Hi All, well we've successfully navigated our way to the southernmost tip of the United States!  Today we arrived in Key West.  We are now officially closer to Cuba (90 miles) than we are to Miami (150 miles).

Prior to arriving here, we had a great few days in Marathon.  Yesterday we started with a very interesting and educational tour of The Turtle Hospital.  They have a number of injured turtles who they are rehabilitating for release back into the sea, as well as a number of permanent residents who are not able to be released (usually due to illness or permanent injury that would prevent them being able to survive on their own).  Our guide was very passionate about sea turtles, and we all found it very difficult to understand what he was saying, as he spoke soooooo fast!!  All staff live on site at the Turtle Hospital, so they are able to tend to the turtles during the night, and in case of a new admission after hours.  A not-for-profit organisation, very well worthwhile!

It was then a quick drive-thru Maccas for a cheeseburger each, and onto the Dolphin Research Centre for the afternoon.  This place was very interesting.  We learnt an awful lot about Atlantic Bottle-nose Dolphins during our time here, but our absolute highlight was the opportunity to swim with Jax & AJ (two very large male dolphins).  Unfortunately, Jax was the victim of a shark attack in his early years, so was missing part of his dorsal fin, and had visual scars as a result of that attack.  We each got to kiss them, do a "dolphin handshake", imitation (Todd had a splash fight, Clay had a water-spitting comp, Elly spun around in circles), and the most memorable was the dorsal fin tow around the lake!  We all LOVED this the most ..... being towed by two huge dolphins around the lake was unbelievable!  The boys also got to throw their hoops out into the lake, and AJ & Jax had to bring them back, and we also got to instruct them to do tricks (with the trainer's help of course).  Have about 150 photos of the afternoon, so can't wait to check them all out!

Got back to the hotel at about 5:30pm, just time for a quick thirst quencher and shower, then it was off to the Island Fish Co for dinner.  What a picturesque place for dinner.  It was about 34 degrees and we sat out on the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the view.

This morning Pop & Todd were up early for their deep sea fishing adventure.  The rest of us spent the morning by the pool (well except for Mark who spent the morning watching the British Open Golf in the room).  Pop & Todd arrived back at around noon, with a number of fish in tow!  Todd was amused that the other fellow on the boat, and his 15yo son both got sea sick in the 8ft swell!  He couldn't believe how big the seas were, and the fact that he didn't get sick.  Pop had a GREAT day, and was very proud of Todd for his fishing ability (and that he didn't get sea sick!!!!).

There was time for a quick dip in the pool, then it was on the road again headed to Key West.  A quick hour's drive saw us arrive in VERY laid back, hippy-ish, Key West.  It's like we are in another world down here? Our hotel is very tropical, and the owners are wonderful.  They have HAPPY HOUR from 5-7pm every night (they'll be sorry)!!! Hit "the original" Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville for dinner tonight.

Have NO idea what we have planned for the weekend, save it will involve the beach, and sun!

Till next time,

lotsa luv The Rogers & Saunders

xxooo