Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda Key is home to Bahia Honda State Park at mile marker 37 on US1.  The 500 acre park was at one time a part of the properties owned by  railroad magnate Henry Flagler.  A section of the railroad bridge remains today.  The park has beautiful beaches, a wings and waves butterfly garden, tent sites, RV sites, snorkeling spots, and a marina.  

  Joy

SheSells SeaShells by the ...

She sells sea shells by the seashore.   Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.  Try saying those three times in a row without getting tongue tied.  Imagine my delight when I glanced at the menu of the Barracuda Grill in Marathon. 

Shall I start off with  Lovely Lobster Bisque or Killer Clam Chowder?  Pork Potstickers or Tommy's Tuna Tataki? Megan's Mighty Meatballs, Billy Joe Bob's Bar-B-Que or Beef Short Ribs Boneless & Braised? 

No reservations are taken at the Barracuda Grill and they open at 5:55 for dinner.

It is Definitely, Decidedly my Deepest Divine Desire to Dine with Super Strong Silver-haired Saintly, Sea-faring, Steve at Five Fifty Five Friday For Festive Fabulous Fine Food!

Jovial Jubilant Jolly Juvenile Joy

Thank you for the reminder!

This poem was posted on the wall at Key's Fisheries....
 

Joy

Key's Fisheries for Lunch

Key's Fisheries is a seafood market, wholesale fishery and a popular lunch and dinner restaurant.  We have purchased hogfish and lobster cakes from them to cook on the boat which were delicious.  Today we decided to experience their lunch atmosphere.  Lunch begins at 11:00--we arrived around 12 to discover a line had already formed.  There is one  outdoor counter at which to place an order with a large menu painted on the wall.  It felt a little like ordering at The Varsity --What'll ya have? except that no one gets in a hurry in  the Keys.  After placing our order for the Lobster Reuben and Stone Crab Chowder, they asked for a movie name to call out when our meal was ready.  It is less confusing and more entertaining to hear movies called out as the plates are placed on the counter for pickup.  Picnic tables encircle the building with an open air view of the bay.  

This sign indicates that the Lobster Reuben may be big enough to share.  

Clearly-The Lobster Reuben is enough for two

I cast my ballot for the "Guess how many Reubens sold in January" contest.  I'll let you know if I win...

If your mouth is watering with the mention of the seafood sold at Key's Fisheries--no need to worry.  They will gladly ship from their online store.  

Joy

Happy Birthday to Us?

On Monday, we were invited to a surprise birthday party for Jane of Lady Jane on Friday.  Birthdays are always celebrated here, in fact just about anything is cause for a party. Jane's party turned into a party for three as the party planners learned that Frank and I also celebrate this day.  Holly on Southern Cross took the photos I am sharing today.

After appetizers at the party, a group went over to Castaways for some live music and dinner. I decided to wear my tiara.  I highly suggest doing this--you wouldn't believe how many people wished me a Happy Birthday and the musician even sang to me.  A great birthday in the Keys!

Joy

The Green Flash Strikes Again

Watching the sun set in Marathon is an event not to be missed.  If the sunset is particularly spectacular, a round of applause and cheers can be heard bouncing across the water.  Wednesday night, Steve saw the "Green Flash."  The flash is visible for just a second or two.

When we watch the sun as it sets, the image we see as the sun slowly slipping below the water's surface is actually  image created by the bent light rays from the sun which is already down behind the horizon.  Higher frequency lights are bent more easily than lower frequency lights as the sun passes through the Earth's atmosphere.  The redder hues of the color spectrum of light are blocked by the horizon first followed by yellow, green, blue and violet.  Because a haze removes violet and blue,  the last visible light is a flash of green.  

I did not see the green flash on Wednesday night but that did not make the sunset any less spectacular for me.    I will be out again on Thursday trying to catch the Green Flash!

 

Joy

Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach is a white sandy beach with a cove to its north that is perfect for snorkeling with its sandy bottom and shallow clear blue water.  This beach is a designated turtle nesting beach on which Florida Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs at night.  The beach is part of park which includes covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills, a children's play ground, volleyball nets and large shade trees.  We visited Sombrero the first time by bike. 

On our second trip to Sombrero we took a dinghy excursion with some friends at the marina for a picnic.  

Spike (pictured above), Piper and Buddy all went along for the picnic.  They had a great time too!

Joy