Crandon Park - Key Biscayne

We made our way up Biscayne Bay and were headed back to Miami, but poked our nose into Crandon Park Marina, across the bay from Miami to see if they had room for us. Marinas in South Folrida are somewhat like parking lots at Hillsdale Mall the 22nd of December. Lots of parking spaces but most are occupied. There are lots of marinas, with lots of slips, but all of the tackey people that own boats up North, are here for the winter.

I had trouble finding a spot for the 9 days that the boat will be in Ft. Lauderdale before she goes onto the transport ship. I was successful this afternoon, allowing us the freedom to explorre down to Key West while we wait to depart ourselves. We will slip Vita Bella into a slip there tomorrow.

We were buzzed by a photo helecopter this afternoon and they only want $250.00 for the photo, I don't think so!

The water is deep green, and the air warm. It is a real treat to be able to sit outside and enjoy the weather. I wish I could join the guys on the transom seat, however the little bugs are here too, and I will keep typing and keep the bite level to a minimum.

Enjoy your weekend, we are having a GREAT time, and while we put Matt & Wayne on the plane tomorrow afternoon, Joe & I look forward to Vicki's arrival and our trip to Key West.

Ross, Joe,Matt & Wayne

Overnight at Gilberts family Resort Marina

Nothing like the marina we were in for the last 2 days! Not a real marina, not a family place and not a resort by any imagination. It was a place to stay. We all went for a buffet at the marina restaurant and it was ok,not great. We had a lazy start to the morning. We had a leisurely breakfast and are about ready to get on the move back toward Miami. We will spend one more night out before we get Wayne and Matt back to Ft. Lauderdale. Joe and I will then get the boat to the marina from which she will go onto the ship, and set out by car to do some exploring down the Keys. We are planning to asphalt cruise to the end of the road in Key West.

The weather is great, but it did rain last night for a while. We are all in shorts and T shirts.

More later from South Florida.

Ross

with Joe,Matt & Wayne

10,371 no see um bites

Thank god for Lisa Weathers! While she was on the phone with Wayne, she suggested that I get a bottle of Caladryl Clear lotion. All 10,371 of my bites from the little wings with teeth are getting better. It is a drag to be swatting all of your extremities, just to miss the little bastards!



Today we left the little protected harbor on the Atlantic side of Key Largo and made our way North on the ICW side of the Key. We tied up at Gilberts family Resort Marina. I am not sure that it's a resort, a marina, or family that family is involved, but the bartender at the Tiki Bar makes a mean Rum Runner!



Tomorrow we are headed back to Miami, then on Saturday up to Ft. Lauderdale, where Wayne & Matt will head West. Joe's friend Vicki will fly in on Sunday. we are currently thinking that we will rent a car and head South to Key West, just to see some of Hemingway's 6 toed cats and of course pop into Capt. Tony's saloon as well as Jimmy Buffets restaurant.



Hope all is going well with everyone, It is bizarre to hear Christmas Music in the local stores when it is 85 degrees during the day.



More later,



Ross

with Joe, Matt & Wayne

The African Queen lives here

No, not the queen of an African Country, the real African Queen! On our walk to the dive boat yesterday we passed the real deal. She is in very so,so shape, but none the less she is here in Key Largo. We will be spending the day poking our nose into small coves and then may spend the night at a small marina on the ICW side of the Key.

While I was posting this message, Matt called his parents to give them the blog address. We all want to say hello to the Martells, in Murphys California.

Key Largo

5:53 PM 84 degrees. Joe, Matt & Wayne spent the morning getting scuba re certified, and then all four of us went out on the dive boat in the afternoon. I intended to snorkel, however I left my back up pair of contacts on the boat and not wanting to risk loosing a lens, I stayed on the boat.

The reports from the "bottom" are great, all had a great time. We are headed to the pool for a quick dip before deciding our dinner plans.

I have been getting eaten alive by the little flying wings with teeth (No See Ums). I remembered that I had a supply of benadryl on the boat and have started to pop them like crazy. Need to get the swelling down.

I will shoot something up after dinner.

Best from the Florida Keys

Ross

with Joe, Wayne & Matt

Key Largo

We arrived at Key largo this afternoon after a quick run from Miami. We are settled in and went to lunch at a local restaurant. The plan is to stay here today and tomorrow as well. Joe, Matt & Wayne will be recertifyinig their scuba skills tomorrow morning and then off for a 2 tank dive in the afternoon. Since I am not certified, I will go on the boat, snorkle and count bubbles.

I went to the pool associated with the marina. Joe met me on the way back to the boat to tell me that we had a line wrapped around the port prop. He quickly changed into a swimsuit and hopped in with a knife. He quickly cut the line off and we have a trophy.

I have started this edition of theblog as I could not get any other photos on the first.

More later

Ross

with Joe, Wayne & Matt