Perhaps we should have heeded the warning. We didn't. We just couldn't. The warning came as a text message from the operators of our planned excursion and read, "We are expecting choppy waters and windy conditions tonight but we plan to proceed with the outing. If you choose to cancel we can book you for another day. However, we cannot issue refunds."
We were scheduled to spend our last night in Key West on a sunset snorkeling cruise. That "last night" part is key. There would be no rescheduling. If we didn't go we missed out on the experience we'd be down a couple hundred. The "we" in this story are 70 year-old Val, 60 year-old Wandan(me), and 36 year-old Jacqui. Age may or may not be relevant.
Following some discussion, we decided we were going. We had all snorkeled before and enjoyed it. And, if we ultimately chose not to snorkel we could still enjoy the sunset cruise part. Not to mention, we had been looking forward to it our entire week in the Keys.
The excursion was actually called the "Key West Snorkel and Sunset Sail: Rum 'n Reggae". We'd be cruising 7 miles out on a catamaran to snorkel at North America's only living coral reef. On the return trip we'd enjoy complimentary drinks as the sun gave way to the night. Sounded pretty perfect and for some of the twenty or so young guns on board it was probably just as advertised. For us, not so much.
When we arrived at the marina to check in we were given the choppy seas warning again. Some people rescheduled. We forged on. We settled in on the boat and the crew - the captain, his mate, and a badass Baywatch babe - introduced themselves.
They went over the usual safety guidelines and we were underway.
The water was a beautiful cerulean blue but the seas seemed angry. There were whitecaps in every direction. But, for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the three hour adventure we were enjoying the view, people watching, and snapping pictures. To be honest, though, jumping into that turbulent water was beginning to seem a bit scary. Suddenly, Jacqui, the youngster in our trio, jumped up and headed below deck. Ten minutes later she returned looking pale. Seasickness. She'd never had it on cruises or boats before. She vomited in the bathroom and had to clean it up in the dark due to a burned out bulb. Unfortunately she wasn't one-and-done. She was sick three more times, in the dark, on the way to our destination but she was determined to persevere.
As we neared the reef, the crew taught us how to properly wear and use the snorkeling equipment. Our instructions were to wave both hands if we were in trouble. The captain cut the engine and we bobbed in the waves. The crew pointed out the reef's location and we were ready to gear up. We all had a hardy chuckle when getting our flippers. The guy handing them out looked at our feet and guessed what size we needed. When he looked at Val's tootsies he said, "Well, you are size adorable!" Val's 5' stature is supported by child-sized paws. They are pretty cute!
By the time we were geared up(none of us were in a hurry) we had watched at least ten brave souls make their way down the "stairway to the sea" to have at it. We saw how they had to creep slowly down, many on their butts, as the waves came up to violently greet them. We witnessed how the waves pulled them back toward the boat. It looked daunting. But we were here and we were doing it come hell or high water.
Jacqui went first and successfully made it to the reef, which was about 15 yards away. She reported later that it was dark but she saw about 20 fish. She also had to remove her snorkel and vomit once and put it back on. She wasn't going to let a little puke stop her!
Val went next and she was able to put some distance between herself and the boat but wasn't too successful in the fish-seeing department. She was drifting and thrashing and soon her arms were waving for help.
Meanwhile, my own struggles had just begun. I got away from the boat but not in the right direction. I was quickly drifting out and I was flailing. I panicked. I never even attempted to see a fish, never put my face in the water. A rope was thrown out and I gladly latched on and got pulled in. In fact, I was the last of us to jump in and the first to come back on board.
Getting up that stairway and back on the boat wasn't easy in the least bit, even with help. You had to scoot up backwards while getting slapped in the face and body slammed by the relentless waves. All three of us were beyond relieved to plop our tushes down on the boat. Val covered her face with her towel and was clearly shaken and exhausted. Jacqui still felt and looked ill. She would again head below deck. One crew member tried to push warm Sprite (ugh...but he swore by it) and pretzels on them but that wasn't appealing. However, since my trauma was short-lived I was ready for that reggae and rum! I moved to the bow for sunset viewing and sipped my rum punch. A sunset on or near water with a drink in my hand is definitely at the top of my list of faves so I was soaking it all in. Jacqui and Val just wanted it all to be over.
After Snorkeling
Were our ages relevant in this story? The 30-something was seasick and the older duo had to be rescued. Perhaps another way to look at it is whether we would do
Before Snorkeling it again knowing what we know now.
Same conditions, same results. The youngster was quick to reply, "Of course!". Val and I left it at we might have to reconsider. By the way, we would highly recommend this sail. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly and the atmosphere was light-hearted and jovial. But maybe you'll want to heed the warning should it come your way. Or...maybe not. We survived!
More from the Keys
During our week in the Keys we chose to stay at Cudjoe Key for several reasons. First and foremost, affordability. But, we also wanted to explore some of the other Keys and we are glad we did. The peacefulness offered away from all the crowded streets of Key West was appealing, too.
Seeing the Key Deer on Pine Key was a treat. Another delight on Pine Key was No Name Pub, which several people had recommended to us. It had Key West vibe and all the bills on the ceiling but much more laid back. Seemed like a kind of hidden gem.
Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trails in Marathon on Vaca Key had lots to offer. We had a gambusia fish pedi while iguanas scurried nearby and snakes looked on. Even I enjoyed the pedi and I hate to have my feet touched! Crane Point has miles of nature trails to enjoy. There are over 160 species of native plants and many are labeled, which we really liked. We checked out the Marathon Wild Bird Center and its wide variety of species. It has rehabilitated over 16,000 birds over the past 25+ years.
Be on the lookout for the HUGE golden orb and weaver spiders, though. Some were at eye level and some in the trees above.
We had to stop at Boondocks, the "Largest Tiki Bar in the Keys" on Ramrod Key for some live music, grub, and cocktails. Lou Lou enjoyed her special pup meal there, too. We didn't partake in mini-golf but they do have the only course in the Keys.
Watch our video Here!
The Tail End by Lou Lou the Travel Dog
The long road over the water was great because I got to stick my head out the window. Thanks, Val! I liked the place we stayed because I got to sit out on the patio and sometimes bark back at the big dog next door. The special meal my mamas ordered me at that big straw hat place was the bomb.
My humans never took me to the place they called Key West even though I heard them say it was dog-friendly. Maybe I didn't want to go because the last night of our trip they went there and I think they must have seen a scary movie. They didn't look good when they got back. But, the next day they were fine and we continued on our adventure to a new place.
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