More fun

Friday night February 10, another party

This one was called International night - a big cover dish dinner

And more sailing with Steve

And more parties February 13 

It's February 13 and we went to Bob and Gingers going away party (they leave in a couple of days, so they threw their own going away party).  Tomorrow is Valentines Day and Bob gave each of the ladies a rose - to go along with the jello shots

Our local iguana just hanging around

Tuesday morning February 14 (Valentines Day), Steve and I got to the marina office early (7 AM) to rent a 22-foot center console for another day of snorkeling (and to celebrate Valentines Day).  We had to arrive early because the boats are first come - first served and there are only 3 of this model.

As both of us are certified, we decided to split the day with 6 going in the morning and a different 6 in the afternoon, with a trade at noon.  It worked perfectly with me taking the morning shift and Steve the afternoon. 

And what a day it was.  0-1 knots of wind,  perfectly calm seas and clear skies. `Clara and I took Bob and Lynn and two new friends,  Sue Williams and Regina

The ladies are ready to go snorkeling.

On the way to Sand Key, we go through the Key West Harbor

Bob and Lynn - Happy Snorkelers

A rare picture of Clara and I snorkeling.  Most of the time I am taking the pictures.

The water was really calm.  I really like this picture.  The lighthouse tower on Sand Key is in the background.

Lynn and Clara having a good time.  Note how smooth the water is.

Enjoying the environment

This is a very busy time here in Key West.

Sunday evening we enjoyed our first Super Bowl party, and the first time we've watched a football game in probably 20+ years.  Vince set up a giant screen and projector at his motorhome and about 30 of us joined for a fun evening.

Monday, I took the Sailing Club's Hobie Wave out by myself in perfect winds for a couple of hours.  It's a lot more fun to sail with substantial winds than what Steve and I have had the past couple of sails.

As soon as I got back and showered, we were off to a party with Glen and Diane, whom we had met early on during our stay.  They have just purchased a new 2017 Tiffin Phaeton which we had toured.  Nice coach, not much change, but some improvements.

Tuesday, we were invited by Jeff Karr and his significant other Mitzy Fuerst for an afternoon boat ride.  Leaving around noon, we put his boat in the water and rode about 30 minutes to the nicest beach we've yet seen or heard about here in the Keys.

I am ready!!!!

Clara doing what she loves

Snipe Key, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys

We snorkeled, then Jeff gave a great demonstration of how to catch lobster, resulting in 5 lobsters big enough (measuring 3 inches at a particular location on their back) to take. Arriving back at the marina around sunset, we quickly cleaned up the boat, went back to the motorcoach, showered and fixed hush puppies and were eating fresh lobster bisque in their coach.

Searching for likely spots where lobsters may hide

Looking under ledges for the elusive lobster

Once the lobster is located, sometimes Jeff had to reach under the ledge with his bare hands to pull the lobster out.  I do not aspire to do this.

Each lobster has to be measured to make sure it is at least 3 inches long

Back on the boat and a glass of wine for the snorkeler

Wednesday we rented a center console boat at the on-base marina and headed out for a day of snorkeling.  We had hoped to rent a 10 person deck boat and go back to the same beach we had gone to yesterday, but both of the deck boats were already out (on a nice day such as today, the boats are rented out quickly).

It turns out that we got the best deal.  With the center console, we could go on the ocean side to the reefs which are about 8 miles offshore.  We couldn't take everyone we had planned because the center console could only accommodate 6 people.  So Vince and Candy and Clara volunteered to stay ashore, so AJ, Alena, Bob and Lynn and Steve and I head out.

The snorkeling at Sand Key turns out to be the best we've ever encountered.  The waters were beautifully clear and there were more fish and variety of fish than we've ever seen.

Bob and Lynn

AJ and Alena

A happy snorkeler

After everyone was exhausted, we decided to come back into the marina and pick up the rest of the crew.  However, we couldn't contact Vince and Candy.  But Clara was ready and will.  We dropped off the two couples and the three of us headed back out.

I didn't think we were ever going to get Clara out of the water.

After a long day, we collapsed back in the RV.