Let the Summer Begin!

Memorial Day weekend usually marks the unofficial start of summer. Down here in the land of perpetual summer, however, this weekend marked the unofficial start of summer boating. The water temps are in the mid 80s, the winds have calmed to 5 to 10 knots, and the bay waters are smooth to a light chop. Perfect for an excursion to the backcountry.

Zuzu and Tootie were eager to go once we lowered the boat into the water. Grabbing the boat bag, packing the cooler, and reaching for the swimsuit all but confirmed that we were going for a boat ride.

Our rescue Vizslas absolutely love going for boat rides, which completely surprised us. For two girls who panic during thunderstorms, when its raining, or when a bicycle is near, who cower when you pick up the laundry basket or abruptly raise your arm, and who are afraid of the dark, they love riding on the boat, skimming across the water.


They love going to the sandbar near Marvin Key. It is their water world, their sandy playground. It was out here on June 30, 2010 when Zuzu and Tootie explored their independence, ran free with only the water as a boundary, and, we believe, connected with us on a new level. From that trip forward, Zuzu and Tootie trust us more, rely on us more, and hang out with us more. We have become a pack, a family.

Zuzu and Tootie could smell Lady and Brandy who were already on the sandbar when we arrived. They were happy to see their friends after the twenty minute boat ride.

There wasn't a lot of exposed sand this time out, but there was enough for the dogs to run and the water was shallow enough for wading...and a quick poop. Wayne was right behind Tootie with a plastic baggie.

Tootie and Zuzu were happy to have sand in their toes.

And they enjoyed wading in the warm water. Tootie was watching Val on his boat wondering, no doubt, if he was searching for treats.

Edie, Casey, and Kimberly arrived with their canine gang of Bart, Pebbles, Oakley, and Jack. They anchored around the bend on the other side of the sandbar where the horseshoe crabs are, so we decided to walk over and greet them. Tootie was happy to go exploring!

The deeper water didn't dissuade our brave red dogs. They trudged on wading through the depths with their toes barely gripping the sandy bottom.

Lady and Brandy took to the shore, which Zuzu and Tootie thought was a very good idea.

It's a bit easier to run on the shoreline.

After a quick greeting, the dogs were wondering what Kimberly and Edie were doing with the boat. No horseshoes due to the high low tide, so it was time to move the boat closer to the others. 

While Kimberly pulled the boat across the flat, the dogs eagerly followed, Oakley in the lead.

Jack, however, had the better plan. Riding on the bow as Kimberly pulled him across the water. That's the life!

Meanwhile, the others were trying to keep up.

Bart and Pebbles became interested in something else as Zuzu and Tootie continued to pursue Edie's boat.

Once back at our boat, Zuzu and Tootie wanted some quiet time or, more likely, a soft spot on which to relax...the cushioned cuddy cabin. They were in there for a little while until a couple of other boats arrived with more dogs. The activity brought our curious hounds out of the cabin.

Now they had to decide if they wanted to stay on the boat or rejoin the gang.

Edie brought Bart over to say hi and to try to entice them off the boat.

And it worked. They thanked Edie for looking out for them. They love Edie!

The rest of the morning/afternoon was spent hanging out on the sandbar, talking about dogs, politics, and life. Jack found a dry spot on Wayne's lap while Zuzu and Tootie stayed close with Lady (or is it Brandy) and Bart and Pebbles played in the distance.

Three hours later, we made our way back to Sugarloaf Key and pointed the boat towards our canal; the orange-red flowers of the Poinciana tree were our beacon. The tree is spectacular this time of year as the blossoms pop against the blue sky and green foliage. Just another sign that summer has arrived!

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.

First Day of Autumn at Marvin Key

Summer came to a quiet and uneventful end on Friday, September 23. For us down here at the end of US-1, the first day of autumn resembled the last day of summer, warm and humid. No drastic temperature swings or sweeping cold fronts down here in the tropics. 

Our good friend Edie invited us for a late afternoon boat ride to Marvin Key on Saturday. It has been a couple of weeks since our last visit to the sand bar south of Marvin, and it would be nice to be a passenger not having to worry about the shallows, coral heads, and running out of gas, which actually did happen to us one hot afternoon coming back from Marvin. Edie was a phone call away and rescued us with fuel and a filter wrench!

This afternoon was worry free, just a nice boat ride on Edie's skiff with Kimberly and Ron and their three dogs, Oakley, Hooligan, and Jack, and Edie's dog Bart. Zuzu and Tootie were a bit restless during the twenty minute ride out. They were missing their cushioned cuddy cabin no doubt. But, once arrived, they leapt off the boat and were ready to run, play with the other dogs, and explore the island.

Zuzu seems to be more and more expressive everyday. Here, she's smiling for Edie who took these pictures and graciously shared them with us.

The light level was amazing, completely different from our usual afternoon sunlight. With the sun low in the sky, the mangrove islands popped even more against the blue water of Turkey Basin, and the water left from the receding tide on the sandbar shimmered.

We all took a long walk around the side of the island to look for small horseshoe crabs, which was a bit difficult with six dogs running and chasing each other, kicking up the sand making it very difficult to look for shoe trails on the bottom.

Once back at the skiff, it was time for pictures. With the sun setting behind us casting a warm light and stretching our shadows across the sand, Edie captured some excellent shots of the dogs. 

Zuzu and Tootie posed for the camera as if they were in a photo shoot for a Vizsla magazine. Their expressions are priceless. Zuzu on the right always on alert while Tootie on the left is probably contemplating the setting sun.

There, both looking in the same direction, fixated on some distant object. Is it the heron searching for his dinner in the shallows or the ever sinking orb on the horizon?

With each passing minute our shadows grow longer and the light more magical. Zuzu, however, wanted to remind us that it would soon be dark and she's not fond of the night.

Another sniff around the anchor, the favorite spot for dogs to leave their mark, before heading back to Sugarloaf Shores.

The setting sun was amazing. We had a fantastic sunset boat ride across Turkey Basin.

Absolutely magical as the sun sets on this first day of autumn down here in paradise.

Thank you, Edie, for the ride out to Marvin and for the fantastic pictures!