Closed the door and we're on our way home. See you in Newark.

Boarding plane now.

All scouts are aboard flt 539 from MIA to EWR. Scheduled to leave at 2:45.
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Delays

We're told we're going to be leaving at 2:45, so keep checking on our progress.
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I'm suprised I got to take this picture. We're down to 18 as we left Dan with his parents at the door. Just learned flight will be delayed 1 1/2 to 3:30. Follow ststus updates for Flt 539 at www.continental.com.
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Kilroy was here
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Looking Good!
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Prepping to leave, we'll clean the bunkhouse, gather for colors and then breakfast. Hopefully Raul (the bus driver) shows up on time. ;-)
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The Crew is worn out

After the luau, they were not able to defend their volleyball champion form. I'm sure it's all from being tired from six days of sailing, but at least they tried. They could have tossed in the towel, but they went after it with at least three quarters of them participating.
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Back at Sea Base

We left marathon key and have arrived back at sea base. We're all showered and ready for our Luau tonight. The bus picks us up at 9 tomorrow morning for the final leg of the journey.

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Final Snorkel

One last stop at sombrero reef this morning. Looking to certify all for snorkel bsa. Pulling into Marathon Key for docking and dis-embarking. Back to Sea Base in a couple hours.
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Pelican Shoals

Snorkeling the shoals was different, very shallow, in fact breaching the surface in some areas. Barracuda said hello to me and Sally Steaksauce said hello to a nurse shark (no surprise). Under way again, toward Marathon.
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Novice fishermen?
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BamBam takes control. Order restored, back on course for Pelican Reef.
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Nick and Zack decide to mutiny. Next stop Cuba.
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Goodbye Key West

Left KW this morning and started our last day of snorkeling at Eastern Dry Rocks.
Best location and weather so far, lots of coral and fish to see. Next stop Pelican Reef.
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Group photo at customs house, now off to dinner at Turtle Kraal's on the waterfront. That's Rhett and Scarlett there in the background.

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Pepper sauce tasting bar. My money is on the big guy.
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No one wanted to go! Last cheesy picture from this group.

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Key West!

We docked this morning in KW, with the crew all playing a part in docking this 80 foot bus. Line men, bumpers, lookouts, and transmission hand. Got them all cleaned up and sent them off exploring beautiful (HOT) Key West. We'll all gather together w/ the ship's crew for dinner, later this afternoon. We'll try to get a group photo.

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Capt. Lance's Boat
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Last but not least, we get a shot of Mike, not sleeping.
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Steven takes the wheel as we finish our journey to Key West.
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Capt. Ron prepares the cannon for firing.
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Program Crew Mate Steven
Had to give him a nickname.
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John A., Crew Chief
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Tony fishing
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Mike D and TJ
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Dan Nick and David
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Steve and Brian
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Zach Matt and AJ
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Dan and Dave make lanyards during some idle time. On a moments notice (captains orderd) they'll drop what they're doing and tend to the sails.

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Winds change and so do we. Captian Mike is more than accomodating our sailing request.
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Setting sail for Key West.

We're under full sail headed for Key West. Snorkeled this morning at Looe Key and we'll go again on the way to KW. We'll anchor off shore then dock in KW in the morning.
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Dave scores a yellow tail snapper after Mile K got a barracuda.

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The crew of 523 on the Calypso Gypsy gets favorable winds for a main sail deployment along with the Genoa. The winds from the east will blow us toward our next snorkeling point of Pelican Reef.
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Sunset Tuesday

Todays killer sunset
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Second day of snorkeling

Looe Key was our first stop this morning due to the weather yesterday. Great reef for viewing coral and various species of fish. Sailed to the spot on the Genoa sail and now we're on our way to Bahia Honda for a cookout on the beach. Trolling for fish and Zach L. catches the first mackerel. Lunch is on!
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Snorkeling was awesome

All crew members went snorkeling then we got to enjoy a great sailing run as we ouran a couple of storms. Kudo's to Capt. Ron for some great sailing skills.
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Under Way

Next stop Sombrero Reef for snorkling
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Marathon Key

We're at Marathon Key and have met Capt. Ron and Capt Mike. The Gypsy is being stocked by the Crew (boys) and we'll be shoving off soon!
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A Hero was made last nite!

A hearty thank you goes out to Owen for repairing the air conditioner in our bunk house last night. While the crew was playing v-ball, he was hard at work cleaning and de-icing the coils to get it up and running for us. I think that earns him the HVAC merit badge. Sea Base awarded him the shirt of his choice from the Ship's Store.
Thank You Owen, from the 523 Crew.
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Leaving Sea Base

Heading for Marathon Key to meet captains Mike and Ron and prep the ship (a 71 ft. Ketch) The Calypso Gypsy for our voyage.
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Volleyball Tourney

Crew 523 is doing us proud in v-ball. Undefeated as of this post and a storm is brewing and may need to postpone the current match.
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All passed swim test and all through with snorkel lesson. Chillin' 'til colors and dinner.

Stopped for lunch at Wendy's in Florida City. We're sharing the ride with Troop 1077 from Dallas, TX and Troop 106 from the Twin Cities. Nack on the road for the ride to Islamorada... Sea Base

Found Raul. On bus, next stop lunch.

Where's Raul?

Landed in Miami!

19 on the plane and it's filling up fast. We'll check in again on landing.

All thru airport security and having breakfast near the gate. Tony is looking for coffee.

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A Prelude

Ahoy Mateys!

Let's see if we can do this from Sea Base and then from the Ship! I set this up so we can attempt to keep people informed of our adventures in Florida. I'll try to get this set up in time and then see if we can do pictures and updates from our voyage. It'll be strictly from my blackberry, so we'll have to see if it works.