In Marathon, things are kept simple.  The heart of the Keys.  Moniker applies for a couple of reasons.  First because of its location.  Marathon is the midpoint of the island chain.  Next, its a way locals view themselves.  Thirdly, The roots of the town is fishing village. 






Attractions such as Dolphin Research Center and Historic Pigeon Key that played a historic part of Henry Flager's Florida East coast Railway.

Today we are visiting the Dolphin Research Center to participate in our encounter "Painting with the Dolphins.  The crafty dolphin artists will help you design and create your own one of a kind Masterpiece!

MM59 GRASSY KEY

Learn more at:  www.dolphins.org

Stay tuned for the worlds famous 7 Mile Bridge coming up next!

As we continue our  journey down from Key Largo headed for MM 84 

Welcome to Islamorada! 

MM 84

or "the Purple Isle," Known as:  Fish haven of the World-Class Sport-fishing. On the Oceanside offers deep sea fishing opportunities.  Just load up the boat, head off shore to open waters, set up the big rigs and CATCH!  Mahi Mahi, Kingfish and Shark.

On the Bayside or the "Backcountry" gear up for light spin or fly tackle in pursuit of bonefish, and tarpon . 

Islamorada regularly hosts fishing for sport tournaments. Locally, regional and national events in its waters, further bolstering its rod-and-reel reputation.

Holiday Isle  84001 Overseas Hwy. Islamorada, Fl. (800) 327-7070

http://holidayisle.com/

A great place to break for the Catch of the Day, Sun and Fun.

SUN & FUN

Catch of the Day

After our scrumptious lunch and libations, we had some unexpected entertainment that followed.  " The Parade of boats show"  The Poker Run  boats are a group of boat owners who flotilla  down from the Florida coast of the Atlantic Ocean to see the World Championship Boat Races held in Key West.   Taking a pitstop from the harsh elements of the ocean.  Time to "chow down",  "chile out",  "gas up" and off to the Races!

Stay Tuned for Dolphin Encounters!

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Good to see you again.  We had so much fun at the Holiday Inn waterfall swimming pool, Tiki bar.  We overstayed our time relaxing at the Jacuzzi.  Remember!  Were on Island Time.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  America's first undersea park. The Diving Capital of the World!

Nature & History:  The park was created to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is approximately 21 miles in length.

The park was named after a Miami newspaper editor who also helped established Everglades National Park.  The park contains a variety of tropical exotic vegetation, shorebirds and marine life.  At the reef, the blue-green prestine waters invites snorkelers and divers to a magical wonderland.  Many colorful tropical fish, corals and the Christ Abyss statue.  Anglers need a saltwater fishing license and spearfishing is prohibited. No collection of tropical fish allowed.  Nor lobster may be harvested from or within any coral formation. Eco-tourism pursuits are natural such as kayaking along mangrove swamp, hiking the nature trails and bird watching. 

 Do!  America's Awesome Reef.

Key Largo is most famous for its beautiful offshore reef found in 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  U.S. 1  Mile Marker 102.5  Key Largo, Florida 33037  Florida  (305) 451-1202   http://www.floridastateparks.org/

Stay tuned

MM84

Islamorada