New world down under

Always something to do when you are in Florida for the winter!

Doorway to Paradise

Even though this shot was worked with HDR the sight actually took your breath away. Pigeon Key Flagler Museum.

Old Regulars

If only these bar stools could talk. They have had the privilege of being home for many a visitor who spun a tale at the Hogfish Grill on Stock Island, Florida.

Bar is Never Closed

Even though the bar stools on the beach are up, there is always friendly service and a cold one or two available.

No Pain No Gain

This is not a dentist's chair it is actually a chair they strap you into when you go off shore fishing for Sailfish. The World Sailfish Championship is a big sport in the Keys with prize money over $300,000. Now a days it is usually catch and release.

Boats for Hire

There are various charters available for hire at Sparkys Marina. Sailfish, Dolphin, Amber Jack, Yellowfin Tuna and Snapper are the catch of the day. At $800 a half day you've got to love fishing!

Happy Hour

Sparkys in Key Colony Beach Florida. This view is really hard to take.

Catch of the Day

All of these are good to eat. They will pan fry up nicely for supper.

Bountiful Catch

A charter on the Marathon Lady always guarantees a great day of fishing. Yellow Tail Snapper, Porgy, Grunts, Toro, and Hogfish are all reef fish caught in the Florida Keys.

May your line be always tight.

These are the words of wisdom an avid fisherman and friend once told me.

Mermaids of the Sea

A female and baby Manatee frequented the waters around Sparky's Marina in Key Colony Beach. They appeared to not be afraid of human contact and were as gentle as could be. They are attracted to the spray from the fresh water the fishermen use to wash their boats. This one was quite scared up from an outboard motor prop.

Dolphin for Dinner!

This is a Mahi Mahi or Dolphin as the locals call it. If caught in the Pacific it goes by the name Dorado. It is the best tasting fish I have ever tasted! It can be baked, bbqd, pan fried, deep fried and even made into fish tacos and fish tidbits. Yum!

Flowers for Mother Mary

My Mother was born on this day and she loved the colour mauve. There were hedges of hydrangea at every home we lived in. The tradition goes on as my sister and I have hydrenga in our gardens and my two daughters have now planted them in their gardens.

Great White Egret

Every morning and evening we are frequented by this majestic log legged beauty. Don't let his looks fool you, he is quite a thief and will snatch your bait, your sandwich or even your raw oysters or cocktail shrimp if you are not watching.

Sea Breezes

On a warm February afternoon the sea breezes are welcomed.

Whoooo you lookin at!

There is a pair of Burrowing Owls in Key Colony Beach. This year they hatched two chicks and made their home in a storm pipe on the corner of 10th Street.

Beach Treasures

Pieces of coral, seaweed and shells break away from the ocean floor and wash up daily on the white, white beaches of the Florida Keys. Water shoes are a must!

My Rim is Salted

John Lyons has a web site called thesaltedrim.com I have adopted his mantra, "Keep calm and drink a Margarita" :)