Day 4 of Frank's Birthday Week in the Keys

Today was all about the fishing and fish fry!  It was the first day we had been able to fish.

Ray, Bob and I were a little skeptical about heading out because it was still a little windy from the day before.  But Frank convinced us it would be ok.  Provisions and bait, Captain and fishermen all on board and we shoved off.

Captain Frank assigned the fishing order and Bob was up first. 

We trolled out toward the Hump and along the way, got our first bite!  Bob worked the rod for a while and it was a clean entry into the fish box!  What a team - and no bloody mess.  (That dolphin was not happy about being in the box!)

We circled around the spot where we caught the fish in hopes of getting a few more, but no luck.  So we resumed our troll to the Hump.  We fished for a while longer without any bites.

Since we were hosting the fish fry, we decided to head back in a little early so we could start getting things ready.  Plus, Frank invited his other brother, Richard to come down a day early since we had space and we wanted to be there when he arrived.

Frank and Ray chilling out after a day of fishing.

Fortunately, we brought some of the fish we caught this spring in Stuart (just in case we weren't able to catch any fish in the Keys). 

What a spread:  lots of appetizers ala Bonnie and Ray, fried fish, grilled fish, frilled eggplant, hushpuppies, coleslaw, baked beans and individual key lime pies for dessert.

After dinner, Toby invited us to play a game.  All she would tell us was that it involved dice and lots of one dollar bills. It was called "Left, Right, Center".  Lots of fun and laughs!

We called it a day after a few rounds as we were going to fish again the next morning.

Day 3 of Frank's Birthday Week in the Keys

The weather forecast was calling for very bad weather on Monday so our fishing plan was scratched.  In addition, we were expecting Ray and Bonnie's arrival that afternoon and we wanted to be around. 

Since we arrived, Frank has had his eye on a couple of tarpon that roll and splash in the canal behind the house.  We both gave it an early morning try to catch those fish. 

I don't think we got it as bad as some parts of the state, but the rain and storms were pretty gnarly. 

That evening, Toby and Bob hosted a scrumptious birthday dinner celebration (which was also supposed to include birthday-girl, Barbara and her husband Don). 

We enjoyed delicious appetizers and beverages, Greek salad and stone crabs!

Ray & Bonnie gave Frank a bag of many fun birthday presents, one of which came in very handy when lighting the pineapple upsided down birthday cake!

(It's a fishing pole lighter!)

We missed Barbara and Don not only for their company and many laughs, but for Don's passion for cleaning up after dinner!

How many friends does it take to load the dishwasher?

One more time, now....Happy Birthday, Frank!

Happy Birthday, Frank! (April 25th)

Birthday in the Keys!  Doesn't get much better than that.  The weather was perfect and Frank had a checklist of "Keys Things" he wanted to do.

Birthday Morning!

Bob and Frank - coordinating outfits NOT planned.

We went to "Made 2 Order" for a yummy birthday breakfast. 

One of the many FSU birthday presents from Toby and Bob.  (A big deal because they are UM fans.)

From there we headed south for a little shopping at WorldWide Sportsman and  Florida Keys Outfitters (at the Green Turtle Inn).

It was during our time at FKO that we received a call from our friends Barbara and Don.  They were scheduled to arrive that afternoon, but due to Don not feeling well and Barbara having a toothache, they decided to stay in Miami.  (Needless to say, we all were very disappointed.  This trip had been planned for a long time and we were looking forward to everyone getting together.  Plus, it was going to be a good test of whether we could all live together for a few days as we've talked about doing a group trip to Europe.)  But we were not going to let that dampen our trip and fun!

A few years ago, the Cheeca Lodge (a long-time icon in the Keys) suffered significant fire damage.  It recently re-opened so we thought it would be a good place for a cold beverage and snack.

Frank's birthday-day celebration in the Keys would not be complete without a beautiful sunset.  Based on his past experience in the Keys, THE place (without going all the way to Key West) to watch the sunset is at the Lorelei Cabana Bar/Beach. 

Another "Nauti" vessel

What a great day for celebrating a birthday!  Happy Birthday, Frank!

Frank's Birthday Week in the Keys - Day 1

For several years, Frank has celebrated his birthday week in the Keys.  And this year was no exception.  We stayed in the house across the street from our friends Toby and Bob.  Toby's father owned it and now she and her brothers rent it out.  It is a true fish camp (sans internet) but large enough to accommodate friends and family we invited to spend time with us and celebrate Frank's birthday.

We pulled the Nauti Nole, packed The Beast and hit the road last Saturday morning. 

Yes, we were going to be in the Keys for a week and wanted to have enough provisions.

It was a great drive, beautiful day and bright blue waters!    

It didn't matter the boat wasn't in the water, Frank was going after a tarpon he spied in the canal!

We were able to take our time putting the boat in the water and enjoyed a leisurely ride (albeit a bit breezy)  back to the house.

Toby, Bob and Frank

Scenes from the bay-side of the Keys.

Nauti Nole all settled in.  Tiki hut, hammocks and cold beverages calling our names.

Looked like it was going to be a start of a great week with friends, family and lots of fishing!