Day at Sunshine Key

We usually spend 2-3 hours at the pool after lunch. It has been really hot this week and the water is so refreshing. So many of the regulars that have been here since Oct or Nov are packing up to leave April 1. So the crowds are leaving. This manatee came into the marina today and got on a shallow rock ledge to take a nap. He does have to come up often to get air. Tex was so afraid of him. View of the park from the old bridge by the Overseas Highway. The old bridges are used by fisherman and we walk on them, too. View of the bridges from the beach in the park. The water here is the most beautiful color.

More of the Keys

Fred has been fishing almost everyday while I have been at the pool, reading and swimming. Tuesday, we went to Key West. We ate lunch at Geiger Key Marina Bar. Beautiful place off the beaten path---we would never have found it without the GPS.



Then on to Key West where we thought we would get our picture made at the southernmost point of the US-----this is the line so we didn't get that picture with us in it. We have one from
long ago though. This marker has written---90 miles to Cuba. The radio station says if you are closer to Cuba than Wal-Mart, then you are in Conch Country. Walmart is 136 miles from Key West. We are 97 miles from Walmart so you can guess I am having a little withdrawal.


After we looked around a bit on Duval Street, we went to the movies. This theater has been decorated in art deco style and has a lounge inside with sofas and a wine bar. We saw Lincoln Lawyer---what a great movie---the best I have seen in a long time.

Fred with Marilyn


Sunset back at our place. Really calm winds this week, temps in the low 80's.

Fish Dinners

After the fishermen bring in the fish, we take it to a restaurant to have it cooked. What a treat for us all!!!


Sam, Lisa, Megan, and Brandon enjoy before dinner drinks at Annette's.
Annette's and Castaway's are our favorite restaurants. Castaways has the best blackened and fried. Annette's has the best macadamia nut encrusted and horseradish fish. (battered with herb dressing and served with horseradish cream sauce) We have the fish prepared 2 or 3 ways and it comes on a really big platter for everyone to enjoy. Castaways also has a sushi bar for those who want appetizers. Annette's has the most amazing salad and soup bar.

Fred and Janice

The whole gang waiting on the fish.


Brandon, Megan, and Sam on St Patrick's Day at Sharkey's Bar and Grill.

Saturday Wash Day

Every year while here, we have this crew come to wash, wax, and polish the wheels of the coach.



They do a really great job and Fred is always so proud to see it all shiny!!!

Tex didn't like any of it!!!



It is amazing to me how they can do this and not wet any of our neighbor's stuff.

Kayaking the Canals of Marathon

Fred and I went kayaking over at the beach house. What a struggle to get over in that seat without tipping the boat over!!! But I made it-----



Now it is Fred's turn----Tex hopped right in.


Off we go----lots of fun to just paddle and look around---very relaxing.


Here we go to the big water----too much boat traffic so we turned around and explored the canals with all the beach houses----some really beautiful ones along the way.

Best Bet Fishing Trip

Perfect day with active fish!!! Best day Fred has ever had here. Everyone caught their limit of yellowtail snapper. Also caught mangrove snapper, grouper, mackerel, blue parrot fish, and trigger fish.


Fred with the biggest mangrove he has ever caught---over 5 lbs.


Fred with a 24 inch yellowtail---most unusual to catch one that big. Most were in the 19-22 in range.

Ted, Bill, Fred, and Jason (the captain) with the catch.


Fred is so happy!!!!

Lunch at Burdine's

Burdine's Marina has a rooftop restaurant---the Chiki-Tiki which has the best cheeseburgers and French fries in town. Lunch there while the guys were out fishing.


Megan, Lisa, and Brandon
Fish sandwiches, taco salad, fish fingers, and of course, lots of French fries and hush puppies.


Brandon and Megan---what a beautiful view.


John enjoys the view,


Notice the gas prices at the marina. Gas stations are $3.69-3.82 down here as of 3/15/11.

Birds at the marina

Playing with my new camera and trying out black and whites----this from the girl who cannot stand black and white pictures or TV.

The Fishing Trip

Brad and Fred unload for the deep-sea fishing trip with Jason.



Best Bet leaves the docks.


Fred with a grouper. Not in season so they have to go back----what a shame.


Fred with more fish. They only got 15 mangrove snapper---not their limits. But lots of good fish for us to take to the restaurants.

Relaxing at the Beach House

Fred and Tex fishing on the pier.


Sam has a Miller Lite in the shade.


Megan, Lisa, and Sam on the lanai.


Janice by the pool.

The Kids Arrive

Megan and Brandon arrived from Indianapolis after a 20 hr drive. John flew to Miami and spent 2 nights there with friends at big spring break parties before driving down. Now the whole gang is here relaxing around the pool.


Brandon and John


Megan


Dinner was boiled shrimp and Stone crab claws, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, and deviled eggs. What a feast!!!!


Beautiful weather and warm pool water with cool drinks in paradise!!!