Fish Fry and getting ready to move

With all the fish that Tim and the boys caught last week, we decided it was time to host a fish fry potluck for the resident volunteers and the rangers.

Tim was the fry-master, juggling dual deep fryers – one with fish and one with french fries.

I manned another small fryer for hush puppies and chicken strips, and Denise supervised the gluten-free option, with Shirley’s help.

Denise and Shirley also did a wonderful job of decorating for our dinner party,

and Gloria & Maryann set up the buffet table.

In addition to the fish, fries, and hush puppies, we had rice, beans, macaroni & cheese, salad, fruit, cornbread, coleslaw . . . and then there were the desserts!  Multiple pies and brownies . . . nobody left hungry!

In addition to all the great food, we had a wonderful gathering of friends – volunteers and park staff alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rest of this past week has been spent on getting ready to pack up and move north.  Nicolas washed and waxed the RV,

and got it all sparkling clean and ready to roll!

Tom wrapped up a few projects here at the park, and helped Nicolas check out the tires on all the vehicles.  Tomorrow we’ll finish cleaning up the RV and I’ll get the laundry done, and we’ll be ready to hit the road!

We’re excited to be on the move again, but will also miss all of our new friends here at Lovers Key.

Last night we took a sunset ride to the beach with Deby & Ken, and enjoyed a spectacular view!

On the way home, we spotted a Night Heron in the canal.

As if they know we’re leaving, the manatees have been extra active this week.  This morning, Tom and I walked to the ranger station, and there were a group of about 10 manatees in the middle of the canal having quite the party!  It’s apparently mating season for manatees . . . too bad I didn’t have my camera with me!  Maybe they’ll be back out there tomorrow;  if not, I’ll just have to wait until we come back down here again!