Enjoying the weather and the holidays

In 1999 we spent Christmas in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and I believe that was the first time I spent Christmas in a warm spot. All around were the signs of Christmas but the absence of cold seemed odd But, on the other hand it all felt very comfortable. The local residents of the tow were celebrating the Navidad as they always have with a procession and pinyatas(sp) and it was all very festive.

Last year we were in St Augustine where it was cool but not cold and the festive nature of the City made it easy to imagine Christmas was here. But this year in the Keys it is very warm and there are not many obvious holiday decorations here as in the other places where we spent the holidays. The warm is very nice. Sitting here in the cockpit with the side surround raised and a gentle breeze it is very comfortable. I know that in the Northeast it has also been unusually warm but that is a break from the record cold last year. I remember many warm Christmases although not as warm as this year.

After we got in to the Harbour Cay Club on Monday we began working on our long list of boat chores. Although, first day here we took the Lower Keys Shuttle into Key West to visit Linda's sister Ruth and friends who were on a cruise ship that was in Key West for the day.

A rainbow brightened the ride.

A KW bed and breakfast.

Ruth and friends.

Linda and I with Ruth and Jerry.

On Christmas Eve many of the folks here at the Club got together for a sort of pot luck with a very nice dinner prepared by some of the folks. The main courses were a cioppino along with a conch pasta. Other folks brought salads, desserts, appetizers and  each brought wine to share. What a very nice opportunity to meet and socialize with the other folks staying here.

Sitting around the table.

Christmas was one day we kicked back and relaxed. We had a late breakfast and then went off to the beach. Marathon's regular beach, Sombrero Beach, is small as Florida beaches go and doesn't get great surf but it is a very swimmable beach and always fun. So we biked over there for the afternoon and then came back and grilled some turkey and sweet potatoes for dinner.  We shared the Tiki Hut with another IP couple who are here and were also here last year and sat together until late in the evening enjoying the Christmas full moon.

From all the weather reports it has been unseasonably warm up north and it has been here as well. The weather systems and fronts have kept the wind out of the south and southeast so it has been breezy and warm here and very pleasant. The ocean temps are in the upper 70's so that is what the air temp has been most of the time. During the day the sun warms it up but nighttime temps are really pleasant. We had to use the A/C a few days and nights but for the past several it has been very comfortable.

The temp has been comfortable to get work done and doing things on the water. So hopefully this pleasant weather will continue into the new year. So while we are enjoying it, there is work being done and that will be discussed next.