New Years 2012

It had been a few years since we had gone anywhere for New Years and thought that it was probably a good time to do something different.  Sue's friend Brenda from Kalamazoo, Michigan has been dating Captain John who lives in Islamorada and they decided to invite us down share a beach side apartment with them for the Holiday.  We decided this year for New Years we would to enjoy the warmth of the Florida Keys. 

We flew down to Miami on Friday December 30th and Brenda had flown into Fort Lauderdale and picked us up on the way to Islamorada.  It was a beautiful day and we stopped at Gilbert's Resort in Key Largo for Lunch. 

After a nice fish sandwich and oysters we continued onto the hotel, La Siesta in Islamorada.  We had a great two bedroom ocean side hotel.  It was two levels with two patio balconies for enjoying the great setting.

Captain John is a fishing captain who fishes mostly the backcountry waters on the gulf side of island.  So, I brought a few flies along to try and see if I would have any luck on the water.  We went fishing two different times during the trip.  John keeps his boat at the World Wide Sportsman's in Islamorada and we headed out from there.  Both trips were successful fishing outings as we caught bluefish, Spanish mackerel, grouper and snapper.  I didn't catch a tarpon but we did watch them roll on the surface near where we were fishing and I did spot one right below the boat as I was casting for them.

For the New Years eve the girls got all dressed up and we went and had a nice diner at the Turtle Inn.  The restaurant was very busy and the food was delicious.  After dinner we stopped by a couple places for a drink and to listen to some music.  The first place had a tent and a live band.  We danced to a few songs on the beach and then headed to the next place.  There we listened to a few songs and then headed back to the apartment. 

It was a great trip and very relaxing.  It was so nice to be able to get up in the morning and sit on the balcony and have breakfast.  The pace was perfect for midwinter break.  We will definitely be going back to the area again.