, rice, salad and all the works.  Can’t beat that!  AND Mike and I ended up with all the leftovers!  Yea!

Now it’s Thursday afternoon and I’m still catching my breath.  They left out this morning about 10:00 heading to the Miami Airport.  Miss them already!

The good thing is though – during all this “chaos” – Jeremiah (Jeff and Linda) and Seamoore (Carlton and Becky) finally made it in to the marina.  Good to see them.  We traveled with them while traveling the Loop last year.   They're staying here a couple of months too.  Think there may be a happy hour tonight…..!  We’ll see.  :-)

Till next time!

Admiral "C"

 

New Scooter and Thanksgiving here in Marathon

This boat is actually going to tow
the other one to Honduras!

Cleaning the Whaler - always something

I really did help - just taking a break in my beach chair!

Another beautiful sunset!

Here's our new scooter!  Zoom! Zoom!

Beautiful sky tonight - over the Country Club

Having turkey dinner at Sunset Grill

Happy Thanksgiving! 
We have so much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving Day sunset

Saturday morning (Nov 17) Mike picked up the rented mini-van at the airport and we were on our way to Lake Placid FL at about 10:00 a.m.  Yes, there’s a Lake Placid in Florida.  Who knew?  I thought it was in New York.  Learning a lot about geography, it seems.  I know more about Florida now than I ever thought I would.  Anyway, we were headed to Lake Placid about 260 miles away – through Alligator Alley – still didn’t see any alligators!  The objective here was to pick up our new “used” Yamaha Zuma Scooter – 49cc.  As I mentioned in my last blog – Mike sold our “Tank” – and found this little scooter for a bargain.  He’s also looking for another one so I don’t have to rely on him all the time…..  Look out!  I can be dangerous on a scooter – just ask that taxi driver in Key West – but now, that was a long time ago and no one was hurt- long story – ask me about it sometime.  LOL!  J

Anyway, we finally made it there about 4:00 – a little longer road trip than we anticipated – they were a very nice couple – Bobbie and John.  While Mike and John loaded up the scooter in the van – Bobbie took me out on their property where there is a swamp area – they have a resident alligator named ‘Zilla there.  Yea!  Or at least I thought.  Not one alligator showed its face.  They must be frightened of me!  LOL!  They hide in fear – yeah, that must be it!  I can still say “I have not seen one alligator on this entire boat trip”.  We did see some Sand Hill Cranes though.  There are two that live on their property.  What neat birds!  I’m told that they mate for life.  They didn’t seem to mind we were around.  They just walked right on by.  They were huge!

We decided not to drive back in one day  - it would put us back really late and we really didn’t have any real reason to be in a hurry.  We stopped in Clewiston FL for dinner at Beef O ‘Brady’s Sports Bar – not bad – and then we found a pretty nice Best Western nearby.  The motel wasn’t so bad but the walls were paper thin.  I mean we could hear the couple next door all night – if you know what I mean.  Eeewhh!  The complimentary breakfast turned out to be a disappointment too.  It sounded so good!  BUT – wasn’t…. They had scrambled eggs and sausage, etc.  BUT no salt.  Nope!  They were OUT!  You mean to tell me there was no salt in the kitchen?  The shakers were completely out on the counter.  Now there was a Wal-Mart Supercenter right across the street but no one would put out the effort to go get salt!  Sheeh!  Not really a big deal but – scrambled eggs need salt – at least Hot Sauce!  They didn’t have that either.  HA!

We did a little sightseeing along the way home.  Not really a whole lot to see.  We stopped at D-Hookers in Key Largo for a break and to watch some of the NASCAR race.  This is a really cool place.  I highly recommend this place for anyone that is cruising through Key Largo.  We had stone crabs and peel ‘n eat shrimp.  Yum!

We saw this nautical consignment shop along the road and had to stop. “Mother Earth” it was called.  Mike bought a cast net – and even got a lesson on how to throw it.  Now he’s going to get in to “live bait” fishing.  We’ll see…  We also bought a ladder for the Whaler.  Now when we go snorkeling – we can get back in to the boat!  Ha! 

We finally made it home and unloaded the bike from the van.  I went to the local Publix taking advantage of having a vehicle.   After that we just rested from our big weekend road trip.

Then Monday morning Mike took the van back (before 7:00 a.m.) and spent pretty much the rest of the day working on the scooter.  Hmmm.  Wouldn’t start.  He finally decided to have someone else look at it.  The problem is there is not one shop here in Marathon that works on scooters.  The closest one is in Key West.  He did find someone that would transport it to the Key West shop for $25. The guy does this quite often I’m told.  Anyway the shop said that we should have it back in a few days.  There is also a couple of bikes in Key West he wants to check out.  Sounds like another bus trip coming up.

In the meantime we are working on refinishing the teak furniture on our sundeck and the bright work – sanding – staining.  It’s really looking good!   There is always something to do on NautiNell.  Good thing – keeps us out of trouble! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This is the second Thanksgiving that we have been away from our family and friends.   We are having a great time aboard NautiNell but we do miss being home this time of year.  We are truly blessed though and wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Several restaurants here had special Thanksgiving meals.  We spent our day at Sunset Grill with a couple we have met here at the marina.  The food was great and we all ate entirely too much!  OF COURSE!  Mike and Linda keep their boat here and live in Naples.  The name of their boat is “Calypso Poet”.   It used to be named “Life’s 2 Short” and was owned by a couple from Springfield MO.  What a small world!

We have a week to finish up the teak refinishing and to get NautiNell all spiffed up.  Next Friday we have two couples from back home coming for a visit.  Can’t wait to see them and catch up on everything!  I see another trip to Key West in our future!

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

Hanging out in Marathon - trip to Key West

And they're off!

completely airborne! 

one of the leaders - at least for now

making a lap - fast!!

another "out of the water" adventure!

about to get lapped!

Qatar - the big winner of all
driven by a shiek from Dubai

seen this guy race before - very fast!!

A beautiful day for a race!

Veteran's Day Parade in Key West
Love the bagpipes!

Just one of the many entries in the parade

A great parade - lots of scout troops

Inside Hogs Breath Saloon

One of the infamous roosters in Key West

We’ve been here in Marathon for two weeks now.  Wow, time is flying here.  I can’t believe next week is Thanksgiving.  This is the second Thanksgiving now that we’ve spent on NautiNell.  While we are having a great time here in Florida – I do miss my family and friends.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

We seem to be on a mission here checking out all the restaurants.  By the time all the other boaters get here we should be quite the experts on where to and where not to eat.   So far, we haven’t been to any of the “where not” to eat places.  All is good!

Saturday Marathon held its Veteran’s Day parade.  It wasn’t really very big – but it was nice.  Afterwards there were festivities at the American Legion.  We hung out there for a while – people watching. 

Sunday we had a full day.  The International Powerboat Races were being held this week in Key West.  The finals were Sunday.  There is a bus that goes to Key West from Marathon.  You can even take your bikes.  AND – for seniors – it only costs $1.50 each way.  How’s that for a bargain!  It’s about 1 ½ hours to Key West on the bus.   We met a couple (Gary and Sheryl) at the bus stop from Vera Beach that had also come down to the races.  Also, a girl named JJ that works at the local liquor store.   After a few more stops the bus was pretty much full.  The ride didn’t seem nearly as long as I had anticipated. 

We made it to the races just in time to see the start.  Wow!  We had a great view at Mallory Square.   It turned out to be really cool.  Watching the boats, the people, eating hotdogs and pretzels, drinking beer and enjoying the sunshine – all in Key West.  No complaints here!

After the races we had a few beers at Sloppy Joes.  That’s when we heard all the commotion outside.  Cool!  Here comes the Veteran’s Day Parade – down Duvall Street.   Now this Veteran’s Day parade was pretty cool.  It lasted quite a long time.  I guess I didn’t realize how many people actually live in Key West.  It was quite impressive.  They threw out some good candy too!  HA!

After that we went to Hogs Breath for dinner.  Always a good time to be had there.  We decided after dinner we should probably head to the bus stop.  That’s really the only problem riding the bus to Key West.  You have to remember you are on their schedule and not yours.  In other words you have to be pretty flexible.  No problem for us though.  We made it to the bus stop in plenty of time.  When we got there – there was Gary and Sheryl waiting for the bus too.  However, they had had quite a time.  They had been trying to catch the bus for a couple of hours.  The one that was supposed to come by earlier had been re-routed due to the parade – they had no way of knowing that nor did the others that were at the bus stop.  Glad we had spent our time at Hogs Breath.  Sometimes things do work out….  HA!  Anyway, this bus showed up on time and we were on our way.  It was funny because about half of the bus was the same people that had ridden down there with us.  Most were rather tired and maybe somewhat “tipsy”.  LOL!  What a fun day!

Now today we’re working on refinishing the teak furniture and the bright work on NautiNell.  It’s looking pretty good so far!  Oh and we’re renting a car this weekend – Mike has found another scooter a couple of hundred miles away.  This one is a Yamaha “Zuma”.  We’ve also sold the “Tank”.  Are you keeping up?  Mike wasn’t really happy with the Chinese “Tank”.  The Zuma is a 49cc.  I should be able to ride it (all by myself - lookout!!) – no license needed.  Also, he’s looking into another one.  Two would be nice – hope they both fit on the boat!

Oh and yesterday, when I was getting off the boat there was a HUGE iguana – over 6 feet long -  just sunning himself on the finger next to our boat.  He stayed there quite a while watching me before he just dove into the water.  Pretty cool!  Wish I could have taken a picture.  I love the Keys!

Till Next time!

Admiral “C”