Florida Keys Trip Summer 2017

[randlemanboater]

Normally the family and I take the RV to the Keys when we go, but unfortunately it is having some internal engine issues. Lucky for me, I know a guy with a house on Sugarloaf Key who rents it out so off we went pulling the V-20 behind my "new" 2008 Suburban.

We had a wonderful time swimming in the canal behind the house, snagging a few fish here and there for fresh fish dinners all week, and even sprung for a seaplane ride to Ft. Jefferson/Dry Tortugas (a retirement gift from my wife and kids).

The wind had blown for a month ahead of our arrival, but laid down on our second day there providing perfect conditions for Mahi fishing and snorkling on Looe Key reef.

A few pics from trip.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/2017-06-29%2011.54.27_zpstyzzaxr0.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/2017-06-29%2011.54.27_zpstyzzaxr0.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170628_124051_zpsgjmewwyi.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170628_124051_zpsgjmewwyi.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170629_083258_zpsyqxf8fvb.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170629_083258_zpsyqxf8fvb.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170627_134359_zpstd4cloo4.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170627_134359_zpstd4cloo4.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170628_191820_zpspqeuaisf.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170628_191820_zpspqeuaisf.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170628_085017_zpsdvgbrffb.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170628_085017_zpsdvgbrffb.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170627_110951_zpsxw9nd5c1.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170627_110951_zpsxw9nd5c1.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170627_075202_zpskqtrajlw.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170627_075202_zpskqtrajlw.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170629_172641_zpsmf2n1gvv.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170629_172641_zpsmf2n1gvv.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/20170629_172803_zpswzdqjlza.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/randlemanboater/media/20170629_172803_zpswzdqjlza.jpg.html)

[phatdaddy]

Great post, rmb. We were planning on going this summer, but, was not meant to be. I worked at the fort for a summer back in the 80's. Beautiful place. One of the members here,keyv20, works on a shuttle boat from KW.

Thanks for sharing

[spareparts]

great pics, Im ready to go back. Our winter trip a few years back was very windy. One of these days, I'll find another career and be able to take a summer vacation

[Destroyer]

Great pics. Thanks for sharing. I love those aerial shots from the plane of the fort, etc. Glad you had a great time!!! :clap::clap:

[tsubaki]

Thanks for sharing the great trip y'all had!

[SkunkBoat]

AWESOME! Great pix. Nice weed line you're workin' there!
Those mangrove snapper are fun to catch and great to eat! Great that you got the boat down there.:clap:

[Pipe_Dream]

It looks like you had a wonderful time. Great pics!

[THEFERMANATOR]

I haven't been to the keys in a long time, really missing being down there. Maybe next year when my youngest is a bit older.

[randlemanboater]

We had a really great time, I think I could live there as a retired person. Don't know that I would want to have to work outside during the summer...it can get pretty unbearable when the wind goes slack.

[THEFERMANATOR]

We had a really great time, I think I could live there as a retired person. Don't know that I would want to have to work outside during the summer...it can get pretty unbearable when the wind goes slack.

Most people can't make it 3 months down there. A year is another big move out time. Most who can make it 2 years they say stay. The upper keys is ALOT easier to live in than the lower keys. Once you go over the 7 mile bridge, everything changes.

[willy]

Nice post and looks like a great time, great pics too:clap:

[charlie_the_tuna]

looks awesome!! I think I speak for everybody when I say, we wouldn't mind a few more photos. those of us who haven't been in a while and don't plan on going back for some time.