We are hanging out with family in the Florida Cays. Lots of photo ops, and photographers to take advantage. To wit, the photo above by Ian Beveridge, age eight.

Wind Horse is anchored off a small island on the west side of Marathon, and prof shooter Todd Beveridge,  Ian, and Emma were out early this morning checking the locals, one of which is above (another of Ian’s photos).

Last night the atmosphere was reasonably clear (for this warm a climate) allowing a good shot of the moon from the aft deck.

The sunrises are always a delight hereabouts.

Our winged neighbors are up early, and catching them on their way to work is a technical challenge. Out of 500+ shots this morning, this is the only one that turned out.

It is warm, but with the awnings set, and hatches open, we have only used the air conditioning one night since Saturday.

And the water is so inviting.

We are particularly fond of the pelicans. They look ungainly, but are amazingly acrobatic and efficient fliers.

In particular when it is mealtime.

Now a word on what has caused us, and most sailors, to disdain stinkpot drivers as a general class in society. We offer as an example this fizzboat, aimed here to cross our bow less than two boat lengths in front, before thinking better of it.  As sailors, from an early age we learned to expect this dangerous and unseamanlike behavior as a matter of course.

Later in the afternoon, this same vessel decided to join our anchorage. He could have anchored far enough away so as not to bother us with the  inevitable 24 hour a day generator music. But no, they anchored two boat lengths in front of WInd Horse. We realize not many larger yachts, sail or power, have the luxury of sitting quietly at anchor. If you happen to have this the 24 hour generator affliction, please, do not burden your neighbors with it as well.

Having dispensed with that diatribe, we thought this photo of a territorial dispute was appropriate.

We will end on a higher note. The grandkids are aboard, their parents are relaxing, and there is a foot / 30cm under the keel at high tide. The Yamaha outboard started on the first try after five months in storage. All systems are functioning, and there is Internet service, albeit slow, along the coast. We’ll try and post some video if we get a fast enough connection.