Sue and Paul Live the Dream

Settling in for a Florida Spring

Paul & Emyl getting ready to launch off Osprey

Now that we are re-situated with Independence in Plantation Key, we are accustoming ourselves to a new home base, and exploring the area. We have taken Osprey, our new 29-ft world-cat, out a few times now that all systems are (hopefully) working. First was a kite launch, in very shallow water in the bay just off our marina. Seychelle, Emyl and Paul all had great rides, and we got to chase Paul downwind in our fancy rescue boat.

We also had a fabulous dive adventure, guided by Tim, Seychelle's dad, who works with the marine scientists, and got us permission to dive the underwater research habitat. It has been abandoned for a short time, but the hundreds of fish- barracuda, snapper, grouper, etc-- have definitely not abandoned the area. The platforms and structures provide a nice habitat for prowling fish, we even saw a free-swimming green moray.
The most interesting part was swimming under and into a bell-like structure with oxygen at the top level. We could actually stand on a platform, with our heads inside this inverted bowl and talk to each other, as our heads were out of the water! Strange, indeed.

Tim and Paul at the helm

Later that day we were treated to a great dinner and inspiring sunset at the bay front home of Tim and Donna.

Although Donna & Tim took us out in her convertible-- This was not it!

Once again, delightful to make new friends, as we have taken our temporary leave of our old friends both at home and in the Bahamas. Good times, new times.

The marina that is home for now, is also a community park, featuring a first class olympic-size pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, sport fields and a skate park. There is also a small beach from which you can rent hobie cats, kayaks, etc. Today we saw a rescued and rehabilitated loggerhead turtle being released back to the bay at this beach.