Christmas in the Keys

Radeen bikes to Sombrero Reef Beach, Marathon, FL

With the weather 80 degrees during the daytime and 70 degrees at night, it is nearly perfect here in the Florida Keys. Typical days tend to go like this. Up around 7-8, breakfast around 9. Boat work, web work and communications in the AM. Bike riding after lunch to the Post Office, grocery store, scenic Seven Mile Bridge, over to visit friends at other marinas, or a ride out to the beach. By 5 pm, it is "The Cone of Knowledge" or TIKI HUT time to watch the sunset and share stories and libations with good friends. At sunset, it is conch blowing time to alert the natives to the end of the day. Dinner is around 7 pm which is usually cooked onboard but sometimes we take in one of the many fine eateries around Marathon. The day will end around 10 pm as we count our many blessings for good friends, good health, and this simple peaceful lifestyle. Docked at Harbour Cay Club, we can become spoiled because it is so easy to live here. We always enjoy our time in the Keys!

Here are some photos of the past week....

Hayden, Radeen, Blanca, and Keith with Jimmy
at Margaritaville, Key West

Radeen, Keith and Blanca at Key West Sunset Party, Mallory Square
IP31 owners of TRUE LOVE

Local resident enjoying a porch railing at the oldest house in Key West

Key West Sunset

Jeff and Marjorie on IP 45, FAR NIENTE, arrive at Harbour Cay Club

Welcoming party for FAR NIENTE
Keith, Blanca, Marjorie, Jeff, Ed, BJ, Michelle, Capt Jim, Hayden

Ocean Sailors Nancy and John arrive after sailing a prolonged gale of 35 knots.
They sailed 3 days straight from St. Augustine to get here for Christmas!

Home marina friend Kathy, Radeen and Nancy
Gary and Kathy are on GATSBY from Spring Cove in Rock Hall

THE CONE OF KNOWLEDGE...aka TIKI HUT
where we all gather for sunset, stories and libations

Local pelican stops by for a visit

The birds at the fish cleaning station during a cleaning by Jeff

Marjorie, Nancy, and Radeen as we head out to Lazy Days

Egret waiting for hand outs during a fish cleaning.
Jeff is our local Mangrove Red Snapper Fisherman

It is CHRISTMAS....notice the BOW on the BOW

Typical sunset at Marathon, FL

Northeast Maryland Yacht Reunion in Marathon, FL
Gary, Loren, Kathy, Fran, John, Nancy

Christmas decorations on a local boat

Manatee Mailbox with a Santa Hat

Christmas Day on the Beach, 80 degrees and sunny
with blue skies, Merry Christmas!

a Christmas Day Iguana enjoys the beach

Marjorie and Radeen laughing and working very hard in the kitchen.

Beautiful appetizer trays for our Christmas Dinner
Thank you Marjorie

The outdoor Lanai set for 11 for Christmas Day Feast 

One of TWO turkeys prepared. Note: This one was cooked
on the grill. Great job JEFF

Marjorie, our party planner and wonderful chef, IP45 Far Niente

Jeff, IP 45 Far Niente, the MASTER at Grilled Turkey
and Carving. Fantastic Job JEFF

The buffet table set with the feast

Gary and Kathy Sabre 42 Gatsby, friends from home

Spiral Ham, two turkeys, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and much more

Capt Jim and Michelle and Hayden having breakfast al fresco at The Stuffed Pig

Radeen and Marjorie and Jeff enjoying breakfast

As many people have said before, the cruising life is great. BUT, it is the people you meet that make it so interesting and so enjoyable. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.......