ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART TWO

ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE, SO NO DOWNLOADING PLEASE!










APRIL 13

Some background......The Marathon area is located in the middle of the Keys. One reason why I picked to stay in this area. The area takes in Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, Fat Deer Key and the largest Vaca Key, which was named by the Spanish because of the abundant population of manatees (sea cows). Vaca is Spanish for cow. To get to the Marathon area you cross Long Key Bridge. This is the first place you get the sense of driving into the sea. With the blue sea melding into the blue water the horizon seems to go on forever. It's a sight to behold. I would have to say, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

After going into Marathon for groceries, coming back to the cottage and making something to eat, we were off to the Dolphin Research Center located on Grassy Key. The Center was founded in 1940, as a marine educational facility. The Center is the oldest dolphin facility in the Keys. Swimming with the dolphins is a concept that originally started here over 35 years ago.

We didn't swim with the dolphins, but we went to all the educational demonstrations. It was pretty interesting. We also found out that Flipper from the old TV show, his daughter and three grandsons call The Center their home. In fact, the TV show was filmed not far from there.

The Center also has the oldest dolphin at 40 years old. They only live to be 20 years old in the wild and shorter in *captivity*.

We got to see the trainers give medical attention called *extra watering*. This involved putting a short tube down the dolphin's throat via the mouth and giving it a mixture of water and vitamins. They do this because even though the dolphin drinks water, they need extra water at times to remain healthy. If the dolphin needs medicine, its given at this time too.

After spending time with the dolphins, we headed back to the cottage for some relaxation. With only getting four hours of sleep, a nap was involved. Later, we did some kayaking from our private beach, took in a sunset, BBQ'd and met some of the other guests.

Tomorrow the Everglades.

Looking out to the Atlantic Ocean from the private beach.

Duck Key in the distance. Another shot from the private beach.

Top down, the convertible top that is, crusin' US1.

Ibis in the pool.

My first underwater shot. I have no idea what this thing is. It was like *breathing* on the bottom side.