Aqua Hippie

For over 20 years we have lobstered as a family in the Florida Keys. The tradition was taught to us by another family, one as close as families come, that gathered every year during the "season" and shared countless rituals and competitions as the late summer months rolled in. Diving and snorkeling during the day and then bully netting at night, the whole family joined in. Our friends included us in this adventure, many years ago, and we caught the bug for "bugs". 

Now our tradition continues, and we run out for a fabulous dinner at one of the many local establishments, and time our arrival back at home about 45 minutes before sunset. That's the magic hour... we pack the boat with the essentials and hit the water just in time to watch the sunset over the island. Then the lights turn on and a whole new world illuminates below the boat. 

The water becomes alive at night. Over the years we have seen so many creatures and critters during the dark hours - loads of sharks, rays, octopus, cuttlefish, manatees, and have even had an iguana or two fall in the boat when we have gotten too close to the mangroves. We are out for the hunt, we wait to see those tentacles and that "Y" shape walking across the sand. In the end we catch some great Florida lobsters, but the time spent with our loved ones is what has made more of an impression on our family than anything else and has been the ultimate catch. 

The night is always complete when we get back to the dock, unload our haul, and stagger into the house for a slice of key lime pie. Rest up, repeat the next night, the next year, and so on.