February 24, 2024 - Bohia Honda Park, Florida Keys

 Saturday

Kip went to the marine office and signed us up for the snorkeling trip to Looe Key tomorrow.  We also have to go back to Marathon and pick up a few items we forgot.  We took the bus and had about 20 minutes to get all of our items and get back to the bus stop.  And, by George, we made it (barely).  On the bus we spoke with a group other boaters that were heading to Key West.  We talked boats and trips, and they invited us to go to Key West with them.  We declined because we wanted to snorkel here before we go tomorrow because I need a refresher.

When we got back to the marina, Kip said "dolphins".  Even the marina people came out because it is very rare for them to see dolphins in this marina.  He also saw three manatees, and one of them relieved his/her bowels in a big, brown swirl (no picture, you're welcome).  

Then we packed up our snorkeling gear and walked to the calmest beach of the three.  The snorkel boat did not go out today due to wind.  Kip gave me pointers and helped me remember what to do.  We started in sandy water a few feet deep.  Then he said, "go out over the sea grass".  Well, that didn't go great.  I panicked part of the way in because the sea grass was touching me and started splashing and heading for the sand.  Kip said he could hear me vocalizing something!  

Kip found some sandy areas with sea grass around the outside, and we went through some of those areas.  Then we went side-by-side over the short sea grass, and he saw a fish and we saw a large conch.  I think I'm ready!

We went back to the boat and sat outside reading for a while.  The wind is picking up quite a bit, but our spot is calmer due to trees blocking the wind.  When the sun was going down we walked to the beach and took some sunset pictures. 

Heading back to the boat I asked Kip what was on the dock, and he said, "I think it's a bird."  Sure enough.  The bird had its beak hidden so it looked more like a piece of carpet than a bird.  

We made supper, played one round of two-person Spades (Kip swept the entire game), and we listened to music for a while before going to bed.