We're back from Tranquility Bay and I have to say, that place has the PERFECT name. Even my husband, who never really relaxes for longer than one day and my girls, who don't always appreciate the art of relaxing, absolutely loved this place. It is a true laid-back in the Keys kind of place but more of that in another post. First, I want to introduce you to our new friends, Gypsy and Jax. They live at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon Key, Florida and are they sweet! My girls went to the center to swim with the dolphins and what a fabulous treat that was. They got lucky and were in a group to themselves so they each had a dolphin to play with and 2 trainers that taught them way more than you usually get when you sign up for this.
GypsyThis is Gypsy and she is considered dolphin "royalty" around the Keys because she is the grand daughter of Flipper, from the old TV show. She is a sweetie...very gentle and verrrry playful. She's also a bit of a show-off, but we loved it!
JaxThis is Jax. He is almost 3 years old and is named Jax because he was found
near Jacksonville, Fl. Jax had been attacked by a shark and was badly injured. They believe his mother was killed by the shark trying to defend him because otherwise she would never have left his side at such a young age. Jax is a good little boy and get this...his favorite "trick" is swimming like a shark. Too funny, huh? Anyway, in the next photo you can see he has chunks missing from his fin...thanks to the shark attack. He is covered in scars but he doesn't let his rough start to life slow him down and is everyone's favorite. My girls were so happy he was theirs for the day!
Playing around...
Taylor is playing a spitting game with the dolphin. They both take a mouthful of water and see who can spit the furthest...Jax won...and got Taylor in the face!:-)
Wanna ride??? Jordie is going for her dolphin swim. You can see Jax's fin in her left hand. They had a blast doing this and could have swam all day!
Taylor and her friends.
TaylorIt's true...dolphins are very affectionate...see for yourself!
JordieTime to go...
...getting goodbye kisses and a wave goodbye.
And now I have 2 girls who want to be dolphin trainers...XOXOX
Wow! What an amazing experience for them...how lucky! Those are some fabulous pictures and I love both of the stories!
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful! She's really Flipper's granddaughter. That's kinda cool.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to do something like that but I would be content to take pictures like you did! :)
That is so cool that they got to swim with the dolphins! I bet they had a blast.
ReplyDeleteoh wow...lovely pics...
ReplyDeletethat was definitely awsome opportunity and memorable memories..
next time can I come with you.
ReplyDeletejust popped over from mdc and wanted to say hi!
I adore dolphins, I think they are just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, so great you have a wonderful time away, sounds perfect.
xoxo
Great Pics! Your girls are beautiful! And the dolphins too!!! So glad to see you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great vacation! My kind of place. I could definately use some R&R.
ReplyDeletethose pics are awesome :D
ReplyDeleteThis vacation is going to give you some memories to last a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteOn a different note I left you an award over at my blog!
It looks like you had so much fun. Glad you had such a great trip.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Those dolphins are so cute!! It looks like you had a fantastic vacation. Such BEAUTIFUL pictures!! We went to the Keys last year while we in Naples. Spent one night and had a fun time walking around, shopping and eating.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend, and I hope you are having a nice summer!
XOXO
Hi Suzanne! I am a follower now! Follow me to won't you?
ReplyDeleteYour favorite neice, Christen, is in my store and sooooooo wishes she would have found me before Christmas for you!! She says HI!!
I do too!!
Have a happy and prosperous and blessed New Year!