It’s always something…. This morning we were going to take Wishes out with our friends on the boat Miss Kimberly. We started up the boat, and got the lines untied and when Mike put the boat in gear and the starboard gear shift leaver broke.

Luckily our fiends Dave and Kimberly asked us to join them on their boat and we were all able to go snorkeling out at Sombrero Reef. Kimberly climbed out on the bow and go us hooked up to a mooring ball. It was a beautiful spot, the water was so clear we could see the bottom even though it was 20 feet deep. The water was a little chilly, but once you’re in you get used to it. Seeing all the pretty fish and coral distracts from the cold water. We made sandwiches and had lunch out there, it was the perfect day! Kimberly and Jen were out snorkeling they saw two eels! They were do bright and green, it was so majestic. Dave had a secret trick to getting all the fish to come up to the surface… tortilla chips. He would crush them and toss them in the water and hundreds of reef fish would swim up to eat them.

On our way back to Faro Blanco Mike did some research on the parts needed to fix the leaver. Pictures of the broken one are posted below.

Jen made pasta salad for docktails tonight. It was yummy. Michael and Jen took turns pulling each other in the wagon… not matter how old they get, when they are together it’s like their kids again.

This morning Kelly, Jen, and Michael went to yoga class. The girls have been going almost every Wednesday and Sunday since arriving in Marathon. For Michael this was his first yoga class, he did good. Some of the poses where easier than others, he actually enjoyed going.

Today we put the dingy in the water. We had been having some issues with the motor, and Mike had replaced the carburetor a few days prior. Once we got the dingy in the water it started right up with no issues… we can cross that problem off the list.

Michael and Jen went for a ride around the marina and the area outside of the marina. Mike and Kelly took the dingy out as well, they took it all the way over to Tranquility Bay Resort. It was the perfect weather for it, super sunny and not too windy.

We took the car and Michael and Kelly went to the produce stand, while Mike and Jen got ice.

Michael and Jen went the pool for a few hours to relax and swim before heading over to docktails at 5.

It’s tee time!

This morning we went golfing at The Florida Keys Country Club. Jen is not very good at golfing and mostly just drove the cart today. Mike, Kelly, and Michael has some really great drives and putts. It was a nice course, and if you’re ever in Marathon and want to play golf its a good one to play at.

After golf, we went back the boat and Jen made wraps again for lunch.

Mike and Michael spent the day working on boat projects. They finished pulling the wires for our Victron house bank battery monitor. Before leaving for the loop, Mike did lots of research on house bank battery options. We used to have 2 8D Master Volt batteries, delivering 470amp hours. They took up a lot of space in the engine room and after through research we decided to upgrade to 4 Victron telecom batteries delivering 800amp hours. They take up the same amount of space as our old 8D batteries, and provide us with more apt hours. Which for all our non boating friends, this means we spend a lot more time anchored out without having to run our generator.

We wen to docktails at 5, and everyone really enjoyed meeting Michael.

Michael did a little fishing off the back of the boat in the marina and he caught a few yellow tail snapper.

Happy Monday!

Today we went to Key West.

There was a Vince Vaughn movie being filmed in Key West, and we got to see them setting up and film a few scenes. It was cool to see all the equipment and work that goes into shooting a movie.

We went to Matthiessen’s Bakery to get cookies for breakfast. They have giant half pound cookies, we got chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter. Highly recommend checking it out, they are very good cookies. Soft in the center, and crispy on the outside.

We walked down to where the cruise ships dock, Mike and Michael were trying to figure how the engineering behind the docking systems. They do this every time hey are together, they cant help themselves.

And of course while we were in Key West we went to Lucy’s to drink and visit our favorite singer, Dallas. As always it was blast. Dallas even learned Jen’s favorite song “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies.

Then we got drinks at The Flying Monkey. They were very yummy, and strong as well.

Afterwards we headed to Sloppy Joes and Michael got to try the sloppy Joe fries and a pretzels. The fries were just as good as last time, defiantly the best sloppy joe we’ve ever had.

After a long day in Key West, the crew drove back to Faro Blanco and watched Big Bang Theory and headed to bed early.

We had breakfast at Marathon Bagel Company before heading to Miami to pick up Michael. The bagels were delicious, they make them fresh every morning. The owner is a retired police officer from New York, super nice guy.

We headed to Miami to pick up Michael! It was about a 2.5 hour drive, but went by pretty quick as we were all very excited. Mom called dibs on the first hug, Jen got the second one, and then Mike. It felt so good to have the full Wishes crew together again!

On our way back to Marathon we stopped at the Bass Pro Shop in Islamorada.

We drove back to the marina. Bonnie was very excited to see Michael. She attacked him as soon as he walked in the door. Jen made wraps for lunch. They has chicken, spinach, and guacamole in them.

Michael and Mike spent the afternoon working on boat projects. They installed new blowers for the engine room. They had to pull out the old wires and then pull the new ones. They put in the new switches, and were don’t for the night. Having Michael back in the engine room was super helpful, he small enough to get into the tight little spots.

Jen made dinner… Shrimp, bacon, green beans with rice.

The Wishes crew then played cards before heading to bed.

Today was the Day Light Saving Bruch at Faro Blanco. Mike made bacon and ham. Jen cut up a fruit salad. Everyone here at the marina makes such good food. We had donuts, waffles, crepes, sausage, pastries, fresh toast, locks, cheese eggs, and hash brown casserole. We have loved all the different parties and events at the marina.

Jen took a nap with the dogs after brunch… well the boys that is, Bonnie is just to crazy and can’t settle herself down enough to cuddle and nap.

Kelly did some last minute cleaning before Michael comes tomorrow. We are so excited, and we haven’t seen him since Christmas.

Jen made green beans and crab cakes for dinner.

Today the Wishes crew spent the day getting ready for Michael’s arrival. Mike and Kelly picked up our rental car from Avis. Having an account with them has been great, and we have been getting great deals on car.

The crew went to Publix to provision. Jen made sure to get all of Michael’s favorite snacks. They got stuff to bring to the Daylight Savings Bruch for tomorrow.

Kelly and Jen did some organizing and cleaning in the salon(living room) and galley(kitchen).

Mike made tuna for dinner. It was so yummy and smelled so good that Jen forgot to take a picture before eating… so we have a “clean plate club” picture for you instead.

Jen rode her bike to Publix and got stuff to make BBQ Chicken Sliders for docktails tonight. They are super easy to make and were a huge hit! We didn’t have any leftovers. Everyone on the dock has really loves Jen’s cooking over the last few weeks.

One of the fishing charters in the marina gave us some extra fish they caught. Jen cut up one piece and the crew ate it raw with a little soy sauce on it. It was very good.

Kelly did more trip planning, today she focused on the routes we will be taking. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure there aren’t any bridge closures to be aware of. As well as check depths along the way and plan out if we will need to arrive on high tide, low tide, or slack tide.

Today Ella and Mia, two of the Wilson girls came over and did Jen’s make up and hair. They then went to the pool and spent the day swimming together. After a great day with the girls, Jen came back and got ready to go to happy hour Porky’s with some friends. She had pulled pork tacos and a few coconut mojitos.

Kelly spent the day calling marina’s trying to get our plan set for heading up the east side of Florida. There are a lot of boaters this year and it’s important to call about a month or two ahead of time to make sure you can get a slip.

Jen spent the day at the pool reading, she is trying to read every Nicholas Sparks book he wrote. Today our friends on the boat Sadie Belle drove to Key West for the day and asked Jen to walk their dogs Puzzle and Sadie. They are the sweetest dogs ever. Sadie is so cute when she walks her butt swings back and forth; And puzzle is such a boyfriend, he loves to cuddle and have his head and ears scratched. While out walking them, Jen saw two nurse sharks swimming around the marina.

Jen cooked lobster ravioli for dinner, it was delicious.

Mike did a little fishing off the back of the boat while the girls watched love is blind and kept him company.