Marquesas and a Beautiful Day

     What a day out at the Marquesas, sunshine, warm, and smooth water, it just doesn't get any better.    We headed West at about 1pm yesterday afternoon, and after clearing there Northwest Channel it was glass water in the Lakes Passage all the way to Boca Grand.    We then turned North at that point for the last 7 miles to the Marquesas.     We picked up a bit of wind against current chop, but nothing that would slow our determination to make it to the Marquesas.       We first noticed that there were several new "chugs", you know the boats the Cuban refugees come to America in, scattered on the beaches and sandbars.   The tide was out this afternoon, so we couldn't get to the beach where the newest chugs were.    We did finds three or four more that had been set afire and were laying on sand bars just off of the beach.    

     The bird life was really abundant on this day, hawks, eagles, ibis, pelicans, cormorants, just to name a few.    We stumbled across a rather large spotted eagle ray as we drifted across the shallows on the Southwest corner of the key.    This was one of those days where every where we turned we found something of interest.     Birds, fish, chugs, airplanes, old wrecks that the low tide had exposed, it was hard to know where to point the camera next.

     It was noticed that the sun was starting to get a bit low in the west and time for us to point the boat back toward the east and cruise back to Key West and civilization again.

     This area never ceases to amaze me with her beauty and abundance of life, don't miss the chance to explore it if you have the opportunity.   ;o)

Beautiful Day in Key West Headed out to the Marquesas Keys

Today is the first day in quite some time that I have good weather and calm winds.   Perfect day to head out for a great fun day 25 miles out to West out to sea in the dinghy for the Marquesas Keys.     Should be a fun day, report back tomorrow with pictures and stories of the adventure.   Wish us good waters and weather.   ;o)

Another Season Put to Bed

     The parties are all over, the armchair quarterbacks will still be talking about how the game should have been played, but on this cold hard morning the game is over.     It is time to move on and do something about the hangover this morning, and figure out what is next for us to get all worked up about.     Yes, here in paradise we follow all of the sports with all the passion of the mainland.

    Now Nigel, he's a real fan of the Super Bowl, and will tell you all about it if you ask him.     Seen hanging out at the the Hurricane Hole, and always ready to let you know how it really should have been done.    Like most of the arm chair quarterbacks he is a sea captain, a football coach, but most of all he likes his racing.    He is happy now because NASCAR season is about to begin with the Daytona 500 on February 26th, and all of the qualifying events the week before.

     What is going to be your next season now that football is behind us for another year?    

     Today is another Rum Lab, research for Barbancourt Three Star, a 4 Year Old Rhum, and Pango, a pineapple and mango flavored rhum.   We will have some observations about the rhum and some  new recipes for it's use in tomorrow's edition.   ;o)

Freedom to Ride with the Wind

There is nothing more exciting of fun than to be out on a great and windy day flying across the top of the water with a good windsurfer.     ;o)

1 Barrel Rum: Quite the Surprise

     1 Barrel representative Amanda Perdomo walked into the Rum Bar yesterday morning and dropped off a little bottle of 1 Barrel Rum to us for sampling.    We found it to be surprisingly good.    Made in Belize by Travelers Liquors.     This family owned distillery was founded in 1954.    1 Barrel was first blended in 1964 by Master Blender Don Omario Perdomo, and has been since perfected by his sons Romel and Mayito into this fabulous rum that is available today.   

     The Rum is produced from a high grade molasses that is fermented and then double distilled at the Belmopan, Belize distillery.   The rum is aged for at least 2 years in Kentucky Bourbon Oak Barrels.    The final blending give the rum it's sweet taste with notes of butterscotch, maple, and caramel.   

     I found the rum to have an attractive aroma that lead me to taste the rum.    The flavor on the palate and the long and smooth finish left me with a very nice warm feeling about the entire experience. 

     The name of the distillery, Travelers comes from the bar that Jaime Omario Perdomo opened in 1953.    The name of the bar was appropriate because his customers were usually traveling to or from Belize City.    Omario sold imported liquors and beers as well as some locally distilled rums.    It was the practice of many bars of that day to blend their own rums  exclusively for their bar.   Perdomo followed in the tradition of the many other bars, leading to the development of 1 Barrel and the decision to open his own distillery so the blends consistency could be maintained.  

     I think you like myself will be pleasantly surprised with the great taste and the quality of Don Omario Perdomo's fine rum.     ;o)

Congratulations to Adam Kanter and the Rum Bar Philly

   


 The Rum Bar in Philadelphia was announced as the Best Cocktail Lounge of the Year by Nightclub & Bar Media Group yesterday.     After many years of hard work, this is a deserved reward for his and his staffs efforts.

 

Nightclub & Bar Congratulates the Winners of the 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards

February 2, 2012By: Megan Hernandez

---

Nightclub & Bar Media Group would like to congratulate the winners of the 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards! The national awards program celebrates the nightlife industry’s cream of the crop.
As the premier nightlife-industry recognition program, the Nightclub & Bar Awards feature a vigorous judging process. Venue owners, operators and managers, as well as suppliers, vendors and other industry members eager to recognize excellence in on-premise concepts, programs, talent and professionalism are invited to submit entries. Qualifying entries then are presented to an expert judging panel composed of top consultants, developers, educators, writers, editors and trainers in the industry. The judges rank their first, second and third choices for each category; a mathematical calculation identifies the finalists and, ultimately, the winners, based on the judges’ ballots.
 Read more at http://www.nightclub.com/press-releases/industry-news/news/nightclub-bar-congratulates-winners-2012-nightclub-bar-awards-4858

Bar Categories
Bartender of the Year
Russell Davis, Rickhouse, San Francisco
Beer Bar of the Year
Bierhaus NYC, New York
Cocktail Lounge of the Year
Rum Bar, Philadelphia
Hotel Bar of the Year
Grant Grill, San Diego
Small Wonder Bar of the Year
The Ivory Room Piano Bar, Madison, Wis.
Sports Bar of the Year
Bull & Bear, Chicago

     Congratulations to all of the winners and especially to my friend Adam Kanter and his great facility up in Philly.   ;o)
   

Walking the Beaches of Boca Grand Key

     I'm still drawn to the small uninhabited keys around Key West.     Boca Grand is one of those that is very special to me.     Just to be able to walk the beach of the Key West Bird Sanctuary and see all the variety of life out here.      Shore birds scurry and fly in packs as you wander toward the flock, the pelican and gulls just off the beach, and even the eagles and ospreys back in the protected center part of the key keep my head spinning to see what is going to soar over next.

     Seeing the interesting debris that has washed up on the beach and how mother nature carves her initials in the sands is very fascinating to me.   Examining the materials used to create such intriguing art that mother nature places on her pallet.   The surf carves three dimensional pictures in the sand for your delight and all of this is free for the viewing.   You just have to slow down long enough to see what is right at your feet before you step on it.   Walk on a little further and you find an old lobster trap that was washed up posed next to some old salt battered trees.   This little key is just completely loaded with things that you can fill the camera with.    This trip I took over 400 pictures, I wish that there was time and space to share all of them with you.h

     In the water you see rays and sharks swimming by just off the beach.  There are schools of fish and birds on the surface looking intently into the water for their next meal.  This is a place that reaches out to you from everywhere you happen to be looking.
Look at the upper edge of the beach and you find fish nets and drift wood, in the center for the beach you find the active part where the surf is carving it's art into the sands.

     Take the time next time you walk down the beach and you to will find the treasures of the ocean and land's meeting place.

   Remember that when you visit these very special and pristine places that they are others home and make sure that the only thing you leave behind when you leave are your foot prints.    ;o)

A New Friend for a Tried and True One

     Rhum Barbancourt has brought out a new mixing friend for the tried and true Rhum Barbancourt Three Star.     Pango is a pineapple and mango flavored spicy rhum that likes to play with Rhum Barbancourt Three Star.     This new addition is made from crushed pure sugar cane (not Molasses) and rested is oak casks.   This aged dark rum is then blended with natural pineapple, mango and spice that yields a smooth and refreshing rum, loaded with flavor to sip on the rocks or mix.

Pango Tango

• 1 1/2 oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango
• 1 oz Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
• Splash of Barrett's Ginger Beer

Place the Pango, Rhum Barbancourt and Pine apple Juice in a shaker filled with Ice and shake until chilled.   Strain into a Cocktail glass filled with ice and splash in the Barrett's Ginger Beer and float the Pomegranate Liqueur on the surface.   Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a sprig of mint.

     Try this new combination I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.   ;o)

Wind Blowing, Cloudy, but a Great Day Out Yesterday.

     It started to look like all was coming apart at the seams for our birthday party at Woman's Key yesterday morning.     The birthday girl was feeling a little ill, the weather was cloudy and windy, but a patch of blue sky appeared, and we all got together and headed out to sea fully planning on a great day of fun and frolic.     Going out the winds started to ease a bit as we got into the Lakes Passage to the West of Key West.    The sun was making in and out appearances and the moods of all of us were getting better by the minute.   The application of a little bit of Captain Morgan and Cruzan Raspberry Rums didn't hurt the traveler's moods.  I guess that is why the British Navy kept rum for the sailors for so long. 

     We arrived at Woman's Key to find the wind had shifted more to the East, leaving the beach exposed to the wind, so undaunted, we got underway a gain and headed for Boca Grand, another Key a little further to the West and the beach wraps around more to the west and Was better protected from the wind.    Upon arrival, we toot the beach by storm and the party was underway.   Food and fun, checking out all the trick and unique stuff that had been washed up on the beach as well as food and mor fine cocktails. 

    With all of us in full party mode, we headed up and down the beach and found many unusual things, shells feathers, bits of coral, and even a couple of sand dollars.    With the wind in check around the corner, it became very comfortable and much fore fun for all of us as we frolicked on the beach. 

I guess that it was a great success and as always when out on the water with a nice bottle of rum  and some good friends that the party goes on and on till all are weary or we have to get underway in order to have the rental boat back in harbor by 5pm.    Oh well it ended up being a fine day with a lot of fun had by all.   ;o)

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!!!   ;o)

Out to Woman's Key Today

Happy Birthday Lauren

It's my friend Lauren's Birthday today, so it is out on the water to Woman's Key for the day.   Full story with the pix tomorrow.   ;o)

The Intensity of Flight

"Achin' with the feelin' of the freedom of an eagle when she flys."     Kris Kristofferson

;o)

2012 Rum Renaissance Festival Miami

   The time is fast approaching for the 2012 Rum Renaissance Festival at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami.    The event runs from April 16 through the 22nd, so get your tickets early.    2012 promises more rum companies, more events and just plain more fun for all that participate.     There is a rum contest to see who is making the best rums this year there are very special rum tastings, bar tender events and many many other things happening all week long.     The tickets are going to be going fast so get your now so you won't be left out in the warm in Miami.  Tickets available through Miami Rum Renaissance Festival at http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html.

     There is complete information about the event at their website http://rumrenaissance.com/.    This year is expected to surpass last year's grand event so make your plans today.   ;o)

Watering Holes in the Virgin Islands

Pusser's Outpost, Road Harbour, BVI

I've been talking about all of the trips to all of the places, but today lets look at the watering holes that really make the virgin islands so popular.    Almost daily in the Rum Bar we talk about going to the Virgin Islands, but it isn't so much the islands the conversations gravitate to, but it is the watering holes that no one can ever forget.     Whether you are in the U.S. or the British Virgin Islands, you are going to find yourself visiting one of these famous bars.

Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke

     The BVI has famous bars on nearly every island, There are Foxy's and Soggy Dollar  on Jost Van Dyke, Pusser's on Tortola, Willy T on Norman Island.   Not to mention Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda.    If you are visiting the BVI, you will find it hard not to go to any of these famous and very unique watering holes.   Every one of these special bars has it's own one of a kind atmosphere and traditions that make you want to return time after time.

Willy T, Home of the Naked Dive and the Shotski



Home of the Painkiller, the Soggy Dollar Bar

    On the US Virgin Island side, there is Skinny Legs on St. John plus Iggie's and Duffy's Love Shack on St. Thomas.    Not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of other fun bars that are located at every resort on both Islands.     Duffy's is in Red Hook and Iggie's in in Bolongo Bay, both of these places have great entertainment and fun that carries deep into the night.       The warm tropical afternoons and evenings make these places a blast to visit and party at.   

     As you can see I've only touched the tip of the iceberg if you will, the Virgin Islands are not only loaded with fabulous fishing,  scenery, diving, and eateries, but some of the world's most famous watering holes as well.    Make a point of visiting all or some of these fun places on you next visit.





2012 Key West Food and Wine Festival is Underway

    
     The 2012 Key West Food and Wine Festival goes into full swing today in Key West.    The best of the wine and spirits distributors are showing off and providing tastings for their wines.   The  complete event schedule can be found at http://keywestfoodandwinefestival.com/default/index.cfm/2012-events/.    You will find creative cuisine, premium wines, and other unique events all in a subtropical Key West island setting.   The event runs today through Sunday, the 29th of January.

     There is a barefoot event at the Southernmost Beach Cafe featuring food,wine, and music on Thursday evening.      Other events that feature Turtles, Sharks and Mermaids, and a grand tasting at the Key West Aquarium plus many many more things happening all weekend.    There are more than 40 restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques along the mile long stroll of Duval Street that will have special events for your pleasure as part of the "Duval Uncorked".

    

     There will be events at the Hogfish Bar and Grill, Bahama Village and  The Historic Seaport that will include an outdoor wine market and culminate with the "18th Annual Master Chef's Classic".     There are tickets available at each of the events.   Get out and enjoy the festival.



   

The Forgotten Casks: A Marvelous Find

     Chairman's Reserve the Forgotten Casks  are a group of rum casks that were put aside after a fire at the distillery in 2007.    Through the reconstruction and the reorganization of the plant, these barrels had been forgotten about until the cellar master noticed the now over age barrels of Chairman's Reserve.     They were sampled and found to have a wonderful flavor.     The decision was made to offer this very special rum as a limited reserve.  

     This is a fine mahogany colored rum that has not been run through the chill filtration of the other St. Lucia rums.    It's rich fruity and woody aroma leads you to the parallel flavors on the palate.   There is a smooth finish with a molasses notes that remain in a long finish.

     Unlike many other of the lost rum barrels that have sat far to long and the rum has past it's prime Chairman's Reserve "The Forgotten Casks" has sat just long enough to create a fine sipping rum that can be enjoyed by anyone that can sit and relax for a while and just sip and be.    The best news is that they are talking about continueing the Forgotten Casks leaving some more barrels of Chairman's Reserve  to rest for and extended period of time. 

     The word is that The Forgotten Casks will be arriving into the United States sometime in 2012.  Keep your eyes out for it on the shelves soon.   ;o)

Monday Around Fish Hawk Key

     Monday is a great day for me, weather permitting it usually means get up in the morning, getting the work in the office completed and head out on the water in search of new and fun things.     Yesterday was no exception,  we visited Fish Hawk Key just to the North and East of Key West and found a pair of Ospreys and their aerie with the female sitting on eggs.     Her mate is a beautiful specimen that soared near us trying to keep our attention away from her.    This is nature at her very best, the female with fish in beak and the male circling above the aerie.

     What made this so special was we were able to observe these magnificent birds from the dinghy with the motor off and just drifting next to the mangrove key that they had the aerie nestled  in.     We only spent a half an hour or so watching the pair, but their actions yielded hundreds of spectacular photos of the two.    It is so rewarding to be able to take home such a great bunch of photos of such unusual and regal creatures.   

     Just a couple of sips from the flask of good Plantation Guyana Rum as we drifted by the pair. This just made the relaxation and enjoyment of the afternoon more complete.    It is, in a way like being lost at sea without a care in the world, drifting in and out of the mangroves silently, photographing the birds and the scenery without leaving even a footprint in the sands.     Making it even better the fact that there was no one else around to bother us or to scare the birds as they went about their business of fishing and keeping the eggs warm in the aerie.

     Here are a few other pictures of the Ospreys and a Kingfisher that kept us company during the drifting through the area.     ;o)  

The 12 Step Become a Pirate Program by Maria de Los Angeles

     Maria de Los Angeles in here Sex and the Beach Blog has published a great article about the 12 steps of becoming a pirate.   I found this to be a great article that you should really enjoy.

http://sexandthebeach.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-step-become-pirate-program.html

The 12 Step Become A Pirate Program

Trail of the Pirates is a travel series exploring maritime history, culture and lore between Key West and St. Augustine on the east coast of Florida.

If you don't want to read this epic post, just watch this video.

A funny thing happens when you start investigating and writing a lot about a particular topic -- you get sucked in. And if that topic happens to be pirates, that's a good thing.

Nine years ago, Michelle Murillo was a reporter in Florida doing exactly what I did earlier this month. She was on assignment covering Pirates in Paradise in Key West and got hooked. Today, she's still a journalist but also a professional reenacter who goes by the pirate name of Diosa (Goddess), teaching folks about pirate history through plays, demonstrations and lectures at events around the country.

It has taken me a year to follow in her footsteps, traveling around Florida exploring pirate history and events. Since my first trip to Key West and my subsequent time in St. Augustine where Iinterviewed Murillo about her role as famous female pirate Mary Read, she has become a mentor of sorts.

Read More................

ABOUT ME

MARIA DE LOS ANGELES

SOUTH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

Award-Winning Freelance Writer: Travel, Food, Spirits, Blogging, Social Media, Sex, Fishing, Nature, Culture, Pirates, Humor, Yoga, Kitchen Sink. Whatever tickles my fancy and other parts. I tell like it is. Learn more at Wily Wordsmith.

Drop on to her blog and enjoy the entire story, it's really great.   ;o)