Time for another bucket list day as we buy an adventure pack form Sunset Watersports which includes parasailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking on Smathers Beach in Key West. First we try the paddle boards around the bay with JoAnn spending more time flopping into the water than riding the board. So much for paddle boarding and I hope we have better luck on the parasail. 12 of us pile into the boat with only the two young teenagers having parasailed before and the rest of us very nervous and anxious rookies. You lift off and LAND right on the back of the boat, receive a couple high speed dips into the water before smoothly lifting up to 350 feet in the air. The view is spectacular, the ride breathtaking, and the water far below us clear enough to spot a huge sea turtle swimming below us. We land to cheers from the other riders after our ride of a lifetime!!!
After our thrill of a lifetime I spend the afternoon paddling around the bay chasing a beautiful spotted manta ray as it would weave its way around the swimmers and seemingly oblivious to this rookie paddle boarder following above it. Take JoAnn out in a kayak after lunch and we spend an hour searching in vain for that elusive ray. JoAnn decided on a quick swim to cool off and getting her back into the kayak turned into another adventure (would have made an amazing u-tube video).
After our beach adventures we cruise the crowed narrow streets (3 cruise ships in port and spring break for the kids) to visit the Southernmost Point in the U.S. We've had enough of the touristy crowds of Key West and head back to Marathon. On the way we manage to find the world famous NO NAME PUB hidden somewhere in the wilds of Big Pine Key. Well worth the effort as the money hanging in this little gem puts Tortilla Flat to shame, and the delicious huge medium pizza and glasses of Big Pine Pale Ale disappeared in no time. The Key Deer wandering around my truck in the parking lot were the icing on a perfect Florida Keys day.
TUESDAY MARCH 17, 2015
After 12 hours of fabulous Florida sunshine yesterday we are ready for indoor activities and visit the AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS. Small, intimate, uncrowded aquarium with knowledgeable and friendly staff. As usual I spend most of my time and money hand feeding the Manta Rays which will literally climb over your hand and arm for the fish you are holding. Most amazing feeling!! JoAnn actually had several fighting over her fish. For a relaxing wind down we fed the slow moving but fiercely jaw crunching African Tortoise.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, 2015
Today I hike the old highway bridge out to Pigeon Key. Interesting how they use the old steel railroad track for guardrail. Most amazing were the number of BIG sharks swimming in the crystal clear blue waters below the bridge, I stopped counting at 25. The HUGE (6 to 8 foot wing spans) Manta Rays were a pure joy to watch as they would glide effortlessly through the water and dive into the sand to stir up food. It only took me a little over 4 hours to complete the 5 mile walk!
No comments:
Post a Comment