Mel Fisher Weekend

Despite a couple of scary moments, Zura seems to have come through the toad incident ok without a vet visit (or going blind), so that's a relief. For my run Saturday morning, I got an extra challenge when I ran into some tires and jumping thingies.



Wahoo, watch me zig zag around them (although I was tempted to do the tires)...  They were part of the first annual obstacle course race on Smather's beach. They were still setting up when I was on my return, and I couldn't help but sneak a peek. It was a pretty long course, all the way down the beach and down the sidewalk to the fort. There were even obstacles in the water. I would have been lucky to get about 100 feet down the beach (click here for Mile Zero's action shots).

The other big event this weekend was Mel Fisher Days. Back in the 1980s, Mel Fisher & family found two Spanish galleons that had sank in 1622, loaded with goodies. After many lawsuits, the spoils went to the Fisher family (and their investors). They still look for treasure (they just found what they're calling The Lost Merchant), pulled up some emeralds from another site, and they sell some of their finds (or hand out some freebies at events). The Mel Fisher Museum is actually one of the few museums we haven't been to yet in Key West. It's still on the list (when we want to splurge).

Mel Fisher Days is a 3-day event to celebrate the discovery of the motherlode of the Atocha (July 1985) and to raise funds for Wesley House Family Services. There have been costume contests, chili cook-offs, and today a silent auction and block-long carnival. The Fishers themselves were being doused in the dunk tank.
     


The weather held until about 6pm on Saturday, when storm cells moved in and brought rain, lightning, and thunder.

Captain's Corner Dive Center/Henry

Sunday's excitement for some would be bingo brunch and Texas hold 'em for late night. Hopefully all those events give the Wesley House some much needed funds. Good thing the events all inside because the rain continues on & off.

Personally, what I thought was pretty funny was the Lower Keys Underwater Musical Festival held farther up the Keys. A couple of these pics are from last year, but one is from this Saturday (from the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce/Bob Care).

You have to admit that looks pretty cool. Underwater was certainly the place to be. It's hot!