Week 6

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Island Time!

That's Island Time, the band. Actually, it's a duo who play steel drums, guitar and conchelele and other percussion instruments. They have a harmonized and drum and bass tracks that fill out their sound.  The steel drums lend a mellow island flavor to their music.. Tom and Debbie drove us to Havana Jacks where we met Gary and Carole and their friends, Doug and Lorie. Gary and Carole were staying at Blackfin in January, but have moved to a house in Key Colony Beach. We were there for the three hours Island Time played.

Earlier in the day, we took the free bus to the Flea Market in Big Pine where we bought a couple shirts. On the way back, we saw Loafs and Fishes on the water. We got off the bus and quickly hoofed it to the Keys Fishery to get a picture, but Tom and Debbie were too far out from land to get a good shot.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Nothing Much Going On!

The temperature was back in the 80s today and we enjoyed bright sun for much of the day. After breakfast, we cooled off on chaise lounges in the shade of the tiki. Tom and Debbie went snorkeling and saw some great specimen, alas no keeper sized lobster! 

I applied a couple of coats of Zep on the horizontal surfaces in the front cockpit and on the rounded part of the coach roof. I'll put a couple more coats on tomorrow.

In the evening we went to the local Cinema to see this week's movie.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Pre Valentines Celebration on Sunset Key with New Friends!

What a delightful day! The weather was perfect for our pre Valentine's Day luncheon. Debbie, Tom, Anna Marie and I boarded the 1030 bus to Key West. Already aboard were Carol and Gary Kramer. Doug and Lorie decided to drive so the could spend more time in Key West. 

We arrive at Caroline and Duval at 1210 and made our way to the Sunset Key ferry dock. Our ferry was to leave at 1245, but we wanted to make sure we met up with Doug and Lorie. Gary pointed out that the Westin was now Margaritaville Resort and Marina. Latitude, the restaurant on Sunset Key is part of the Westin which still operates the hotel and cottages there.

We were welcomed aboard by pleasant staff, had a nice five minute ride, and we were greeted by additional staff who were equally pleasant. The hostess showed us to our table which was on the beach and a bit removed from the rest of the beach tables. We enjoyed our own little section of paradise and enjoyed the camaraderie of our new friends.

We he foot was excellent and the ambience exquisite, almost extravagant! The lobster bisque was perhaps the best I ever had. The blacked grouper sandwich was very good. Everyone raved about the food and experience and thanked Anna Marie for making the arrangements. After lunch, we strolled the grounds for a bit before heading back to the mainland. 

Anna Marie and I caught the 1702 bus back to Marathon, Gary and Carol rode back with Doug and Lorieand Tom and Debbie did some touristy things before taking the 1930 bus back to Blackfin.

Anna Marie capped off the evening listening to Fiddle Rock at the Hurricane. It was standing room only, but a couple, who, as it turned out, are on a boat in the harbor, invited us to share their table. We had a nice time exchanging stories while listening to the duo.

February 14, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day!

It started out as a lazy Valentine's Day. Anna Marie served fresh strawberries and coffee/tea for breakfast during the Cruiser's Net. The day already felt hot, so we sauntered to the point with cold beverages and enjoyed the zephyr breeze in the shade of the tiki from the comfort of a pair of chaise lounges. Eventually we got hungry, so we walked to the Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House. It was already happy hour at the bar so we ordered Calamari with a Mango Habanero Sauce ($5,95). The Calamari was very tender, the habanero sauce was sweet and refreshing and the portion was the same size served at other establishments for 10.00. We also ordered the Shrimp and Crab Ball ($5.95). It was served with a dipping sauce and crostini and it was delicious! The next time we go, we'll order two, some french fries and make it a meal!

Back at the boat, we decided to put off starting the eye brow job in favor of just hanging out. We talked to a few of our dock mates before showering.

Our Valentine's festivities were scheduled for 1830 at the Sunset Grill. We wanted to hang out there and watch the sunset from their pier. We arrived at 1800 hours and were promptly seated on the pool deck overlooking the ocean. It was a lovely table. The view was spectacular. Our server left a little to be desired as he wasn't all that attentive. It took three requests to get extra napkins. The meal was delicious. I enjoyed the Seafood FraDiavlo and Anna Marie selected the Stuffed Maine Lobster. We each selected a glass of wine and toasted to our Valentine's love. Then an amazing thing happened! Anna Marie ate and enjoyed the Tuna Poke appetizer. It was bits of Sushi grade tuna (raw) served with a hot sauce and soy sauce. She passed on the hot, but ate every last bit of tuna and enjoyed it! And I didn't get a picture! Drats!

For dessert, we had a Chocolate Moose Truffle that was very tasty. The meal was a big success and we enjoyed the experience. To top it off, Adrienne Z provided excellent background music while we dined.

Unfortunately we had a slight snafu before getting back to the boat. The truck wouldn't start. I tightened a slightly loose battery cable but that had no effect. It just clicked once when I tried to start it. While Anna Marie was on the phone with AAA, it started as if nothing was wrong! We made it back and will wrestle with the problem tomorrow. 

Wednesday, February 15, 3017

Wasting Away Again!

It's gonna be a hot one today! By 0900, it was already 79°! It must have hit the mid 80s at least. Before lunch, we had already been to the point twice to cool off. There always seems to be a cool breeze there and the chaise lounges are comfortable. And we never get tired of the view!

We finally started to work on the starboard eyebrow. Anna Marie removed most of the varnish. I'll give it a light sanding and it will be ready for the Cetol Natural. Later in the afternoon, I applied another coat of Zep to the bow.

We also made it to the park to play Bocci. We split two games with another couple. Anna Marie played another game with newcomer Chris as her teammate while I was the referee. We played for two hours before calling it quits.

Tom drove Debbie to the airport for her flight back home. He was back by 1330 hours. He must have been tired. He set up his AC and we didn't see him until late evening.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Ford Is Back in Town!

I took a photo of the trailer brake and line that are disconnected and sent it to Franklin Trailers. They worked on the trailer last August. Jim Desmond responded within the hour. We exchanged a couple of emails and the upshot is that he's going to send the fitting I need to put it back together. Assuming the part he sends fits, I'll put it back together and bleeder the brakes. When we get back to NJ, I'll take the trailer in and have the old caliper replaced.

We got the old varnish off the starboard eyebrow today. Tomorrow we'll get a few coats of Cetol on it.

The Ford Trimotor is back in town and giving rides. It flew over a couple of times today. "The Ford Trimotor is an American three-engined transport aircraft. Production started in 1925 by the companies of Henry Ford and ended June 7, 1933. A total of 199 Ford Trimotors were made." Wikipedia

Friday, February 17, 2017

A Cold Front!

A cold front moved through the area a couple of days ago. Yesterday's high was 77° and last night it dropped down to 67°, a perfect night for sleeping. It was overcast yesterday, but this morning is bright and sunny. It looks like it'll be a good day to put a couple of coats of Cetol on the eyebrow and we should still have time for a long walk or a bike ride. It'll be interesting to see what we decide to do.

The Ford Trimotor was very busy today. For $75.00, you could take a ten minute flight over Marathon. 

After applying a coat of Cetol, we went on what turned out to be a 12 mile ride. We stopped at the Island Fish Company for Calamari. When asked for our drink order, I replied that we each wanted a glass of water with a slice of Lemmon or lime. Marta, our server, brought two glasses of water, each with six Lemmon slices. Apparently she thought I asked for six Lemmon slices.

After lunch, we pedaled to Sunset Park in Key Colony Beach. It was a delightful day. While there, we saw this minstrel playing his travel guitar on the pier and throughout the park.