Hello again from the deck of SeaDAN! It’s been a packed and exciting week as we officially left the Keys and cruised up to Fort Lauderdale. From weather dodging to a manatee visitor, and birthday golf to a refrigerator explosion, this week had it all. Let’s dive in.

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Sandbar Days & Brewery Nights

Last Friday, we tried to head to Hens and Chickens Reef with Todd and Tammy, but conditions were way too rough. Plan B? A bustling sandbar! Around 50 boats were anchored up, and we joined the fun — chest-deep water, music from all directions, and a perfect impromptu hangout.

After drying off, we brewery-hopped to Florida Keys Brewing Co. where we enjoyed the tie-dye garden and cold IPAs. Unfortunately, a little “rental car bumper car” incident happened in the parking lot — Todd met another rental car the hard way. No one hurt, just a couple of hours sorting insurance.

Dinner that night was at the highly recommended Square Grouper — and it delivered. Great food, lucky bar seating, and a memorable meal.

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Dive Bars, Ribs, and Goodbyes

On Saturday, we hit up Whistle Stop Pub (yes, the one from Bloodline) after a quick stop at the Islamorada Brewery. We played pool, laughed late into the night, and said goodbye to Todd and Tammy the next day as they headed home.

Back on our own, we tackled laundry and groceries — big thanks to Instacart and Publix for delivering right to Founders Park Marina. Beats a $40 Uber run any day!

And shoutout to our boat neighbor, Brisket Bob, who smoked us two racks of ribs on the front of his 70-foot boat. Hands down, some of the best ribs we’ve ever had. Thank you, Bob.

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Goodbye Keys, Hello Fort Lauderdale

Monday morning, July 14, we set out early with a full tank — 400 gallons of diesel (about $1,500, ouch). Waters were glassy, storms rolled in but didn’t bring too much wind, and our only issue was a red engine warning light that cleared itself after a reset.

Things got dicey near Port Everglades Inlet where two massive cruise ships were maneuvering. We had to hover for nearly 30 minutes while the parade of ships cleared out, but once we got in, it was smooth docking — minus a minor rainstorm and some Olympic-level effort to land the boat without a stern thruster.

We’re now at Hall of Fame Marina, right next to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Watching competitive divers from the boat has been a treat!

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Dinghy Runs, Giant Yachts & Birthday Golf

Since arriving, we’ve done a few scenic dinghy trips past jaw-dropping yachts and under tiny bridges in the Fort Lauderdale canals. One trip had us ducking under four-foot bridges like pros.

We also celebrated Deb’s birthday on the 17th in style: a round at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club (thanks to Coldstream reciprocity), a birdie on a par 3 (go Deb!), and a fantastic course with old-school charm, big trees, and wide tee boxes. It’s now our goal to chase golf courses up the Intracoastal as we move north.

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Pasta, Paddle Plans & No Bugs

We capped the week with a homemade Italian dinner — fresh pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a bottle of DAOU red wine. No bugs, perfect breeze, and front-deck stargazing made it feel like magic.

Next up?

• Dinghy ride down the New River to check out The Wharf dining district
• A beachside e-bike cruise along Fort Lauderdale Beach
• Then, it’s time to move north toward West Palm Beach

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It’s been a week of full hearts, funny moments, and one broken Corona bottle (RIP, soldier). We’re soaking it all in and loving every bit of it — especially the no-bug evenings and all the good company.

Thanks for tagging along. Hit subscribe to keep following our loop adventures, and as always, let us know if you’ve got golf course recs, dinghy routes, or favorite marinas up the coast!

— Chris & Deb
From the deck of SeaDAN

Family, First Dives, and Floating Ears

Hey Loopers — Chris and Deb here, back aboard SeaDAN and recording fresh from Founders Park Marina in Islamorada. We’re fresh off a whirlwind couple of weeks full of family, paddleboarding mishaps, and — big news — Chris is officially retired! 🎉

After wrapping up our final owner’s meeting in Louisville and enjoying the 4th of July with family (including future swimmer-in-chief, little Leon), we flew back into Fort Lauderdale, picked up a car, and returned to the Keys. But this time, we didn’t come alone.

We brought along Todd and Tammy — Chris’s brother and sister-in-law — for a week of Keys-style fun in the sun. And let us tell you, they didn’t just visit… they made memories.

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Dinghies, Sunsets, and Sea Critters

They arrived July 7th, and we wasted no time. First stop: Marker 88, our favorite sunset spot (and still the reigning tuna nacho champion). No snorkeling that night, but we made up for it the next day with a dinghy snorkel adventure. Highlights? Warm 89° water, clusters of lobster hiding in a concrete slab, and, of course, the now-legendary struggle of four adults trying to get back into a dinghy without injuring themselves. (We’re all fine. Mostly.)

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Wahoo, Mermaids, and Betsy the Lobster

We tried a new place — Wahoo’s Bar & Grill overlooking the Atlantic. Great food, great drinks, and an owner with great stories. Bonus? We were served by a self-proclaimed real-life mermaid. No complaints.

We also made another trip to Rain Barrel Village to visit Betsy, the giant lobster sculpture who now feels like an old friend. (Yes, we took more photos.)

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Key West: Putt Putt, Rum, and Tattoos

On Wednesday, we road-tripped down to Key West. On the way, we stopped at Porky’s Bayside Restaurant for cocktails and a sweaty, chaotic game of putt putt. (Spoiler: Todd won. Chris still claims everyone owes him money.)

In Key West, we parked near Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery and Sloppy Joe’s, grabbed cigars, and strolled Duval Street. The ladies even got henna tattoos — palm trees and flowers that immediately smudged. Lesson learned: follow the instructions.

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Captain Tony’s, Hogs Breath & Sloppy Joes

Nightlife was a highlight. At Captain Tony’s Saloon, we were blown away by piano player Mike Brown, who had the whole bar clapping, laughing, and singing along. Over at Hog’s Breath Saloon, we caught Harley Ray, an incredibly talented singer-songwriter with Pearl Jam vibes and Kid Rock looks.

Sloppy Joe’s? Eh. The band was… there. Let’s just say we stayed for the experience, not the music.

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Paddleboard Wipeouts & Floating Ears

Thursday brought a hilarious return to paddleboarding. Todd bravely took the first post-happy-hour plunge (and surprisingly stayed upright). Chris… not so much. The second he stepped on the board, he faceplanted between two boats — losing his glasses, hat, and both hearing aids in one splash. A frantic mask-dive later, we found everything. Miraculously, it all still works.

Deb, of course, cruised calmly and even spotted a sea turtle.

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Steakhouse Surprise & Celebrations

We celebrated all the July birthdays (and Chris’s retirement) with dinner at Kindler — a fantastic new steakhouse tucked into Three Waters Resort. Incredible food, a friendly staff, and the most hilarious diving board belly flop from Todd earlier that day. If you haven’t been there: go.

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What’s Next?

We’re heading out soon to one of our favorite snorkel spots: Hens and Chickens Reef. Wind permitting, of course. Then we’ll hit a couple local breweries and filming locations from Bloodline, including Whistle Stop Pub & Grill, before Todd and Tammy head home to Springfield.

After that? It’s time to get serious about The Loop. We’ve got a solid weather window starting Monday and plan to push through Fort Lauderdale, hop into the Intracoastal, and start making some real wake.

We’re behind the other Loopers — most are in the Great Lakes or even Canada by now — but we’re not in a hurry. We’re Looping our way.

Thanks for following along. Don’t forget to subscribe so you get updates when a new episode drops. And if you’ve got paddleboarding tips, waterproof hearing aid suggestions, or just a favorite Tiki bar we haven’t tried — drop us a note.

See you on the water!

Hi friends — it’s Chris and Deb checking back in from C-DAN! After two weeks back in Cincinnati for doctor appointments (and a few rounds of golf), we caught a flight down to Fort Lauderdale — the closest Allegiant airport — and made our way back to the boat, still docked at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina in Islamorada.

While in Fort Lauderdale, we scoped out marinas for when Chris officially retires, and wow — marina prices ranged from $2,800 to $6,000 a month. Compare that to our $1,400 rate here in the Keys and, well, you can guess why we stayed put! It’s been windy here (10+ days straight), so hunkering down feels like the right move.

The plan? Once the weather clears and we head out again, we’ll take the Hawk Channel (the protected route between the reef and islands) and skirt around Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Eventually, we’ll tuck back into the Intracoastal Waterway where the travel is calmer. From there, we’ll keep moving north — slowly, and at our own pace — still unsure whether we’ll hit the Great Lakes this year or next.

In the meantime, we’ve made the most of our stay. With a rental car in hand, we explored Islamorada and Key Largo, and found some absolute gems:

History of Diving Museum – If you know Chris, you know museum stops are a deep dive (pun intended). We learned that hard-hat diving has been around way longer than modern scuba, and is still used commercially today. Fascinating collection of helmets, pumps, and recovered treasures.

The Original Tiki Bar – Tucked inside the Postcard Inn (formerly Post Card Inn), this iconic spot has been around since 1969 and claims to have created the Rum Runner. We tried one of those and a Painkiller while watching a feeding frenzy of nurse sharks at the adjacent marina. Yup—sharks. Hand-fed!

E-Bike Adventures – After hurricane Milton wiped out our old Subaru, we finally caved and invested in a pair of foldable Retrospec e-bikes. We tested one at a shop in Key Largo, then tracked down a second at a great little bike shop in Big Pine Key (shoutout to small-town bike dealers!). They’re lightweight, foldable, and perfect for getting around the islands.

The Fish House – Our favorite meal of the week came from this Key Largo staple. The sautéed mahi (as seen on TV!) lived up to the hype. Locals and staff have been there for decades — you can feel the authenticity.

Whistle Stop Pub & Grill – Bloodline fans, this one’s for you. We popped in to the local watering hole featured in the Netflix series, which was filmed in Islamorada. Pretty cool to match the show with real places.

Hawk’s Cay Resort – We made a quick nostalgic stop in Marathon at the resort we took our kids to 30 years ago. It’s grown a lot since then — still great for families with its dolphin experiences and big pools, but a bit too bustling for our current tastes.

Rain Barrel Village – A quirky collection of shops, studios, and galleries just up the road from the marina. We had a custom sign made (more on that later!) and, of course, took photos with Betsy — the enormous lobster sculpture out front and the second-most photographed attraction in the Keys.

Hog Heaven Sports Bar – The local late-night hangout, complete with live bands and a party crowd. We caught Airplane Mode, a cover band playing 70s and 80s hits — right up our alley. We stayed out until almost midnight (which is saying something!).

Toilet Seat Cut – Yes, it’s real. This shallow channel between two islands is lined with poles holding decorated toilet seats. RIP tributes, pirate jokes, sports teams — you name it, it’s hanging there. We took the dinghy through and snapped photos, but it’s one of those things you really have to see to believe.

Marker 88 – Another family favorite revisited. Great food, especially the tuna nachos. It’s right next to a prime snorkel spot that’s become one of our go-to afternoon activities. Parrotfish, French angelfish, and lobsters galore — all in about 10 feet of water.

Paddleboard Mishaps – We’ll leave you with a laugh. Yesterday, while Chris was working, Deb decided to paddleboard alone and took a surprise plunge (with an audience). And later, two curious barracudas followed her down the canal. No danger, just… creepy. Today, she’s back on the board — determined to stay dry.

Tonight? Cheeseburgers on the boat.

We’ll be here in the Keys a bit longer before our next travel window. Thanks for being patient while we took our quick break — we’re back to our regular updates now. Hit subscribe to get notified whenever a new post or podcast drops. And if you have a bug spray that actually works, send your suggestions our way… Deb’s got ten bottles, and not one of them is cutting it.

Catch you next week!

— Chris & Deb

After three spectacular weeks meandering through the Florida Keys, we’re back in Cincinnati for a short stretch—trading crystalline waters for gray skies and a chilly 56 degrees. The contrast couldn’t be sharper, but it’s a great chance to reflect on the adventures we packed into our time down south.

Home Base: Plantation Harbor Marina, Islamorada

Our new home away from home was Plantation Harbor Marina, nestled in Islamorada, often called the “Village of Islands.” It’s got a relaxed, local vibe that instantly felt like the right fit for this leg of our journey. The marina itself offers clean facilities, strong Wi-Fi (a godsend for updating charts and keeping in touch), and it’s just a short walk to Founders Park. The park became our go-to for morning strolls, impromptu baseball sessions, and post-snorkel swims in the Olympic-size pool. Best of all? The slip is nearly half the cost of what we paid at Marlin Bay—and still provides all the comforts we need.

Dinghy Dates & Local Bites

Marathon gave us a few parting gifts in the form of memorable meals and quirky experiences. A “dinghy date” to Lazy Days Restaurant turned into a seafood revelation. The hogfish special was so good it made us momentarily consider dropping anchor permanently. A day later, we stumbled on Porky’s Bayside BBQ, where the pulled pork was passable—but the real highlight was the sprawling, tropical-themed 18-hole mini golf course. Each hole had its own cocktail station, and the landscaping made it feel like we were golfing in a jungle paradise. Chris managed to edge out a win by a single stroke, and I’ll never hear the end of it.

Diving Disasters (And Delights)

What started as a casual dive off the dinghy at Sombrero Reef quickly devolved into a comedy of errors. Nick got in the water first, while I attempted to gear up on the dinghy. I eventually gave up and just tossed my gear in, figuring I’d sort it out once I was floating. That would’ve worked fine—if not for the current sweeping me 50 yards away before I could wrangle it all on.

When I finally got back to Nick, out of breath and looking a little blue (literally), we managed to start the dive. But soon he became tangled in the float line like a character from a sea-based slapstick. Good thing I always dive with a knife—we spent the next five minutes untangling him before realizing the float had drifted off. It’s probably waving hello to Cuba by now. And we also lost our action camera. But you know what? We laughed until we cried, and we still saw sea turtles, an octopus, barracuda, and more. It wasn’t pretty, but it was perfect in its own chaotic way.

Goodbye, Marlin Bay

Our departure from Marlin Bay Yacht Club was bittersweet. We spent our last morning sipping coffee on the dock with Leon, blowing bubbles into the warm morning air. Just as we were about to pull lines, we caught sight of an iguana perched on the rocks—then, to our astonishment, it leapt into the water and swam off like it had places to be. Iguanas can swim? Apparently.

With that sendoff, we cruised under the iconic Seven Mile Bridge and opted for the Atlantic side route. The weather played nice: smooth seas, light winds, and zero crab pots—since the season doesn’t start until October. We even gave the autopilot some wheel time, cruising at 17–18 mph with no issues. We made excellent time, and everything went smoothly… right up until I took a surprise dip in the water trying to maneuver around the dinghy after docking. At least I had the good sense to empty my pockets first.

Paddleboarding & Beach Days

We had a new toy waiting for us at Plantation Harbor: a paddleboard, shipped ahead so it would be ready on arrival. Standing on it felt like trying to balance on a greased log at first, but after a few wobbly rides, I found my sea legs. It’s now a regular part of our routine. We just need a good name for it—CDN Jr. is already taken by the dinghy.

Leon and I also spent time at the marina’s small beach area. It’s not your classic white-sand beach, more gravel and shells, but it didn’t matter. We built sandcastles, dug for shells, and watched the boats pass by while the rest of the crew snorkeled nearby.

Reefs, Sea Turtles & Theater Shows

One morning, we ventured out to Hens and Chickens Reef, a protected zone clearly marked with tall beacons and mooring buoys. You’re not allowed to anchor, which helps protect the fragile coral—something we’re always happy to support.

Nick and Rami jumped in while I stayed on the boat with Leon, and they were treated to a vibrant underwater show: schools of bright blue fish, a graceful sea turtle, and even an octopus hiding in the reef’s crevices. I took a short turn in the water once they returned, just long enough to see the reef for myself and feel the thrill of discovery.

We also spent a morning at Theater of the Sea, a marine park with dolphin shows, sea lions, parrots, and gators. Leon was fascinated by the turtles and loved the sea lion performance. It’s a charming spot that offers just enough education to feel good about the entertainment.

Dinner on the Dock

Thanks to Nick and Rami, we discovered Marker 88 Restaurant, a waterfront gem with a dinghy dock—our kind of place. The tuna nachos were massive and delicious, with perfectly seared slices stacked on a platter the size of a pizza box. We dinghied over the day after discovering it by car and enjoyed a sunset dinner with the kind of view you don’t forget. It’s firmly on our return list before we leave Islamorada.

Back to Ohio (For Now)

We wrapped up our time in the Keys with one last snorkel—this time just off the rocks outside the marina. The water was calm, and the fish were out in full force, including three smaller barracuda and schools of darting bluefish nestled in the shadows.

Now we’re back in Ohio for a short stay. On the docket: a few doctor’s appointments, a golf tournament or two, and a Memorial Day cookout with family. But it won’t be long before we’re back in the water, heading to Key Largo and around the tip of Miami to Fort Lauderdale, which will likely be our next fly-in stop. The journey continues.

Loop Status: Smooth Sailing

The boat’s holding strong—no new holes drilled, no systems failures, and everything running smoothly. We’re growing more confident with each leg of the loop, learning from the missteps and savoring the wins. Life aboard CDN is good, and we’re not taking a minute of it for granted.

Hello, everyone! Chris and Deb here, reporting live from Sea Dan. It’s been another action-packed week since our last update, and we’ve been busy exploring Boot Key Harbor, spending time at the Dolphin Research Center, and even diving into some underwater adventures. Here’s everything we’ve been up to!

Dinghy Days in Boot Key Harbor

We kicked off the week with a dinghy adventure to Boot Key Harbor, just south of Marathon. This harbor is home to an impressive number of mooring balls—about 500 boats! It was a little bittersweet, though, as many of the boats appeared abandoned, giving the area a bit of a “boat graveyard” vibe. On the brighter side, we found a fantastic spot for lunch—Dockside Bar & Grill, a dive bar with live classic rock played on a violin. We had some amazing homemade pizza rolls and watched dolphins while sipping on our Coronas. It was one of those relaxing, perfect days on the water.

After Boot Key, we made our way to Burdines Waterfront for a burger. The food was fine, but the service wasn’t exactly stellar, and the place was a bit underwhelming overall. Still, the rocking chairs on the dock and the marina’s atmosphere made it worth the stop.

Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center

On a more serious note, we visited the Turtle Hospital, which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles. Many of these turtles have been injured by boats, propellers, or other marine hazards. Some are given prosthetic limbs, while others will remain in captivity for the rest of their lives. It was heartwarming to see the efforts made to save these amazing creatures.

The next day, we visited the Dolphin Research Center, where the famous Flipper TV show was filmed. It’s a great spot, especially for kids, where you can interact with the dolphins, watch them perform tricks, and even visit the splash park. We spent a lot of time enjoying the playful dolphins, parrots, and iguanas, and we even captured some great videos of the dolphins jumping and dancing in the water.

Sombrero Reef and the Dive Flag Fiasco

The highlight of our week, though, was our trip to Sombrero Reef. This popular snorkeling and diving spot is about two and a half miles south of Marathon and is marked with buoys to guide you in. It was a little rough getting out there, but the stunning underwater world made it all worth it. We saw tons of reef fish, turtles, stingrays, and even a couple of barracuda! The visibility was incredible, and we even got down to about 38 feet without losing sight of the dinghy. This is truly a must-visit spot if you’re into diving or snorkeling.

Of course, no adventure is complete without a bit of comedy. When we were setting up to dive, we realized we forgot our dive flag! In a pinch, we tied a bright red luggage tag to the dive float to make sure we were visible to passing boats. It was a makeshift solution, but it worked—at least until we get a proper flag!

Manatee Magic at the Marina

Back at the marina, we had a magical moment when a mother manatee and her calf decided to pay us a visit. They hung around the back of the boat for over an hour, playing with our water lines, nursing, and just soaking up the fresh water dripping from the boat. It was an unforgettable experience to be that close to such incredible creatures. We even got some great photos and videos to share.

Dining and Discoveries

In addition to our adventures on the water, we’ve had some great meals at local spots. Key Fisheries, just a short walk from the marina, offered a great island vibe and served up delicious seafood. Sunset shots with orange juice and pineapple juice are the tradition here, which adds to the fun. Another highlight was the SS Rec and Galley Grill, which served the best key lime pie we’ve had so far. It was so big, we had to take some home to enjoy for breakfast the next day.

Boat Maintenance and Logistics

When we weren’t exploring, we’ve been busy keeping Sea Dan in tip-top shape. We replaced the hydraulic hoses for the davit (the crane that lifts the dinghy) and made some other small repairs. Chris even dove under the boat to fix a small leak using Water Weld, an amazing underwater repair product. We also worked on a few minor water pressure issues in the sink and shower. It’s always something with the boat, but nothing too major.

One interesting thing we’ve been thinking about is transportation on the island. After losing our Subaru to the hurricane, we’ve been getting around with Uber or walking. But now, we’re considering renting bikes or scooters to make it easier to explore the Keys. We’ve seen other boaters use them, and they seem like a great solution, especially when groceries and supplies are delivered right to the marina.

Looking Ahead: Plantation Key and Beyond

We’re excited to announce that our kids are coming down to visit on May 22nd! We’ll be heading to Plantation Key afterward, where we’ll explore more of the Keys and dive into some new adventures. We’ve got a month-long slip reservation there and can’t wait to see what the area has in store for us.

That’s all for now! We’ll keep you updated on our travels, adventures, and any more manatee sightings we get along the way. Thanks for following along!