First Boat Ride - Marvin Key

Marvin Key sits about six miles to the north of Sugarloaf Key. Beyond Marvin Key is the open Gulf of Mexico. For the past five years, our friends, neighbors, and various locals have raved about Marvin Key placing it on top of the list of places to go where you can swim in clear warm water and walk on pristine white sand beaches. We finally made it to Marvin Key, the first time several weeks ago when our neighbor, Edie, invited us along for the ride. She was taking her two dogs, Tyson and Bart, to meet up with friends, both human and canine. We left Zuzu and Tootie at home that day, but on the way back we were making plans to get them to Marvin Key in the near future. Then the winds came, steady 20 knots from the south southeast. Earlier this week we made plans with Edie to make a go of it in spite of the wind, and she was hoping we would bring Zuzu and Tootie.

Below is a map showing where we went in relation to Sugarloaf Lodge. Our house, not appearing on the map, is just south of US-1. To get to Marvin, one has to pass under US-1, traverse Upper Sugarloaf Sound, pass through the creek and cross Turkey Basin making a gentle arc towards the east.

We met on Edie's dock at 9:30am with Zuzu and Tootie. Jacki, who was taking a much needed break from medical school, was along for the ride to help out and to see how beautiful mangrove islands, clear blue water, and unspoiled sandy beaches are in our neck of the woods....or better put...ocean.

Zuzu and Tootie wasted no time hoping into the boat once Tyson and Bart were in. They really enjoyed the ten minutes of idle time as we meandered down the canal and through the cut to the bridge before popping up on plane.

I gave Tootie a little reassurance that all would be fine. We were sure she would have a great time once we arrived.
In spite of the light chop and occasional bumps, Zuzu kept an eye out for birds and wildlife as we crossed the sound heading north to Marvin Key. Tootie kept an eye on us to be sure all was good. We were going with the wind going out, so the bumps weren't as bad. But we wouldn't be as lucky heading back into the wind and waves.

The chain of mangrove islands are in sight. We are almost there!

Once beached on the sand bar, it's time to run and have fun!

And off they go....open land to run free. Happy dogs!
Bart kept Zuzu busy. He's a tireless little guy. Tootie tried to keep up with them. At one point, it was neat to see Zuzu and Tootie work as a team chasing Bart. They all had a great time. Here Zuzu gets some love from Wayne while Tootie shakes sand and water from her ears.

More romping with Bart near the shore in the shallow water. Zuzu and Tootie had the advantage in the water, but Bart proved to be faster and more agile on dry land.

Not sure if this is Zuzu or Tootie, but both didn't stop running the entire morning.

Ahh, that's the spot!
Zuzu and Tootie playing in the water. They are so happy together!

Heading back towards the boat at a slower pace.

But once we reached the sand bar, Zuzu and Tootie took off after some birds at the other end. It was neat to see them run free without fences, boundaries, or a leash to hold them back. They ran at least 1/4 mile to the end of the sand bar without losing sight of us. Once at the end, they played a bit and then ran back towards us.

We left the sand bar and Edie showed us another spot where the beach is a bit smaller and drops gradually off into a channel. It's a great place to chase a ball or learn how to swim. Tootie is a natural swimmer, but Zuzu needs a few more lessons. She hasn't learned to lift her back end and use her back legs. Instead, she thrashes the water with her front legs making more noise and splash than progress.

It was a great morning. Zuzu and Tootie had a great time running and playing with Tyson and Bart on the sand and in the water. They were exhausted. Even the rough ride home didn't bother them. We are looking forward to many more trips to Marvin Key. We think and hope they are too!