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Key West Wonders

Boating through the backcountry
Boating the backcountry

I treasure many moments from our recent getaway to the Conch Republic, including a kayaking tour, a romantic sunset dinner at the famous Latitudes Restaurant, and to my honey’s delight, an early morning fishing excursion.

Sunny Key West Morning
Sunny Key West Morning

I’m not exactly a morning person. Okay, I’m most definitely not, and vacation is the perfect excuse to savor a lazy wake up. But we had so much fun fishing with Captain Ron a few years back on our first Key West charter that I agreed to do it all over again. This time out, I promised myself I would remember how to cast a line and I was determined to bait my own hook and learn how to handle any fish I caught.

Sailboat neighbors
Sailboat neighbors

You see these sailboats floating around on the gulf side of Key West? People live on these vessels, some full-time in the harbor and others staying anywhere from a week to a month before moving on. Imagine how much thinking, writing, or reading you could accomplish without all the distractions. I wonder…

Jack and Me
Jack and Me

I loved every part of the experience, from watching the sun rise as our skiff motored through the channels to the backcountry fishing spots to learning about the different baits, lures and eating fish, to catching  our lunch and releasing my first-ever fighting fish–a beautiful jack.

The competition
The competition — a brown pelican

For four beautiful hours we were part of nature, the warm sun at our backs, the waves lapping against the skiff, and exotic birds landing near us as we waited patiently for a tug on our lines.

An egret
A Great White Egret

I hope to travel to the southernmost city in America again one day soon. The waters are calling me. I’ve added Pilates to my routine in preparation for our next adventure–paddle boarding.

Our Catch -- feed us and guests at Turtle Kraals
The catch we shared with fellow guests at Turtle Kraals

What’s one of your favorite memories from 2013?

16 comments on “Key West Wonders

  1. Gorgeous pics, as always, Jolyse! I’m not an early riser nor am I a fishing fan but I love experiencing it through your posts. My favorite memory of 2013 would be the outpouring of love and support from my online friends, as well as my local friends and family, after being diagnosed with cancer. All those folks are partially responsible for how well I’m doing since my spirits were kept high and my positivity continues to soar.

    Wishing you a fabulous new year, my friend!

  2. Hi Jolyse and happy new year year! We paddle boarded this year in key west for the first time. It was so fun and so humbling. You will enjoy it so much. Cheers to the new year!

    1. Happy New Year to you and yours, too, Jeff! We have heard so many wonderful stories about paddle boarding, but that it’s deceptive in that it looks easy and it’s not. I definitely need to strengthen my core before attempting that activity. LOL Cheers!!

        1. Sending you sunshine from Long Island. You heard right about our forecast. I can handle the cold, as long as I can get my dose of sun. Talking about sandals, I’ve already begun my pre-bikini-season exercises here. (For some reason, I have to begin earlier and earlier each year.) LOL

          1. I’m the same, if there is some sun and no wind, it’s tolerable. You’re not kidding about starting earlier and earlier each year. I have to go year around now to keep up! 🙂

    1. Thanks for the kind words, Tuere. I am so excited for your moment. I share that sentiment, having met one of my absolute favorite authors at RWA13 and actually talking with her a little bit. Great memory!

      Here’s to a prolific and prosperous 2014. 🙂

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