February 21-23 Jeff Marker Visits Hakuna Matata

FJM (Fabulous Jeff Marker), a good friend and colleague from the Captain's corporate days, winged into Key West for the weekend to help with the healing process and relax for a few days. He arrived Saturday afternoon, and we immediately returned to the boat for cockpit refreshments. Jeff was quick to get into a Key West state of mind. We took him down to Mallory Square for the daily sunset party and then a "Duval crawl" along the main drag of Key West. I could not get the boys to hold hands but entertained myself by dropping a few paces behind to watch tourists looking at them...

Image to the left is sunset from Mallory Square.



Image to the right is one of the artists on Mallory Square, a potential career opportunity should 401Ks continue to vaporize.







Sunday, we geared up for a day of fishing and adventure on the high seas. As it turns out, we had lots of adventure but no catching. Just after leaving the channel marks to our marina, Jeff spotted something in the water which turned out to be a school of stingrays, gliding along at the water's surface.

Look closely! They are quick and shy!!










We sailed out to our sweet spot (see prior posts) and fished all day long with nary a bite. Turning back towards home port to get in the slip before dark, we were surprised to see a Coast Guard launch speeding our way, lights flashing! They pulled along side and informed us of their intent to board our vessel for Coast Guard safety inspection. Thank heavens for my compulsive captain! They were quite austere until it was established that there were no weapons aboard (would a Texas girl's makeup count??), and then they went through the inspection. No deficits on Hakuna Matata. They were very friendly and even let us take a photo to document the occasion.

The answer to your question is:
50 caliber.









Monday we did the Conch Train tour through Key West...100 points of historical and architectural interest! A great visit. Thanks for coming to see us, Jeff!
The Admiral