Sombrero Key Snorkeling

Roger at the helm.

Roger and Peggy aboard Never Say Never invited us for a morning snorkeling trip out to Sombrero Key. We eagerly accepted as we both love to snorkel. After tying The Ernie T up on their mooring ball the four of us motored out the channel for the quick 4-5 mile trip to the Sombrero Key Light.

Peggy doing line handling duties.

The Sombrero Key light was put in service in 1858, automated in 1960, and is still in operation. It marks the Sombrero Reef which has some of the best snorkeling in Florida. There are several mooring balls for day use located right at the best snorkeling area which protects the reef from boat anchors.

Sombrero Light

As soon as we picked up the mooring ball all four of us put on our fins, masks and snorkels. The water was down to 73 degrees, so we expected it to be a bit chilly when we jumped in. The water was indeed a bit on the nippy side, but the show that greeted us underwater quickly made us forget we were cold. Wow! Fish of every size, color and shape surrounded us immediately. The palms and other vegetation were colorful as well.

Brenda happy to be snorkeling again.

Beautiful French Angel Fish

The reef features large crevices and mounding which creates a gorgeous landscape. When you are underwater watching the colorful fish feeding and swimming through the swaying vegetation it is truly magical. We snorkeled for a good hour until the chilly water started to feel a bit too chilly.

You have to really look to see this 20" long fish.

Parrot fish

Bar Jack

Thank you Roger and Peggy for sharing a wonderful morning with us.

 

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Happy New Year 2017

Brenda, Joni and of course Tomas.

Our good friends Jim and Joni from Wisconsin arrived yesterday. They are staying in a nearby condo so we can explore and play together. We did a quick lunch at the Keys Fisheries before they went to check in. Once they were settled in at their condo we picked them up in the Ernie T and brought them out to Wrinkles for dinner and drinks to celebrate New Years.

We had a great salad, sautéed vegetables and Pesto pasta with either barbecued shrimp or chicken. Joni brought along a few New Years decorations including a 2017 Red Solo Cup hat for Tomas. This well traveled pal of theirs seems to have an outfit for every event. Not bad for a rubber souvenir gecko.

Jim and Joni.

After dinner we simply relaxed, listened to some music and caught up on our friends lives. As the sun set the Conch horns sounded around the harbor. Jim and Mike topped off the celebration with a couple glasses of Drambuie. A beautiful and memorable New Years Eve celebrated with great friends on a sailboat in the Keys. What more can we ask for?

 

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Dinghy Ride Time

The Ernie T

Since the wind decided to take a day off we took the Ernie T out for a spin in the calm conditions. We putted out of Boot Key Harbor and then headed south down Sister's Creek toward the Atlantic. Half way through Sister's Creek we followed a pretty branch off to the west and into the mangroves. With the Tohatsu outboard tilted up into the shallow water position we enjoyed the quiet solitude of the mangroves.

Returning to the main Creek we headed farther south past Sombrero Beach and followed the channel markers out onto the Atlantic. Once we were in slightly deeper water we turned right and headed out to West Sister's Rock. After anchoring the Ernie T we waded ashore to check out the tiny island.

The island is mostly rock with a few spots of sand and some really tenacious shrubs holding on for dear life. Shells are imbedded in the rock as well as the fossilized shapes of plants and animals. It is really interesting to wander around and find all their different shapes.

Sponge bowl drying out.

If you get the chance to check out West Sister's Rock, wear some rough surface shoes and make sure you have a dinghy anchor. You won't find a spot to beach your dinghy on this island. The best spot to access the island is on the northwest corner.

 

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