The 2012, Third Annual Looper “Sunset Celebration” was a huge success with over 120 in attendance. It was a little windy (not a problem for Loopers) – lots of good food was shared along with a chance to reacquaint ourselves with old friends. Thanks Patricia & George Hospodar for organizing the…

If you are in Florida – the Keys or near the Marathon area and you are a Looper – you are invited to attend our 3rd Annual “Sunset Celebration” Sunday, February 26, 2012 5 p.m. Banana Bay Resort and Marina Gulf-side beach pavilion Banana Bay is located at 4590 Overseas…

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Kismet leaving the dock at Stock Island in the Keys with Tab, the new owner, and Jim. We helped Tab take the boat up the Florida coast last month. If you see Tab and his wife Susan on cruising the ICW give him a shout.  This may come as surprise…

We walked to Fishbusterz’s (an amazing fish market right on the docks of the fishing boat harbor on Stock Island) today with the sole intent of securing some fresh tuna for dinner. We had our eyes set on a huge hunk displayed in the case when all of a sudden one…

Just around the corner from the marina is the Stock Island Lobster Company and within walking distance is Fishbusterz Fish Market. We walk by the Lobster Company on our daily walks and the colorful lobster pots and fishermen always brighten our day. This is definitely one of the perks of…

When we need a little diversion from our normal boating lifestyle; what do we do? Go for a ride in the dinghy of course. After working on the boat we jumped in the dinghy and headed out. We found some interesting canals on the island north or Stock Island and…

Yes, we’re talking about the Blue Angels. They practiced over our marina for a few days before the Southernmost Air Spectacular show which was at the Naval Air Station on Boca Chica, the next island up from us. Of course we had to take our chairs and unbrella to see…

Lunch today was at a unique restaurant in Key West, Blue Heaven, with our friend Jean. As you can see this spot features the laid back atmosphere of the Keys. The dirt floors and several roosters wandering about makes you feel as if you are in your own backyard.

Key West is being inundated by Fathom Yachts – there are three right now in Key West area (2 in Stock Island). Considering there are only about 15 or 16 in existence (and most of those on the west coast) that’s a lot in one place. Our Kismet along with Sea Venture…

Key West Yacht Harbor is on Stock Island (the next island up from Key West), just a hop skip and a jump from where all the action is in downtown KW. We’ve used several modes of transportation to and from downtown, bus, dinghy or vehicle but sometimes it’s just nice…

Because we use our boat to mostly travel from one destination to another we consider this exploration cruising so we don’t do much in the form of leisure boating once we get to port. After a long haul, moving frequently, it’s nice just to sit and relax in the current…

The is a perfect example of the laid-back lifestyle down here in the Keys. Need I say more?

Dinner tonight was on Rick’s boat, Wishing Star (a Fathom boat just like ours). Rick is a fabulous host and cook, he prepared the ultimate feast for his friends. (Bottom left to right: Rick, Jeff, Denise, Jeff and Jim.) Thanks Rick!

Mike and Lynne’s visit just “whet our whistle” for a taste of home. When you’re on the water, in our case for 5 years, and end up staying in one place for any period of time it eventually starts to feel a little like a home away from home for…