Yesterday we started out for a day-trip to Key West...alas, we only got as far as The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant (http://www.hungrytarpon.com/) at Robbie's Marina (http://www.robbies.com/) in Islamorada--not far from where Steve and Noreen have their boat. Aside from the Caribbean-inspired food and cooking classes (sadly filled for this month), the big draw is the tarpon-feeding station out on the dock. It was a bit cold for tarpon drama (the 100-pound fish leaping out of the water to grab chum-like fish dangled by brave souls), but a fellow was trying to lure them up from the warmer depths anyway. The pelicans seemed to know they didn't have much competition and crowed around for leftovers. Maggie thought this was great fun and had Bud not had her on a short leash, she would have landed in the drink! The pelicans were a hoot--shooing them off the dock only made them try to squeeze through the fencing--but the holes were too small. hence the silly video above.
This morning we met Steve and Noreen at Cafe Cubano (MM 91.8, oceanside) to sample their advertized "Cuban Coffee." It was truly a treat--steamed milk and fresh-pressed espresso, so sweet you don't need sugar. We haven't had coffee like that since San Juan. Breakfast was good--highlighted by their Cuban toast, fresh Cuban bread (not quite a French baguette and not quite crusty Italian--it's own unique style) buttered and grilled. Yum!
We're finding that we're becoming addicted to the Dog Park at Founders Park in Islamorada (Founders Park Website). It's part of a lovely waterfront complex that includes a marina, a beach, tennis, courts, swimming pools and a great jogging/workout circuit (ok...we walk it!). But the very best thing is the Dog Park--it's very well thought out with a double-gated entrance, a separate yard for small dogs, a kiddie-pool and watering station and several poop-bag/trash stations. There seem to be groups of regulars--early morning, mid-morning (our favorite), afternoon and evening. The owners sit around and chat, welcome newcomers, and trade dog stories as well as tips on the the best dog-friendly places to eat. Maggie runs and jumps with her new pals while we chat in the shade with our new friends--then it's home for a nap. Not bad!
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Midge with her "doodles" (Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle cross), Lucy and Roxie--Maggie's special pals! Noreen has made friends with Lady, a Springer that looks so much like her late Lucy. Noreen would take Lady home in heartbeat, I think. The Dog Park is also a great place to connect with "pros" like professional pet nanny Carol Trump (305 664-0539). Lady is one of Carol's regular charges, and after watching her care-taking style for the past two weeks, she'll be the one we'll call when we need a sitter for Maggie.  Lady clearly loves her nanny, Carol! Time to think about urgent items like happy hour, supper..getting ready for more friends arriving from the snowy New Hampshire tomorrow. At least the weather has turned warm and sunny for them, poor things! |
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