We left Cheyenne at home after a very long walk. I figured she was better off napping than sitting out in the August heat, and Chuck noticed...and expressed disappointment. I don't blame him, she is a total babe.
It's a hopping place Geiger Key in the same vein as Hogfish on Stock Island which isn't surprising as it's owned by the same man. To get to Geiger Key turn south at the Circle Key/Shell on Big Coppitt (Mile Marker Ten) and wait for the yellow sign to appear. It's a long straight ride south at 30 miles per hour from Highway One.
I tripped over this Cuban chug decorating the parking lot. It's worth a look to see how far people will go to escape from Cuba. A wooden frame, polystyrene flotation panels and a hull covered in a plastic tarp. Very ingenious but what a craft to use to cross 90 miles of Gulf Stream and it's unpredictable conditions. Many don't make it and disappear and no one is any the wiser. Sometimes their chugs wash ashore empty and leave us to assume the worst.
We joined Chuck and Pauline dockside with a gorgeous view. 
We were under close observation. I'm guessing they are used to soft hearted tourists yielding to their charms.
My grilled mahi mahi on a fresh crisp salad was perfect and the conversation was intense enough I forgot to photograph it. I did ask Lindsay for a smile though and she obliged. Chuck made a comment about old age and pity but I decided to draw a veil across that.
It was an entirely splendid afternoon until these two Cuban refugees showed up to spoil the fun. 
As I watched them paddling in toward the marina I noted, out loud how odd is this new fad of paddling a surf board. I thought nothing more of it as we sipped our tea and enjoyed the afternoon peace. One big thing about this place is the blessed absence of canned outdoor tinny muzak.
As the Cuban couple paddled into the basin in front of the restaurant I had my attention elsewhere. Hey, they said, he's waving at you! Well bugger, how was I supposed to know it was Scott out paddling around? I walked over and Scott and Julie explained to me exactly how deluded I am to imagine that paddling a surf board is a complicated or difficult way to go. Julie explained that the view is much improved over that from the low seated position in a kayak, the board is more maneuverable and paddling is easier as you can put your lower body to work. She also insists the board is more stable than a kayak.So now I'm going to have to rent one I guess. And learn to keep my unfounded prejudices to myself.
Barbecue is on the menu after 4pm Sundays and I can't imagine standing over the pit in this heat. Never mind adding the hot sauce. 
And time to say goodbye.
Next time another dockside lunch, possib ly Stock Island.
