Thursday, July 18, 2019

B.E.A.C.H. (BEST ESCAPE ANYONE CAN HAVE)

7 Mile Bridge in
Marathon, FL

Our family just returned from a family vacation and we brought back lots of special memories.  A week in the Florida Keys was beautiful with occasional rain and thunder showers in the afternoon.  This was a year we celebrated 3 birthdays (mine, our oldest daughter, Kristen, and son-in-law, Chris,) RV's and my 30th wedding anniversary, and a friend's wedding proposal (on the beautiful Gulf side in Marathon).

RV and MH
Happy 30th Anniversary

Our Vacation Home - Marathon FL

We definitely decorate for our birthday parties!

We enjoyed several invited guests who are considered family and the week was filled with laughter, good food, snorkeling, fishing, games, and a time where we could enjoy special times and relax.

One of the popular pool games  


Fishing on the end of the dock at sunset

Dinner at The Island Fish Company
Marathon, FL

We left our motorhome at our home base and drove south to Marathon where our 3 families rented a large home with a pool on the peaceful Gulf side, and comfortable for all of us.  Eating healthy was done sometimes, but it wasn't possible most of the time.

By the way, you can have dessert for breakfast on your vacation!

Restaurants are plentiful and awesome in this area - lots of fresh seafood and lots of good food.

One of the best sunsets in the world!

The Sunset Grille is at the foot of the 7 Mile Bridge in
Marathon

Grilled blackened mahi-mahi is definitely something we look forward to every time we are in the Keys - and our son in law, Harold, always prepares it very well!

Leaving with high expectations!

Lots of fish stories this afternoon!

A 26 lb. mahi-mahi

That smile says it all!

Lauren, Chris and Kenneth 

Fishing is always a big part of coming to the Florida Keys.  Our son in law is the fisherman and the week was filled with early 7:00 a.m.departures and mid-afternoon 3:00 p.m. arrivals from where the fish were caught about 30 miles off the Atlantic Ocean side.

A day's catch of mahi-mahi

Harold and Donnie filleting mahi for dinner

Lots of fish to clean today!

The boat is ready for tomorrow

Preparations for the next day take place as soon as the boat arrives - cleaning mahi or fresh tuna most likely.  The boat and the fish are cleaned and plans are in place for the next day.

A peaceful end of the day

Usually we make several trips to Key West during the week. Not only is it always a scenic ride but there's always lots to do when you arrive as a tourist.   We left one special guest at the Key West airport and picked up another surprise special guest, and then we all enjoyed a fabulous dinner together before we returned to Marathon.

Key West docks and Marina

Key West Marina and Boat Docks

Shopping is best done in Key West as just about the only places in Marathon were Beall's Outlet, Sandals Outlet, tourist shops, and a K-Mart...seriously.  But you'd be surprised at all they had at that huge K-Mart!  The island has a Publix and Winn Dixie, so we were set to eat.

Saturday is the day all the people who rented a house are exiting the the Florida Keys, so it is a good idea to plan an early departure if possible.  Also, lots of people are arriving as new visitors to the Keys so you will be in a 2 lane only traffic jam most likely, no matter which way you're headed.  The boat landings are lined up with everyone getting their boats in or out of the water.
Arrivals and Departures - Every Saturday morning

Sunrise in Marathon, FL

Sunset in Marathon, FL



Just be patient - you're on island time!!


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