Family Vacation in Key West

A few months ago, this past November, Wayne's sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and mom came down from Maryland for an all-to-short visit. We prepared an action-packed itinerary for their first-time visit to Key West. We gave a brief tour of Old Town Key West, took a sunset sail on the Western Union,

visited the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key where Madeline and Lauren shook hands with a dolphin!,

played mini-golf at Boondocks on Ramrod Key, 

and took a trip out to Marvin Key, of course...

Edie and I planned a mid-afternoon trip out to the sand bar; a warm, sunny afternoon perfect for the dogs to play and for Edie to collect. Val and Kim followed us out on their boat bringing the total number of dogs to six: Lady, Brandy, Pebbles, Bart, Zuzu, and Tootie.

Zuzu always enjoys running with her friends at Marvin Key. Tootie, however, would rather stay on the boat but manages to enjoy herself in the pack nevertheless.

We all strolled to the other side of the sand bar, heading for the spot to collect horseshoes. Chris and the girls were enjoying the sun and the water. It wasn't too cold for them, probably warmer than the Delaware beaches in the summer. Meanwhile, the dogs amused themselves, playing tag and wrestling in the sand.

Once back at the boats, Tracy encouraged us to wear santa hats for our Christmas card photo. Reluctantly we agreed, and we are happy we did as the picture turned out great.

Then we relaxed for a bit, nibbled on some snacks, and enjoyed our conversation on this little spit of sand surrounded by turquoise waters just twenty minutes from home. 

Zuzu and Tootie, happy to be back on the boat, were nestled in their cuddy cabin while the other dogs played.

The sun started to sink lower in the horizon, it was time to head back for dinner. We piled on our boat,

and Bart was in good hands during the ride back to Sugarloaf on Edie's boat. It was another great visit to Marvin Key.

We're looking forward to the next family visit during which we'll be sure to take them to some of the missed sights in Key West, but we'll definitely make time for a return trip to Marvin Key.

A Tropical New Year

Three months since my last post! Not sure where the time went but the holiday season clobbered us over the head and it seems our time has been more scarce than ever. Thankfully, a comment from a reader who asked if this blog had ceased encouraged me to add this latest entry, Zuzu and Tootie bringing in the New Year at Marvin Key.

Our good friend Edie helped orchestrate this gathering on the remote sand bar on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Good friends and lots of four legged friends enjoying the sun, the warm air, and the sand on this first day of 2012.

We arrived shortly before Edie and her crew. Once anchored, Bart, Pebbles, Brandy, and Lady rushed over to greet Zuzu and Tootie.

While the humans helped Edie collect horseshoe crabs and such, the dogs enjoyed their freedom on the sandbar, chasing each other to and fro, playing tag, wrestling in the sand, and chasing the ever evasive birds.

We stood off to the side observing the dogs at play and trying to avoid the occasional body slam after running towards you at full speed.

Zuzu and Tootie were happy as usual, running with the group for awhile, then settling on the sand near us.

As we talked business, politics, and life in the Keys with longtime resident Pete, Edie's husband, the girls lounged next to us, enjoying the sunshine while watching the other dogs fight over the latest strange thing pulled from the sand.

Zuzu is still relatively svelte, but Tootie could use some serious dog play to help shed a few pounds. Now all we have to do is find a way to motivate her that doesn't involve food!

Zuzu watched attentively the other dogs. Tootie was missing her sofa and afternoon snack.

This is what we call the lazy butt or Tootie butt, her very undignified way of sitting. This posture surely wouldn't have been acceptable to Hungarian royal ancestors, but we find it too adorable.

Time for a walk to stretch the legs before heading back home. The tide was coming in, covering the sand at a surprising rate.

With Zuzu and Tootie seated in the back of the boat, we passed Bart, who attempted to stow away on our boat as we were preparing to leave, forward to Edie. Pebbles, though, was resting calmly (a rare event) on her boat unaware of where Bart was. 

This was a memorable New Year's Day, a perfect way to bring in 2012 among friends and family. Zuzu and Tootie had a great time riding on the boat and playing with their friends. We have had them two years as of January 2. It is amazing to see how far they have come and grown during the past 24 months. From a puppy mill to loving boat rides to Marvin Key. They are remarkable vizslas.  

Thank you for reading and following the blog. I hope to be more consistent with postings, documenting Zuzu and Tootie's experiences in the Florida Keys and our travels.