The Upper Keys Rotary Club 15th Annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market was held this weekend in Islamorada. The proceeds go to local Keys youth for scholarships. It is ALWAYS a mad house. The event is a huge success every year. The Flea Market is held at Founder’s Park in Islamorada. While it’s only 14 miles from the Florida Sea Base, it took just over an hour to make the drive today. While I had a short list of items I was hoping to find at bargain prices, I essentially struck out. I found a fishing rod similar to what I wanted. It was used and they were only asking $5.00. But the guides looked very stressed and I decided it wasn’t worth it. I saw a few folks I know; Captain Martin Ivy, Pamela Anderson (owner of Treasure Harbor Marine), and Diane Wischmeire (wife of the esteemed Capt. Joe Wishmeire). Local recording “star” Capt. Sam Crutchfield was there selling his CDs. There were dresses, jewelry, nick-nacks, home decorations, a fiberglass replica cannon that looked so real I should have bought it. Oh yeah, and there was some boat stuff too. My wife bought a dress. I bought a cheese burger and bottled water. The weather was superb – about 70 degrees, clear skies and a trace of wind. Someone should have been selling sunscreen.
No crews arrive at the Florida Sea Base tomorrow so I will probably take the staff out for a relaxing day of sun, scuba and snorkeling. Well, a half day at least.
