The day spent at Cheeca Lodge was perfect — all of it. Recommendations for a couple places to visit were a hit as well…the boys had milkshakes for breakfast at Midway Cafe (half way between Miami and Key West).

And then the fun began that evening with a visit to Robbie’s Marina! A couple of friends told us to go to Robbie’s and feed the tarpon…well, these were dinosaur tarpons! Some of those fish are 6 feet! There were hundreds of them ( if you’ve been there and I’m exaggerating at all…call me out)!

Now I am laughing as I write…somewhat hysterically, as I think about Derek and Jacob trying to feed the tarpon. You see, our friends didn’t tell us about the stealthy pelicans. Every time the boys held a little yellow snapper out for a big fish to jump and eat, a stealthy pelican would appear to snatch the little Nemo! It wasn’t long before the pelicans became bold and began to follow the boys around the pier…there is nothing more funny than seeing two varsity wrestlers being chased by pelicans! Well, yes, there is one thing…it’s when Derek, who had to have a shower before going Robbie’s, gets pooped on by a seagull…the look of horror and disgust…hahaha…snort…it was a great evening!

Today was an early start…on the road by 7:30 to try to beat the heat. We almost made it, but the last 10 miles were brutal when the sun came out. We were all excited to see Tranquility Beach Resort come into view.

We road 33 miles today, over several long bridges giving us an expansive view of emerald green water…it is absolutely breath taking.

Unfortunately in Marathon Key and on various parts of the trail you can see significant hurricane damage. The work it will take to restore buildings, roads, and trails is mind boggling. Consequently, there is construction happening everywhere.

The day has been spent by the pool with the lizards and iguanas…they make ’em big down here…people really freak when they head for the pool! Below is a baby one….

Last story tonight…we’ve been on a quest for an ice cream stand, with no success! Last night one of the boys, we will not name the guilty, called the resort’s front desk and asked if there was a place on the property the could get ice cream. The answer was, “possibly.” Our teenager, who still shall not be named, promptly replied, “thank you,” AND HUNG UP! What?!? We did not have ice cream last night.

BUT tonight. We. Have. Ice. Cream. In. The. Freezer.