Triggers continued

[triggered]

Well, we just got back from our vacation in the Keys. Got to go snorkling 2 times at Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, only twice due to visability. What an awsome experience, I had never been.
Anyway, the fish were watched and tended by a very trusted friend. They not only survived, they thrived. All is well with our trigger family, happy to say.
Went to Ron Jon's and they have an undulated and a lion and another fish which may have been a grouper or something along those lines. The woman who had worked there for many years would estimate the fish had been together for about 8 years. If that is true, they must have been little bitty fishes when they went in. However, they were all getting along fine and if it is true, they must have also gotten the exception, not the rule.
Anyway, it is kind of good to be back to the regular world, if only for our hobby of raising these wonderful creatures. Will try and get some pics up now that we are getting settled back in. Peace! :happy:

 

[toughguy80]

I'm going to the keys soon. How much does snorkeling cost? Would be interested in doing it :yes:

 

[michaelky]

If you go to the keys you should be sure and visit john pennekamp (spelling?) park. They have great snorkeling and glassbottom boat rides. Its been a while but if memory serves, it was around the 20-25 dollar range. Money well spent. Saw amazing coral, sea turtles and some huge rays not to mention vast fish life.

 

[fishnerd]

I used to work in The Keys, and would stay away from Pennecamp. The reefs are destroyed, and its obvious what too many people do to a reef.
If you get to the Lower Keys, I would do Looe Key. A lot of charters go there, but the closest is Looe Key Reef Resort, on Ramrod Key (mm 27.5) They take SCUBA divers for $40, snorkeling would probably be cheaper. Their boat, Kokomo Cat, is a large pontoon, and smooth riding.

 

[triggered]

We went to Looe Key because it is the only living coral reef in North America. I have heard that Penekamp is nice, however, if you can make it down further, (27 mile marker) do not miss Looe Key Marine Sanctuary. Tom has snorkled in both and says, without a doubt, Looe is the place to go. But if you aren't able to make it down that far Penekamp is beautiful.
We had our own snorkles and masks, rented fins for $2.00 a pair, the water was a little chilly so I rented a half wet suit which was $6.00. Both trips, one out of Bahia Honda State Park, and one from Strike Zone Charters out of Big Pine Key, were $30.00 per person The Strike Zone folks were great. $66.00 for both of us, well worth it.
We've got more info if you want it.
I had only practiced snorkling here in Beaver Lake, I have a problem with the breathing (phobia) any way, it was totally different, and once I got over being out in the Atlantic Ocean, with barracuda, and other strange wildlife, and the breathing, it was one of the most spectacular sites I have ever seen.
We are planning on returning in November, our usual time we go, can't wait to go out again when we go. Even if the visability isn't very good, a bad day of snorkling is better than a good day at work. That's what I told the deck hand on one of the boats who was negative about how the visibility would be because it was unseasonably windy. The visibility was fantastic.
Peace!

 

[triggered]

Oh, sorry to tell you but we spent 5 nights, at $90.00 per night, at the Looe Key Reef Resort, and they aren't doing too well. :nope:

 

[fishnerd]

Sorry, I didn't clarify that the BOAT from Looe Key Reef Resort was nice. The motel is a dive (pardon the pun) and their tiki bar stinks. Did you get a chance to eat/drink at Boondocks? Its across the street, and they have the best conch fritters I have eaten.
I used to live behind the Shell gas station, and saw the Kokomo Cat go out every day, they had a booming business.
Directions from land to Looe Key are easy... go out of Newfound Harbor, past Little Palm Island DUE SOUTH for 5 miles, and you are there. A public boat ramp is a little tough to find, just pay the $5 at a marina to launch. If you have your own boat, I can hook you up with some nice dive spots that charters don't go to.

 

[triggered]

I had posted a little less than complimentary post and edited it to take out the negative stuff. Tom said I shouldn't have said how bad it was. But ditto to your post. All I'll say about the Tiki bar, is thank goodness the bands could only play until 11:00!!! How about the Brass Monkey in Marathon?

Parmer's Resort is where we are going to stay when we go back in November. $109.00 a night for a waterfront efficiency, with ramp and dockage for $10.00 a day.
We definitely would be interested in hearing of your favorite spots. Cool to talk to someone who knows the area well. It was the best trip yet for me, as snorkling is new to me. I'm so glad I conquered my phobia, even did a little free diving, (got pics to prove it, :yes: ) and no water intake at all. :cheer: About those hot spots, got any coordinates?
Tom has been going down every year for the past 9 years, staying in the middle keys mostly. We know where Boone Dock's is, however, oddly we have never stopped. We definitely will now though, on your recommendation. We treated ourselves to a few very tasty and wonderful dinners. Mangrove Mamma's-Sugarloaf way I believe, Fogarty's in Key West, and Martha's in Key West. YUUUUMMMMMMMM.
Could talk about the keys all night long, however, time for a water change, check with ya later.
Peace!

 

[jer4916]

im from key largo,...i miss home...i used to be able to talk out on to the beach and get live sand and throw it in my tank...and water changes....LOL...i never had to buy salt......I just went out and got a pucket of water!