Leaving Our Mark on Boot Key Harbor and A Day At the (Pig) Races!

February 27, 2011

To support the Harbor's Relay for Life team, we purchased the opportunity to leave our mark on Boot Key Harbor. We received an old, rustic piece of wood on which we could put our boat name, home port, distance to same, and any other information we might want to include.

I completed the task of painting the sign today. It is a facsimile of the the lettering that makes our boat name. The actual boat name is a multicolored vinyl graphic that spells out SUNSHINE with a tropical scene in the actual letters. The Harbor sign that I painted is similar.

The marina people will mount it when they get some time. Beside the six or eight boards that have already been mounted, I think they have another dozen or so ready to go.

After finishing the sign, we went over to the Stuffed Pig to watch the pig races. Pig owner/promoter Rosaire and his daughter do a great job. The pig races are a lot of fun.  Placing bets on the pigs can give the onlooker something to cheer for, although it is certainly spectacle enough jut to watch.

Three days of festivities are run in conjunction with National Pig Day. all proceeds go to benefit the Grace Jones Day Care facility.

Here We Go Again!

February 26, 2011

Well, we've been really busy and haven't had any computer time. So we're post dating the next series of entries. This one is for February 26, 2011.

Here goes:

We have been enjoying great weather and this day gave us a carbon copy of yesterday and the day before that, and the day before that, and the day before that and... Well, you get the idea!

We did a short bike ride to the US Coast Guard base. We had heard that the Coasties were accepting out of date flares for proper disposal. We have one-half dozen that we need to get rid of, so this is perfect!

Once we arrived at the base, we found a lot more than a disposal box. There were free burgers and dogs, tables with nice freebies, not to mention a table of goodies available for purchase.

We stopped to talk to one Coasties and, before leaving, we boarded two in-water boats; a 41 and a 39. The 39 looks like an inflatable and is loaded with sophisticated equipment. As you would expect, both were well maintained.

The Simple Pleasures!

What a delightful day. It was mostly sunny and the temperature was 82 degrees with a gentle breeze. Our old form returned to us on the Bocce courts as we won both games we played.

After enjoying a salad for lunch, we had a nice time just chilling aboard SUNSHINE. The great weather brought a lot of dinghy traffic and we watched the little tenders dart to and fro. After relaxing a bit, we returned to shore and readied the bikes for what turned out to be a fourteen mile ride. The humidity was up so we made a few extra hydration stops along the route.

Before returning to SUNSHINE, we did the grocery shopping at Publix. By the time we were back aboard it was time to salute the setting sun. At the conclusion of our sunset celebration, I fired up the grill and made a couple of burgers and two ears of corn on the cob. Anna Marie set the table and served a nice cucumber salad. We enjoyed an excellent meal in the cockpit while watching the sun paint the sky.

Delicious food in a a delightful setting is magical. All the money in the world couldn't buy a finer day or experience.

We capped the day with fresh strawberries and a nice movie followed by a refreshing shower. At 2200 hours we shut down the generator and got ready for the sack. We'll enjoy good memories about this simple day!

Summary of Recent Events!

2/20/11

We set off on a planned 25 mile bike ride yesterday (2/20/11). After about six miles, I heard a loud POP, and my rear wheel began to wobble. Pulling off to the side I inspected the wheel to find two broken spokes. Anna Marie rode back to the marina to retrieve the truck so we could get my bike to the repair shop. Her return ride was ten minutes shorter because she rode with the wind on the way back. After loading the bike into the truck, we continued north for a few miles so we could reach our destination. The Wreck, under new ownership, was having it's grand opening. The party included music by various local entertainers along with free burgers and dogs. We enjoyed the music and food for awhile before leaving so we could take a walk.

We continued north to Hawk's Cay on Duck Key. We wanted to look around the islands of Duck Key, and check out the marina and restaurant.

After seeing the sights, we got our walking poles out and went for a two mile power walk. By the time we finished, it was time to head back to the boat. Sunset and dinner time wre quickly approaching.

2/21/11

Took the bike to the shop for the spoke repair and then walked six miles; four on the Pigeon Key Bridge and two more to Publix and back in the early evening.

2/22/11

Picked up the bike. The tech said he replaced four spokes. The next time might be a problem as all of the other spokes are frozen. It's a good thing they didn't need adjustment. While there, we also purchased a Cateye computer for the bike so we'll know the exact time and distance we travel.

While I was taking care of the bike business, Anna Marie went to the hair salon. As I pedaled back to rendezvous with her, I saw two bike accidents. One was with a car on the bike path. Thinking the bike path a safe venue, we ride sans helmut. Perhaps next year we'll bring our helmuts with us.

"The Heart Is A Little Left of Center!"

NOEL PAUL STOOKY CONCERT at the Tennessee Williams Theater, FKCC, Stock Island

As has been the case for the last month or so, our Friday began at 1000 hours on the Bocce court. Our game wan't up to snuff today. Perhaps it was because we were too excited about today's activities, which included a trip to the Tropic Theater in Key West, dinner at an as yet unselected restaurant, and the highlight for the would surely be the Noel Paul Stooky concert at the Tennessee Williams Theater.

After Bocce, we headed out over the seven mile bridge and had picnic lunch on the far side of the bridge. Traffic wasn't bad and we enjoyed an easy run to Key West. We parked by the old Coast Guard Station and walked a few blocks to the theater. We chose to see "Rabbit Hole," starring Nicole Kidman. The movie was very sad, but extremely well done. 

Before leaving Key West, Anna Marie had to stop at the Ben Franklin store to purchase some basket making supplies. She hopes to be able to find some time to meet Libby (Tarwathie) who has lots of experience.

We decided to have dinner at Bobalu's in Big Coppit Key. The restaurant has an excellent reputation for home cookin.' I ordered a cup of Conch Chowder and Mussels Florentine and Anna Marie chose the fried Grouper and Tilapia basket with fries. The food was outstanding and we were both delighted with our selections. In fact Anna Marie wanted to sample the homemade Key Lime Pie! it was outta this world! The meringue was particularly thick and the key lime filling was appropriately tart. Although Bobalu's is a bit short on ambience and is. Missing the flair of an island tiki hut, it is an establishment that provides excellent quality fare at fair prices.

Noel Paul Stooky

After our meal, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and soda at the local Burger King before heading to the theater which is on the campus of the Florida Keys Community College, located on Stock Island, just outside of Key West. 

While not a sell out, the concert was well attended. We found the theater to be very comfortable and our front row, center stage seats gave lent a very intimate feel to Noel's performance.

Noel Paul Stooky

His performance included many tunes that will be on his soon to be released (11/11/11) album. He did mix in a couple of songs from his days with the "trio." between songs, the topic of politics came up. Paul is clearly pained by the rhetoric of today's politicians. He thinks a culture where Americans will demand consensus building from their politicians. He clearly recognizes that his audience may have representatives from the right wing. He worked not to offend them while peppering his set list with protest songs, songs encouraging environmental protection, and humanity.

2nd Set List

The audience seemed very moved by the performance. I found it to be inspiring, motivating and thought provoking. Clearly a folk music home run!

The highlight of the night was the sing-a-long to Blowin' In The Wind which was very moving. In fact, my neighbor actually cried while singing the song. Paul's guitar arrangement was equally outstanding and included some chord progressions that I never head performed with this song.

Noel Paul Stooky

The other highlight came during the encore performance when Paul thanked the audience for their years of support. He thanked the audience for making it possible to send his three daughters to college and offered that he hoped they would perform deeds in their lives that evidenced their appreciation to his fans as well. He suggested that it was great to live in a country where individuals have the opportunity to be successful. This set the stage for his rendition of "America the Beautiful." It was another outstanding guitar arrangement with chord progressions one doesn't associate with this song.

Noel Paul Stooky

All in all, we enjoyed a banner day here in the Florida Keys!

   

To the Beach!

It's Thursday, so it must be time for Yoga under the Tiki! Following our 1 1/4 hour stretching routine, under the leadership of Deb Streeter, we returned to SUNSHINE so we could pack for the group "dinghy convoy" to Sombrero Beach. We met at mooring ball M-8, home of S/V Traumeri, and were joined shortly by the crew of Living Well. Midori was wrapping up some business from the morning "Buy, Sell, Trade" on the Cruisers' net and joined us in short order.

We arrived at Sombrero Beach a little after 1300 hours, picked our picnic pavilion and began setting up. It was about this time that Midori arrived with Lynn's famous Potato Salad with the secret ingredient. It, along with Mary Anne's three bean salad were the hits of the picnic. Carol's fresh veggies and dip and Anna Marie's fresh fruit were equally tasty.

Our meal was followed by some beach time and camaraderie among the crew of the four boats. The beach was crowded today. Lots of folks wanted to swim, soak in the sun and enjoy the fine weather.

We left the beach just after 1500 hours. Anna Marie wanted a haircut, so we went ashore but, alas, the Jersey Girl was already closed for the day. We walked to Publix to pick up a few items and returned to SUNSHINE by 1800 hours,where we had a light dinner following our conch horn salute to the setting sun.

Visitors’ from NJ!

This is great! Dear friends for NJ arrived for a visit. Sadly, their stay can’t be as long as we had hoped, but we’ll try to pack a weeks worth of activities into three days!

While here, we dined with other friends from NJ, walked the nature trail at Curry Hammock State Park, Walked all the trails at Windly Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Walked a lot of Key West,  especially the cemetery, and celebrated Valentine’s Day with a sumptuous dinner at the Keys Fishery.

After their departure on Monday morning, we took a bile ride to Flamingo Island, near the Sombrero Golf Course, and returned to the boat to work on the logs.

Remember the Maine! (Key West Cemetery)

Unusual Headstone (Key West Cemetery)

Sunset (2/13/11) - Sombrero Beach

A Note About Windley Key (from the Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park Brochure)

Windley Key is one of the highest in the chain of Keys formed of "Key Largo Limestone" over 125,000 years ago. Over the centuries, the sea rose and fell. At times the water level was approximately 25 feet higher that at present while at other times the ocean levels dropped by as much as 300 feet, revealing the entire Florida Plateau. About 5,000 years ago, the water level stabilized and the ancient coral reef crest that remained exposed created the islands that are the Florida Keys. Various tribes of Native Americans inhabited the Keys before the first European explorers arrived. Middens and other remains are located throughout the islands documenting their earliest human occupation. 

Ther railroad was completed in 1912 and the quarries and Windley Key Station continued to serve in many ways. Local trains stopped daily to deliver much needed fresh water from the mainland and pick up mail and passengers. On return trips, shipments of polished "keystone" were railed back to the mainland. This keystone, a decorative building stone, can be seen on several buildings throughout the US, including the St. Louis Post Office, an altar in a NYC chapel and many other locations. The clean cuts of the quarry machinery revel perfctly presevered fossilized specimens of a variety of ancient coral animals. The park offers a rare opportunity to compare living corals of today with their fossilized ancestors. The limestone cuts also reveal the thin layer of soil that supports the abundant variety of botanical life that thrives in the subtropical environment of the Keys.

Over 40 kinds of trees can be found along the trails whose fruits, nuts and berries provide sustenance for several endangered animals and dozens of migratory bird species.

A Day for Exercise and Camaraderie!

As usual, our day started with breakfast while listening to the Cruisers’ Net. It’s Tuesday, so right after the net, we hustled ashore for Yoga.Following another good session, we returned  to SUNSHINE for lunch and then went back ashore for a bike ride that lasted one hour.

While aboard, we changed into long pants and long sleeved shirts. A cold front moved through last evening and today’s high only reached the low 70s. We were anticipating a cool evening.

At 1700 hours, we met the crew of Midori, Living Well and Traumaeri at the Tiki Hut. Unfortunately, the crew from Tarwathie wasn’t able to make it.

We gathered for a “Grill your own.” We started the charcoal and everyone brought something to grill and something to share. Even though it cooled off, especially after the sunset, we had a great time. That’s almost always true when you share camaraderie and good food with fellow cruisers!

George salutes the setting of the sun with a blast on the Conch!

A Beach Day & Painting the Sky!

A Great Beach Day!

Swimming!

Wow, the temperature reached 80 again! It was a gorgeous beach day. We loaded up the bikes with the chairs and the cooler. We're having a picnic at the beach!

We bid farewell to the sun by blowing the Conch Shell

When we arrived, there were bunches of people soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. Even though the beach was strewn with washed up Portuguese Man of War jellies, there were very few in the water. The gathers didn't seem concerned about the jellies. I guess they washed up a day a while ago.

We set up camp on the beach and enjoyed the sights. As luck would have it, several cruisers from the harbor were enjoying the beach as well.

The Yellows and Oranges of Sunset

After a nice picnic lunch and more beach time, we headed back to the harbor. Back on the boat, we enjoyed grilled bleu cheese burgers and waiters peppers and onions while watching another great sunset.

Alizarin Crimson Fills the Sky

At around 1810 hours, the official time of sunset, a chorus of conch horns bid farewell to the setting sun. It's job seemingly concluded for the day, for this locale at least. But that's not really true as on most evenings, the setting sun paints the sky. The sunsets are magnificent and they are all different. This evening, the sky was painted with vivid yellow and orange hues that gave way to a bright alizarin crimson before fading to black.

When you're in Boot Key Harbor, every sunset is special and every one a sight to behold. That's today's story from Paradise!

Paella by the Pool!

As you may recall, last November, we visited the Banana Bay Resort and Marina for Paella by the Pool. It was a great experience, and we have mentioned it to some fellow cruisers. Several were interested in giving it a try.

The crews of Midori, Living Well, Traumari and SUNSHINE gathered for the short walk to Banana Bay from the City Marina. As usual, the setting was nice, poolside with the lush gardens of the resort within view. Michael J provided the entertainment. Mona E., a vocalist and a 93 year old trumpet player joined him for a couple of songs each.

Two important things have changed on Paella night. Firstly, the price has increased by a whopping $5.00 (from 7.95 to $12.95)! Secondly, we were a bit disappointed that the owner/chef no longer makes the paella on his gas fired paella pan at the table. It was fun watching him whip up a batch of the colorful seafood dish.

Still, we enjoyed the meal, the entertainment and the company. One of the joys of cruising in making new friends!