On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 14:37:32 -0500, M. Bevelhimer <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>I'm leading a group of 18 boy scouts and 6 adults on a sailing trip in the
>Florida Keys next week. I did the same trip two years ago. (Actually I'm
>only leading them from Tennessee to Florida and back; experienced captains
>provide the guidance on the boat.  All I gotta do is sit back and
>relax.)  We'll be on 3 42' Morgans sailing from the boy scout base at
>Islamorado to Key West and back.  We'll play in Key West all day Wednesday.

That sounds like a fantastic trip if all the kids don't drive you crazy! Do
you really think you'll be able to "sit back and relax"? :-))

>(Brad, any chance you'll be in town?)
>

It just so happens that I'll be off for six days begining on Tuesday. I had
not yet decided to go into Key West, but you've given me one more reason
for going in. ...Yes, I will be there. Let me know where I can find you and
your wild bunch of boy scouts. :-))


>No SCUBA, but we will have several opportunities to snorkel at places many
>of you have been, e.g., Looe Key and Sombrero Key.  Any snorkeling spots
>anyone can recommend? We have a fair amount of freedom where we go, though
>we will be on the Atlantic side of the keys most of the time.  Both of my
>sons will be along (though the wife is being left behind in Tennessee), so
>it should be an excellent time.
>

I'd recomend a trip to the Tortugas if you have the time. There are some
shallow coral heads a short swim from shore, which are perfect for
snorkelers. You'll see lots of fish, and some big ones too. Aside from
Tortugas, I'd recomend the reefs off of Islamorado (more dependable vis
this time of year), and Looe Key of course.

I'll look forward to seeing you, and I wish you a great adventure. It
really should be a great time.

>-Mark B.


Brad