Ocean Reef – Exhale on the Water

It depends, 250 of what? 250 pennies – not so much.

250 cats – that’s a lot of cats (more on that in this post).

250 snakes – Sideways says, no thanks!

How about 250 years as a country – without being taken over? Why yes, it’s a big deal.

Perhaps you know there are 195 recognized countries in the world. If you include Taiwan and Kosovo the count is 197. Of those, roughly 20 or 30-ish countries have lasted for more than 250 years, including San Marino (known as a “micro-state” it’s only 23.6 sq. miles, completely surrounded by Italy), Iran, Egypt, Vietnam, Japan, China, Switzerland, Portugal, France and a few more. Click here for a list of 20 old countries from History Snob. You might be surprised. You will also find some fabulous photos from each country.

Capt Rick asked, what about the UK?? Answer: the United Kingdom has existed in its current form only since 1922 (over a century), when most of Ireland seceded as the Irish Free State. Northern Ireland remained, finalizing the present-day composition of four constituent countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

I repeat, 250 years as a country is a big deal.

First, a little US flag history. The Continental Army flew this flag until 1777.

First “official” flag of the 13 colonies known as “the Continental Colors” or “Grand Union Flag.”

The first “non-British” version was the Betsy Ross flag, with 13 stars and 13 stripes.

Designed and sewn by Elizabeth Griscom, aka Betsy Ross.

The flag design changed as new states were added. The current US flag has been in place for 67 years, and it is actually the twenty-seventh version of stars and stripes. Introduced in 1959 when Alaska (the 49th state) and Hawaii (the 50th) were added to the mix, it displays 50 stars and 13 stripes.

If you are curious and want to learn more about the history of the US flag, click here.

Mind you, the physical borders of our country have changed significantly over time. In 1776 the newly formed United States was roughly 430,000 square miles. 250 years later – through land purchases, treaties, forced displacements, and brutal conquests – the US land mass is now roughly 3,619,000 square miles, more than 8.4 times the original foot print.

To give you some perspective, the top five countries by land mass are:

Russia: 6,601,665 sq miles
Canada: 3,855,101 sq miles
China: 3,747,877 sq miles
United States: 3,618,783 sq miles
Brazil: 3,287,955

Fun fact, Alaska consists of 665,384 square miles. Brilliantly purchased from Russia in 1867.

It’s no surprise that Russia (notably the largest country) has also experienced serious growth via brutal measures, starting at 1.1 million square miles in 1547, today it is roughly 6.6 million square miles, that’s 6 times the original territory.

Ocean Reef, Key Largo

Signal Flags correctly spell out Ocean Reef, thanks Gail B.

Every time we have the privilege of staying at Ocean Reef we relish the spectacular experience. Thank you Luann Lowen, once again, for spoiling us!

When you hang out with Morgan, the first stop is a lengthy visit at the island cat rescue, managed by ORCAT (Ocean Reef Community Cat Action Team). Now operating out of the spectacular Grayvik Animal Care Center.

ORCAT runs a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program, and it has a beautiful visitation room for adoptable cats.

Imagine, 250 Cats! Currently, the ORCAT population hovers around 200, close enough.

With vet care on the ground floor, the new facility is stunning.

Magnificent cat tree, Ynot, you could use this!

While the girls were chilling with the cats, Capt Rick went on a fishing expedition with Wittman neighbor Greg Wasmuth (Luann’s son) – the fresh bounty was perfectly prepared at the Burgee Bar. All I can say is wow. Oh, and YUM! Libby, you should be here!

While we were waiting for the food to be prepared, Morgan crafted unique bracelets for everyone!

Shout out to Joe Occhino, we found the CIC burgee!

Thanks Morgan, so much fun!

Celebrating Milestones

Birthdays: July 2 – Belated Birthday Wishes to our grandson, Leo Perez (so sorry we missed you in our last post); July 5, Gail Doyle; July 7, Rodger Swink; July 10, Jamie Hendry; July 13, Laura Jo; July 14, Gabriel turns 2!

Anniversary: July 4, Tanja and Jason – celebrating 13 years since their Elvis themed wedding.

Sending VERY positive vibes to Craig Adford – you got this!

Happy 4th of July weekend everyone! 250 is a really big deal.

Next Stop: Key Biscayne

With over 6 million people, and more than 300 skyscrapers, it might seem out of character to use “charming” as a descriptor of Miami, BUT if you opt to explore – in chill mode – you can find some absolutely lovely neighborhoods.

Fun fact: Miami is the only major US city founded by a woman. Julia Tuttle, a local citrus grower and a wealthy Cleveland native. Julia Tuttle convinced railroad tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to the region, for which she became known as “the mother of Miami”. Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896, with a population of just over 300.

Coral Reef, Coconut Grove, Miami

Mother Nature delayed our departure to the Bahamas, causing us to stay in Miami for a full week. In true Chill Mode – Capt. Rick made daily use of the restful cement pond.

Miami architecture is bright and colorful, offering old world charm, like these Cuban-styled tiles that date back more than 100 years.

Vibrant murals are common throughout Miami, and artistic graffiti is encouraged. This butterfly mural is for our granddaughter, Abby.

A spectacular peacock mural was found on the wall of a high end jewelry store. It is also a reminder of two live peacocks we saw – just strolling along in someone’s magnificent yard. Startled by the noise of the royal birds, Susie G, now I understand how LOUD they can get.

Our adventures included a self-guided tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, home of John Deering.

The home was completed In 1916. Known to be a generous host (there were 9 guest rooms), Deering enjoyed serving the finest of alcohol to his guests. Yes, to all you history buffs, that was during prohibition. Random observation, the code name for liquor was “comforters” that arrived as a shipment of “quilts”. Rather Clever.

Wynwood

With the help of our trusty tour guides from Fort Lauderdale, we ventured to Wynwood, a district renowned world wide for its artistic flavor. Thanks Steve and Captain Floyd for the amazing tour!

But first, a decadent Cuban Sandwich, possibly the best Cuban food we have EVER enjoyed.

And now for some more Wynwood Miami Art!

Key Biscayne

Our final stop in Florida was Key Biscayne. With a weather window opening we were now ready to venture across the Florida Straits.

The Sea Loves Those Who Fear It. An appropriate reminder as we waited out the weather.

Key Biscayne was restful.

Sunset Dos Palmas – Good bye Florida

Sunset at Biscayne Key. Dos Palmas, a tribute to 224 LaVerne

Crossing the BIG Water

BEFORE sunrise, and definitely before breakfast, we waved goodbye to the Florida shores. Thanks to our trusty Sea Keeper (Thanks, Maddie for turning it on early), the crossing of the Straits of Florida to Bimini Islands was uneventful. A MUCH better experience than when we traversed in 2019!

Bahama mamas – OH YES!

Our port of entry is Bimini – staying at the Big Game Club Resort & Marina. Welcome drink delivered with a smile.

Capt Rick opted for a Miami Vice – Bahama Style for MO

First night in the Bahamas was magical, beginning with a beautiful moon rise.

NAUTICAL FLAG ANSWER Ocean Reef – Signal Flags

We received a lightning fast update from Ocean Reef, and now we are excited to report the flags at The Point were corrected – BRAVO!

Thanks to all of you who sent in a guess regarding “what was wrong” with the signal flags. Here are the proper positions of the flags that were hung “upside down” provided by Gail B. :-)

Milestones/Celebrations: Birthdays – May 10, Michele Jackson

Our next stop is Great Harbor Cay. Our Island wiFi connection is good so far! Thanks for following us.

Tag: Ocean Reef

Is 250 a really big deal?

Miami Charm and Bahama Mamas