Ken Snyder with one of the 20-lb kingfish caught

The Snyder family with friend Ted Sander

Captain’s Blog – November 24, 2009 – Marathon Florida Keys - I’m not sure who was more excited about today’s catch – the anglers or me!

The Snyder family returned to the Keys from Ohio for some quality Thankgsiving family time together.  Prior to the turkey feast, we had one of the best days of fishing in my career.  Conditions were perfect, with moderate temperatures, bright blue skies and wind and current in the same direction.

Dad Jim and brothers Steve and Ken are no strangers to a rod and reel.  They do a lot of lake fishing back home and have fished during many vacations, including a memorable trip to Hawaii.  The ladies on board – mom Kathy and Ken’s wife Dawn – had a tad less experience with “ocean fishing” as they called it and were thankful for the assistance of all the guys, including me.

There’s fishing …. and there’s catching!

The group was quite explicit about their desire to “take a cooler full of fish back home to Ohio,” so I first headed to my favorite yellowtailing spot.  No sooner had I put the first block of chum in the water than we were surrounded by a glistening and flickering yellow mass.  The fishing commenced to silliness.  It was all I could do to keep the hooks baited.  In very short order, we put a limit of yellowtail up to 20 inches in the boat.  We easily threw back another 30 fish and lost a few to the big bull sharks.  Hands down, it was the best yellowtail bite I’ve  had in a long time.

We also caught 8 rainbow runners – a SeaSquared record for a single outing.  Using a speedo rigged under a balloon, we caught a nice pair of 20-pound kingfish to round out the harvest for the Snyder family.

There’s comments …. and there’s praise!

I always receive a polite “thank you” and quite often an enthusiastic “great trip” from my anglers.  But the comments recorded by the Snyder family caused me to remember why I love my job so much.  I love taking people fishing, especially families.  For Jim Snyder to comment “Chris delivered in spades” and “Chris knows where the fish are and how to catch them” just plain makes my blush.  Very appropriate during Thanksgiving week for me to be reminded of how thankful I am for my clients and for the awesome fishing opportunities we have in the Florida Keys!

Try fishing, sunset cruising, enjoying the water,
or just leisure boating with our veteran Captain
Terry Cobb. Experience some of the best
offshore fishing in the Florida Keys catching
sailfish, dolphin, grouper, tuna, king mackerel,
and more in ocean waters. You can even have
your catch cleaned and wrapped to take home,
or take it to a local restaurant to be prepared
your favorite way

Captain’s Blog – November 22, 2009 – Marathon Florida Keys - Larry Blessinger is no stranger to big game sport fishing.  He has fished the world over and caught every imaginable pelagic and billfish.

Larry grew sea legs as a lad in his native Long Island NY.  He has been the victor in many battles with big eye tuna in the northern Atlantic.  He has conquered marlin in Caribbean and Central American waters.  And, from his home in the Florida Keys, Larry has caught numerous sailfish and more large dolphin (mahi mahi) than he can count.

But, the mighty swordfish had alluded him.  Until last Thursday.

Captain Nick Borraccino and first mate Captain Ty Price have both fished the waters of the Florida Keys for several years, and have multiple successful swordfish trips in their log books.  They loaded Larry’s 50′ Hatteras, Lazy Daze, with the custom electric/manual setup, various other rods and reels, gaffs of all sizes and their top-secret bait system.  

Upon leaving the dock in Key Colony Beach on a sunny Florida Keys morning, the Captains cautioned Larry that swordfishing is typically an all-day event.  They stressed it is not uncommon to wait many hours to get a bite, and that it is even possible to return home having encountered no bite at all.

An experienced angler, Larry was not dissuaded by the Captains’ warnings.  And, thus, the group set out for the blue water.

As Captain Borraccino navigated the boat to his favorite swordfishing grounds in 1,600 feet of water off Marathon Florida Keys, Captain Price readied the gear and bait for the first drop.

Except when spawning, female swordfish prefer cool, deep waters near submarine canyons or coral banks.  Males prefer to remain in somewhat warmer waters.  The electric function of the combination setup is essential to drop the bait quickly to the depths where the large females roam.  Usually the bait must be presented carefully and repeatedly before the swordfish will take it.  The soft mouth of the swordfish makes hookup uncertain, and the slashing bill can make short work of an angler’s line or leader.

Such was not the case on this excursion.

Within seconds of the bait reaching its destination, there was the tell-tale bend of the rod and strain of the line.  Fish on!  Switch the set-up to manual mode!  The fight lasted much longer than the wait for the bite.  It took the combined efforts of Larry’s son, Larry Jr., Pat Gannon and Captain Borraccino to manually reel the fish to the boat an hour and twenty minutes after the first tug on the line. 

It was a gorgeous 143-pounder.  High fives all around!  The group of anglers could well have headed home.  But, the day had just begun and their adrenaline was pumping.  Why not drop another bait and see what happens?

Wham!  A few short seconds later – barely enough time for the crew to catch their breath - the rod was doubled over.  Could it be another hefty guy like the one already in the boat?  Or, his little brother following behind?

This time, Larry was on the rod.  He fought a courageous battle for thirty-five minutes before handing over the rig to fellow angler, Pat Gannon.  Pat reeled for fifteen minutes, and Larry Jr. finally pulled the fish to the boat five minutes later – fifty-five minutes and a second swordfish at the boat. 

Upon seeing the hulking metallic blue/bronze mass emerge from the water, Larry exclaimed, “Holy Moly,” or something like that. 

The swordfish was nothing short of monumental in size.  Upon their return to the dock, Larry summoned the crew at Captain Hook’s Marina to bring their state certified, tournament qualified scale.  They attached the scale to the boat davit and hoisted the fish.  It weighed out at a whopping 504 pounds. 

Swordfish have a smooth, very broad, flattened sword (broadbill) that is significantly longer and wider than the bill of any other billfish.  Combined with the rigid fins, it is no simple task to maneuver a swordfish of such bulk into the boat.  Captain Price piloted the boat as a team effort proved successful in guiding the beast through the fish door of the Hatteras.

Larry credits his crew, Captain Borraccino and Captain Price, with tremendous skill, seamanship and fortitude.  Captain Price commented it was the “fish of a lifetime and one to surely keep you coming back for more!”

To land a broadbill is considered by many to be the highest achievement in angling.  The world record swordfish was caught by Louis Marron in 1953 off the coast of Chile.  That behemoth weighed 1,182 pounds – more than half a ton!  Stephen Stanford caught a 612-pounder in Key Largo in 1978. 

Larry Blessinger’s swordfish is a record in his world.  As he said, “Now I just have to find a 14-foot wall to hang the mount!”

Dora, Bassi and David back at the dock with their catch

Captain’s Blog – November 20, 1009 – Marathon Florida Keys

No one, least of all the Captain, expected the surprise visitor to the boat during yesterday’s charter!

I set out for a day of reef fishing with some folks who spend the winter in Islamorada: Dora Potash, Bassi Kristmanns and David Barr.  Yellowtail snapper was the target and, boy, let me tell you that fishing was just plain silly!  Even with a self-imposed 14 inch minimum size, we limited out on mostly 16-plus inch fish and easily threw back another limit.

We had lots of visitors to our chum slick, including a rather aggressive kingfish.  It was Dora’s turn at the rod, and she fought it like a champ.  She tried to hand the rod off to me, but I told her a tough gal like her from Iceland can beat a little fish.  And, she sure did – with the sore arms and big smile to prove it.

I spotted a few sailfish dancing around the boat, so I put out a jig with a balloon on the line just for kicks and giggles.  I left the rod in the holder as we were more than busy with the yellowtail.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the balloon bob – bob – bob – and then heard the line scream off the reel.

I thought perhaps we had a wahoo, although we were a tad shallow for that.  Dora’s brother, Bassi from Scotland, was on the rod and got the battle of a lifetime.  When he got the fish to the boat, we saw it was a huge barracuda – nearly six feet long!  That guy was no kid, and I felt badly that we snagged him as he had no chance of survival.  He will serve well as bait on one of our catch-and-release shark eco adventures in the near future.

We fished in about 50 feet of water on the reef off Marathon.  It was a Chamber of Commerce kind of weather day.  There was a light breeze from the northeast, the current was slight but enough to work.  The water was so crystal clear, we could watch the goliath grouper snatch some of the wounded yellowtail beneath the boat.

It was a fine day had by all and I certainly enjoyed the company of these seasoned anglers.  They kept me laughing and I kept their rods bent.  They gave me the king fish and it is brining right now, getting ready for the smoker and, ultimately, smoked fish dip!

Remarks by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Delivered November 18, 2009

“I have been to the floor of this Chamber on several occasions to discuss the tremendous economic hardships being shouldered by the residents of my Congressional district of South Florida. This evening I would like to highlight the men and women of Florida’s commercial and recreational fishing industries, and their efforts to weather this economic maelstrom  ……  read and watch video of Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen’s entire statement 

Jim McDermott and John Yaquinto with their yellowtail catch

Captain’s Blog – November 19, 2009 – Marathon Florida Keys – Marathon locals Jim McDermott and John Yaquinto enjoyed a half day of reef fishing with SeaSquared Charters. 

Conditions were excellent with wind and current running in the same direction.  There was a nice breeze out of the northeast and the visability at 50 feet was crystal clear.

The yellowtail were thick and responded quickly.  The guys lost a couple of the larger ‘tails to goliath grouper and a big king mackerel.  They got their limit of 16-17 inch yellowtail in about 90 minutes.  It was Jim’s first experience yellowtailing, and it certainly will not be his last!

There was tons of bait fish – ballyhoo and speedos – but they saw no sailfish.

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BEFORE VISITING THE ISLANDS

!!!

Pretty darn funny anti-app-o-mania TV commercial for the Florida Keys.

Some would say the Florida Bonefish don’t need redeeming, and, just to make sure everyone is clear about this, I have no way of knowing.  Since I started the blog back in August I’ve been looking for some encouraging news about Florida bonefish and haven’t found much.  I even put the question out on a couple message boards asking for someone to share the good news with me.

The Cliff Note version of the replies I received went something like this…

Bonefishing in Florida can be great, as long as you don’t want to catch bonefish… fish for ‘cuda.

Yeah, see, that wasn’t what I was looking for.  Are Florida Bones just impossible?  Do you need to outcast the Rajeff Brothers to even consider boarding the skiff of your ill-tempered, prima donna guide to go out and look for bonefish that you likely won’t see, and if you do see, won’t be able to cast to, and if you get the cast to the fish, the fish will laugh at your pathetic offering and flip you the fin?

So, I was relieved to have a little email correspondence with Captain Luke Kelly from Key Flat guide service.

A nice Captain Luke Kelly Bonefish

When I asked him about Florida Bonefish here is some of what he had to say:

I have spent my entire life in the lower Florida Keys and have been guiding flats for the past six years or so. I can honestly say I have handled somewhere around 1000 bonefish in those six years, no BS. There are a lot of bonefish down here and the fact is somewhat overlooked. I too have heard of people’s bad experiences bonefishing in the Keys and I know that is due to bad guiding, not the fishery. I often see them poling vacant flats, and showing people no fish.

Now, the lower Keys certainly are not the Bahamas. I have been to Andros several times and that is a different world over there in terms of bonefish, I always tell people the same. However, they don’t have nearly the amount of permit and even tarpon that we have here (especially the permit).

My honest summary on bonefishing in the lower Keys would be that we don’t have the numbers of that as the Bahamas, but we certainly have large adult bonefish. And most importantly, they offer promising potential for the official inshore slam (tarpon, permit, bonefish in one day) in an area where it is best offered, the lower Florida Keys.

Made in the USA, no passport required (for all you running from the law)

Captain Luke Kelly

Another vote for the Made in the US bonefish is just the overall travel time and cost… SFO to Miami can run about $280, but SFO to Andros is about $700… and the SFO to Andros journey times out at about 20 hours there and 18 back.  As has been said by many anglers in many places over the ages, “you are only fishing when your fly is on/in the water.”

Florida Places !!

Florida (esp: Flowered Land) indeed is one of the most scenic and beautiful states located in South Eastern USA. With its warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches attract about 60 million visitors every year The top three tourist locations in Florida are Miami for its blissful beaches, urbanized skyline & hottest nightlife, Orlando the home of Walt Disney with largest vacation resorts and theme parks and beautiful Key West island in the Straits of Florida famous for its scenic drive with oceans on both sides and toasting at sunset

1. Orlando: Top Places to Share a Smile

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. As Mark Twain said, “wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Put a smile on your family’s faces with these surefire Orlando landmarks that are known as both smile inducers, and places where memories are made.

Breakfast with Mickey. Share a smile with Mickey Mouse and his friends at a Walt Disney World^® character breakfast.

Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld^® Orlando. Brave twists, turns and watery falls of mythical proportions as you explore the mysterious lost city of Atlantis aboard this thrilling water coaster ride at SeaWorld Orlando.

Dinner for Two at Hemingway’s. It’s just the two of you, enjoying a sumptuous and romantic meal in an authentic Key West setting at Hemingway’s.

Find the Perfect Gift. Discover the perfect item for a loved one, something you know they’ll treasure forever, and buy it for a song at an area outlet mall.

Finally Relaxing. Let all your cares melt away while getting a massage at the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.

Discover a New Favorite. Feel yourself unwind as you dance the night away to your favorite song, and find a few new ones at upscale lounge Blue Martini.

Lose Yourself on the Green. Play 18 holes at Eagle Creek Golf Club, and finally lose your handicap.

Get Cultured at the Orlando Ballet. Buy a ticket, take a seat and let yourself be transported from the grace of Swan Lake to the romance of fair Verona at the Orlando Ballet.

Get Animated at Universal Studios Florida^®. Brace yourself for a wild ride with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, stars of TV’s longest running series, The Simpson’s at Universal Studios Florida.

Reconnect with the Ones You Love. After a long day of activities, sit down for a much-needed family meal prepared in the comfort and convenience of an elegant vacation home.

If your family is visiting Orlando, you’ll have plenty of thrills to experience. The destination is loading up on the new theme-park action, providing parks, rides, shows and parades that are only available in Orlando. Get wet at Aquatica™— SeaWorld’s Waterpark, take a ride withThe Simpsons at Universal Studios Florida^® or have a “Block Party Bash” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ Just remember to get some rest, because with all of the new excitement, you’re going to need it.

Worlds of Discovery

The Busch Entertainment Corporation family of adventure parks is now known as Worlds of Discovery. Worlds of Discovery parks include Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove, as well as the company’s other theme parks throughout the country.

Aquatica — SeaWorld’s Waterpark opened in March 2008. The one-of-a-kind park will include up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches. Aquatica is the first new water park to open in Orlando in 12 years. It features 36 water slides; six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of beach area. Guests are immersed with live animals in the park, including Commerson’s dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay unveiled an exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The four-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area is be located in the existing Congo area and includes tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping. Two signature rides have been added including a zip line experience with three different flight patterns, and a ride launching guests above a towering waterfall. A three-story family climbing area letting visitors explore different layers of jungle life and a children’s water-play area has also been constructed. Two new restaurants, Bengal Bistro and Orang Café, opened in the themed area.

SeaWorld Orlando introduced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta — a new mega-attraction which seamlessly transitions guests from the awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta inspires riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soars them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida unveiled a new ride based on FOX’s blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson —stars of TV’s longest running series — ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. And don’t forget about Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit^SM, a new high-tech, multi-sensory roller coaster, that is anticpated to open this year. On this adrenaline-filled thrill ride, you’ll have the power to create your own unique roller coaster, complete with a soundtrack, lighting scheme and special effects chosen by you. On-board cameras record your pulse-pounding flight in what is surely the world’s most technologically advanced roller caoster. After the actions stops, you’ll have a video of all the fun to take home.

Opening in spring 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure^® will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney-MGM Studios theme park has been renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new name, which reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer, debuted in 2008. The park also unveiled the following attractions:

• Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride opened in summer 2008.



• “Block Party Bash” encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opened in March 2008.
• “Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage!” introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opened in February 2008.
• At “The American Idol Experience,” guests will experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing and the thrill of judging performances live on an interactive set. Guest performers with the highest votes will win a guaranteed reservation for future “American Idol” auditions. The attraction opened in early 2009.

2. KEY WEST

In Key West, you can visit these and a host of other attractions by taking advantage of convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet. For a visual introduction to the sights of Key West, please peruse our iPix virtual panoramic tours.

With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its diving, fishing, watersports andgolfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones.

But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock.

Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled withsidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendarypubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama,musicals and comedy flourish on our stages.

Key West’s African cultural heritage is represented by the vibrant Bahama Village neighborhood, founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas, and in historic churches, indigenous food and annual festivals.

Among Key West’s most significant African cultural sites is the 1860 African Burial Ground, located on the island’s Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort. It is believed by experts to be America’s only African refugee cemetery.

A memorial honoring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site.

New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.

3. Miami

Miami is a major coastal city in southeastern Florida, Miami’s skyline is ranked third most impressive in the U.S., behind New York City and Chicago, and 18th in the world according to the Almanac of Architecture and Design.In 2008, Miami was ranked as “America’s Cleanest City” according to Forbes Magazine for its year-round good air quality, vast green spaces, clean drinking water, clean streets and city-wide recycling programs.

Miami has a true tropical climate, specifically the Tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification Am)^[24] with hot & humid summers and warm winters, with a marked dry season in the winter

Downtown Florida (watch video for a flava of Miami)

Miami Beaches

Miami’s beaches offer a great opportunity to get some exercise or just enjoy some time in the sun! In this article, I take a look at a few of my favorite beaches, including a couple of lesser-used spots where you’ll be able to avoid the tourist crowd.

1. South Beach:

Miami Beach has been synonymous with glamour, glitz and non-stop sun. The epicenter of the beach is really on the barrier island’s south end, which is why South Beach is really what people mean when they refer to Miami Beach. At 17 blocks long and 12 blocks wide, South Beach is a perfect place for a walk.

South Beach is the quintessential Miami beach experience. It’s the place to see and be seen and show off the product of months in the gym. South Beach isn’t clothing optional, but topless bathing is permitted. The beach is located on Ocean Drive, across the street from many of Miami Beach’s famous nightclubs

With boutiques, restaurants, bars, clubs, museums and, of course, sandy beaches, you’ll never be bored. The following is a perfect walking tour for an afternoon, or can be split up over a day or two..

2. Virginia Key Beach

Virginia Key Beach is one of the most interesting beaches in South Florida. It’s located right off the Rickenbacker Causeway (on both the north and south sides) near the Miami Seaquarium. The location makes for easy access and some areas become crowded, but there are plenty of secluded spots (such as the one shown in the photo) if you’re willing to explore a bit. Don’t be surprised if you see me when you visit. I love to take my black lab for a walk/swim on the only area beach that allows leashed dogs.

3. Haulover Beach

Haulover Beach, located on Miami Beach between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour, is known around the world as Miami’s only legal “clothing optional” nude beach. If you’re skittish about shedding your swimsuit, never fear. The beach offers traditional sunbathing as well and the nude beach is clearly marked to avoid accidents! Haulover Beach is a fantastic surfing spot.

4. Bill Baggs State Park

Bill Baggs State Park, located on the south end of Key Biscayne, is home to the famous Cape Florida lighthouse. The park provides sunbathing, swimming and history in the same spot! You can spend some time on the beach and enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse. Fishing is also allowed from the seawall. The park also hosts Boater’s Grill, a full service restaurant.

5. Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina

Homestead Bayfront Park is a great option if you’re looking to avoid the tourist scene. Located in the southern portion of Miami Dade County, Bayfront Park offers swimming and boating options with a full-service marina. It’s located at 9698 SW North Canal Drive.

Miami Everglades

With 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles, Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public parks in the United States. Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther and the West Indian Manatee. A large portion of the park is primitive, explored only by adventurists and researchers – but visitors have ample opportunity to walk, camp and canoe.

Fairchild Tropical Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden provides residents and visitors with a uniquely South Florida garden experience. Dedicated to preserving the diversity of tropical plants, Fairchild features some of the world’s best collections of palms, cycads, flowering trees, vines and fruit trees along with other tropical plants. The garden also contains a 2-acre tropical rainforest, a fruit pavilion and a new exhibit entitled Jewels of the Caribbean.

Miami Nightlife

Miami is home to some famous nightclubs, such as Space, Mansion, Parkwest, Ink, and Cameo. The city is known to be part of clubland, along with places such as Mykonos, Ibiza and Ayia Napa.

Ocean Drive Nightlife

The first place that most visitors flock to is Ocean Drive, the always-packed catwalk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. While this is a fine place to drink and dine (especially during the day, under a shady umbrella, when the sun is at its peak), there really aren’t many clubs on this 15-block stretch. Two exceptions: the Clevelander, a landmark bar/hotel/poolside hangout. Yes, there is a pool in the middle of the patio, and yes, you can dangle your feet (or other body parts) in the pool. It’s also a perfect example of Art Deco architecture, in case you care enough to rip your eyes away from the beautiful people lounging around.Another fun Ocean Drive hangout is Mango’s Tropical Café. This is a U.S. version of Havana clubs of days past: salsa bands, sexy dancers in tight leopard-print hot pants, frothy tropical drinks. A menu and sidewalk seating is also available.

Arts & Museums

Miami is home to many entertainment venues, theaters, museums, parks and performing arts centers.

The city is home to numerous museums as well, many of which are in Downtown. These include the Bass Museum, Frost Art Museum, Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Jewish Museum of Florida, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum,Museum of Contemporary Art, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Wolfsonian-FIU Museum and the Miami Cultural Center, home of the Main Miami Library. Other popular cultural destinations in the area include Jungle Island, Miami MetroZoo, Miami Seaquarium, Coral Castle, St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, Charles Deering Estate, and parks and gardens in and around the city; there are over 80 parks in Miami.[34] The largest and most popular parks are Bayfront Park and Bicentennial Park (located in the heart of Downtown and the location of the American Airlines Arena and Bayside Marketplace),Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Tropical Park, Watson Island, Morningside Park and Key Biscayne.

This is too much to cover if you have just  few days of Vacation. So be prepared to pick for now and for more later bcoz you are gonna fall in love with it and revisit the Funtastic Florida…Life never misses a beat here..

Wir werden sie vermissen, die Pelikane, die Kraniche. Und die Keys sowieso.

As we left Fort Lauderdale, it was down to three of us,  Michael, Linda and myself.  It felt like a new start.  We didn’t realize the tension we were under  and were relieved that we were back on the ICW. Next stop was a place to eat dinner.  We weren’t under way for long when I decided to get a quick shower to clean up.  Thinking that it would be awhile before we stopped, I stepped into the shower.  I could here people talking and laughing, lots of people.  I was very disoriented and looked out the port to find that we had docked the boat right up against a restaurant dock where people were sitting outside having dinner. We had arrived at Le Tub, near Hollywood Beach.  As I worked my way up on deck I could see the lights that lit up the water which were a clear lime green.  And in the water were these huge Catfish.  They looked to be 3-4′ long.  The people sitting on the dock were throwing pieces of bread into the water and the fish were as if “in a frenzy”.  I would not have liked to have fallen in the water at that time.  The restaurant was open to the outside . It wasn’t fancy.  Just the kind of place where you wouldn’t mind spending some time.  The music was great, as well as the food.  There were pool tables, dart boards and if I remember correctly, sofas and soft chairs arranged in a living room order.  We had dinner,while enjoying the warm breezes blowing across the place. Drank beer, played pool and darts until it got late.  Afterwards we got back onto the boat, untied the lines, motored across the lake, dropped anchor and made plans for the following day.

The sun was up early, and so was Michael.  Linda and I had heavy heads and were moving slow. After we all had our coffees, we got underway.  We still had a few hours  before we got south of Miami.  It was a Saturday morning and the ICW was rocking.  I had never seen so many Cigarette boats with so many tanned bodies all in one place.  When we headed out the inlet at Miami,  a submarine had surfaced and was tooling along above the water.  It was a British Sub and  was lined with Sailors standing side by side along the entire deck(manning the rail).  They were wearing white shorts that went to their knees, with white knee socks  and hats that went flat across the top of their heads. They all looked like Gopher on the Love Boat.  And they were waving to everyone.  Linda and I couldn’t wave enough at these guys.  They were a sight to see, so was their boat!  Boats were zooming past us, coming from every direction.  How anyone kept from hitting each other I’ll never know.  It was early for a Saturday and the Marine Patrol was running people down and giving them tickets.  As we continued south, the traffice died down.  At the north end of Biscayne Bay you could see a tiny island with houses built on stilts.  The island had no roads or electricity.  It was too small.  It looked like a great place to “getaway” to.  I learned years later that the houses were distroyed in hurricane Andrew.

The water was a crystal blue, green color.  It was so pretty.  There was no way to gauge just how deep the water was.  Looking over the side of the boat, you could see fish and coral.  Linda and Michael put me in a Bosuns Chair and with help of the wench, ran me up the 60′ mast.  The view was great!  From up there I could see large turtles. I couldn’t stay up there for long.  The rocking back and forth motion of the boat going over the small waves, was very abusive up top.  I had to wrap my leg around the mast and each time the boat hit a wave, my body was slammed into the mast.  Can only do that so many times.  I remember Linda got tired winding the wench, running me up to the top and Michael had to run me up the rest of the way.  Coming down was a sinch.  It was just like repelling.

As we sailed passed Matecumbe in the Keys, we turned starboard which was a short cut through Florida Bay.  This way we didn’t have to go around to Key West.  We had put in a full day and dropped anchor on the west side of the Keys, near Duck Key.  We stopped early enough to fix a great dinner, have a cold beer and watch the sunset.  I knew then that I was going to love spending time on the water here.  I felt like I should  pinch myself to see if I was awake.  Michael had set up the hammock earlier. Then pulled out his guitar and played us a few tunes.  We were only one day away from our destination, Marco Island, Florida.  The next day was spent in open water most of the time and the highlight of the day was watching the flying fish.  They would pop out of the water, at a good clip, sail thru the air and land a few yards away.  Sometimes the fish would even land in the boat.  We arrived at Marco Island right before sunset.  Michael docked the boat at a restaurant called O’Sheay’s.  He was known here and many people were excited to see him.  It was a shock to be around so many people after spending two weeks on the water.  Linda had a time table she had to stick to.  We all had dinner and a farewell party.  The next day she was headed back to North Carolina.  Thru out the day Michael had friends coming and going from the boat.  My head was still on the water sailing.  While Michael and his friends spent time catching up, I would sneek off down below in the boat, and take a nap.  The year was 1990 and cell phones were not as popular as they are today.  The only way of communication amoung the boaters was to use the VHF radio.  Each person had their own call sign.  Since I was new to boating, I had yet to have a name.  I was deemed “The Sleeper”.

After spending several days at the docks at O’Sheay’s, we decided to take the boat out into the Marco River and drop the anchor.  Life out on the anchor was much more like a vacation than life at the docks.  I had almost forgotten that we were there to do charter work. But that was fine. I would enjoy it anyway.

” there’s nothing ambivalent about the way Jody Carlson brings Key West into her house. Local art,color,tropical gardens and music are all here.”

“Weatherboard and shutters, pink and white paint work and pretty wooden verandas put The Popular House in Key West firmly into the Hemmingway category of picturesque Victoriana in the Florida Keys.”

WWW.SUBSERIES.COM

So, I went to Key West a few weeks ago for a wedding. It was amazing, simply amazing. The atmosphere there makes you feel like life is one big party and everyone is happy. Just the place where I want to be, 24-7. A place where you forget about your frivolous worries and learn to live again.Actually, it was the most laid back place I’ve ever been to. I highly recommend it to anyone who yearns for some sunshine, half naked, average-looking chicks, great food and crazy bar crawling nights. Go to Hog’s Breath, Sloppy Joe’s or Rick’s, a guaranteed good time. Anyway, I went off on my own for a few hours and found some amazing art shops. They’re everywhere in Key West but one shop on Duval Street definitely stood out from the rest. Nestled inside of a tiny building were the works of a photography master. I stood in awe at the imagery before me. Peter Lik, bad website but I love you. No pictures from me because in galleries such as these, you’re not allowed to snap any shots and I wouldn’t want to anyway. I wandered around the over-sized gallery like a kid in a toy store, picking my nose and the whole nine yards. Some of the photos I saw almost made me cry (yes, that’s the girly side of me) and then I walked up to the counter and proceeded to tell the workers that the gallery was perfect in presentation and that I wanted to buy all of the artwork, which probably added up to about a gazillion (american) dollars. When I was walking back to my hotel, I realized that I was just talking to the actual photographer himself. Good thing I had such positive feedback, huh?

Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley, is set to headline BayJama Reggae Fest Saturday, Nov. 21, at the TIB Bank of the Keys Amphitheater in Islamorada Founders Park in the Florida Keys, located at mile marker 87.

The second youngest of Bob Marley’s 11 children, Ky-Mani Marley fuses world music with hip-hop, blues, rock and grass-roots sounds while remaining true to his Jamaican culture. Other highlights of the musical event, scheduled for 4-11 p.m., include the rocking rhythms of Keven’s Reggae Drum & Bass Experience, 20Wt, Fourth Dimension and other reggae bands. As a special attraction, the Dalai Lama’s Tibetan Monks are to perform, bless the crowd and offer chants and prayers for peace.

For more information on BayJama visit www.keysice.com or http://www.eventbee.com/view/bayjamareggaefest