Featured

Taking a Look Back on the 2024 Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Each year between March 1 and October 31 the research staff at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) monitors sea turtle nesting activity on 9.5 miles of beach in North Palm Beach County, Florida; however, nesting often occurs prior to and following those dates. Three species of sea turtles utilize the beaches close to the Center. Because the turtles come ashore during this time, nesting season allows our team the opportunity to study and monitor these populations.

The first species to hit the beaches each year is the leatherback, followed by loggerheads, and then finally the green turtles. 2023 was a record year for sea turtle nesting on the beaches monitored by LMC with over 25,000 total nests, also representing a record of 15,672 nests for loggerheads. This year, as of the end of October, 14,950 total nests have been recorded.

Each evening, LMC staff are working on the beaches as turtles are nesting. During this time the staff can get bloodwork, measurements, weights, and tag key specimens with flipper tags and occasionally satellite tags. One leatherback named Patricia has visited the beaches monitored by the Center frequently and was satellite tagged in 2023. After leaving the beaches of South Florida, Patricia headed all the way up to the chilly waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence south of Quebec. That is a marathon journey by boat, let alone swimming. Another leatherback named Domino missed the all-time diving depth record for the species by 336 feet reaching 3,669 feet.

With each morning survey, our research team identifies every crawl left by nesting sea turtles. The three species that nest on the local beaches all leave a unique signature path in the sand. Each crawl is identified to a species and reviewed as to whether it was a successful crawl resulting in a nest or a false crawl where the turtle decided not to nest for any number of reasons from type of sand, light pollution, presence of predators, or human interlopers.

While each nesting year is different, the team at Loggerhead Marinelife Center is on the front lines of sea turtle research. Despite nesting numbers being very high last year, hatchling survival was rather low likely due to high temperatures and a dry summer. The rainy season of 2024 has led to increased hatchling production as the rain cools off the nests. Conservation efforts that began nearly 40 years ago have helped most sea turtle populations in the United States begin to rebound, but they are not out of the woods (or sand) just yet. Loggerhead Marinelife Center benefits from the partnership of Loggerhead Marinas which help support the critical work we do.

Andy Dehart – President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Photos courtesy of Christian Del Rosario and Andy Dehart

Featured

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Ingredients:

8 ounces 60% cacao dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 Cup heavy cream

1/3 Cup bourbon

3/4 Cup pecan halves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring heavy cream and bourbon just a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Remove from heat and pour cream mixture over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir vigorously until cream and chocolate are thoroughly blended. Let mixture cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 2 hours. (If you cannot make the truffles immediately, the mixture will keep, covered, in the fridge up to 1 week.)

2. Place chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Line a baking sheet

3. Working quickly and using a small warmed teaspoon (dipped into hot water and then dried), scoop chilled chocolate mixture by 2-teaspoon portions, and shape each into a ball. Place each ball on chopped pecans. Once the plate is filled, wash hands and roll balls in pecans to completely cover. Transfer balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture and pecans.

4. Chill balls until firm, about 1 hour. (Or freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.) Enjoy them now, gift them, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

(Recipe from southernliving.com)

Featured

Signal Corps Two-Letter Flag Signals and VHF Radio call signsTwo-Letter Flag Signals

Two-Letter Flag Signals

Have you ever seen flags being flown while out on the water that you didn’t recognize? Being familiar with your flags can help you and other boaters stay alert and be safe.

A C: I am abandoning vessel

I T: I am on fire

A N: I need a doctor

J F: I am in distress and need immediate assistance

A Q: I have an injured person who needs to be taken off immediately

J G: I am aground and in danger

C B: I require immediate assistance

J L: You are at risk of running aground

C J: Do you require assistance?

J W: I have sprung a leak

C N: I am unable to give assistance

K F: I require a tug

C P: I am coming to your assistance

K N: I cannot take you in tow

D V: I am drifting

N C: International Distress

D X: I am sinking

N E: Proceed with great caution

G W: Man overboard

N F: You are running into danger

I M: I request to be escorted until further notice

N G: You are in a dangerous position

VHF Channel Markers

Whether you’re very comfortable with using your VHF radio or still figuring things out, knowing how to use your channels is essential to communicating effectively with those around you.

16: Hailing and distress

09: Ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast (for example, when contacting marinas)

68: The same as Channel 9, but this channel is also used for commercial ship-to-ship

06: Ship-to-ship communication for safety only

21A and 83: Coast Guard internal communication only

22A: This is the channel you’ll be switched to if you call the Coast Guard, and your situation isn’t life threatening

13: Navigational (bridges, locks, etc.)

70: Reserved for digital selective calling

12: Port operations

25, 26, 27, and 28: Public telephone-link up with a land-based marine operator

69, 71, and 72: Ship-to-ship communication

WX-1, WX-2, WX-3, and WX-4: Weather broadcasts

Featured

A message from our friends at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

The words “coral reef” have several connotations. To many it invokes memories of snorkeling or diving in the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys, Caribbean or other tropical parts of the world. Others think of days out on the boat fishing and enjoying time with friends and family. Some may think of a Jimmy Buffet ballad backed up by his band the Coral Reefers.

Few, however, think of the valuable roles coral reefs play in our natural world and in our coastal economies. Worldwide, coral reefs are hotbeds for biodiversity that support 25% of all marine species and over $36 billion in tourism. If you enjoy recreational fishing it is important to know that coral reefs provide shelter and food as well as reproductive and nursery areas for many marine species including those that are commercially and recreationally valuable as food fish.  According to the PEW Charitable Trusts nearly 6 million fishers in the world rely on coral reefs for their products which have an estimated annual value of $375 billion globally. The annual value of coral reef-based fisheries in the US is well over $200 million.  

Brain Coral | Photo courtesy of Andy Dehart

Healthy reefs are not just important for protecting our fisheries and tourism, they are critical for protecting our coastal communities. Coral reefs are the first line of defense against powerful storms by reducing wave height an average of 84%. In many tropical coastal communities, mangroves and coral reefs work in tandem to protect shorelines from severe storms and flooding. A recent study found that Florida’s Coral Reef annually provides over $675 million dollars in flood protection benefits to people, property and jobs – increasing to over $1.6 billion during severe storm events.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are facing many local, regional, and global stressors including declining water quality and unusually high ocean temperatures that led to 2023-24 being declared as the 4th global coral bleaching event. In addition, an outbreak of the virulent “stony coral tissue loss disease” continues to affect corals throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Staghorn Coral | Photo courtesy of Andy Dehart

Since coral reefs are so valuable, it’s critical to keep them healthy and resilient. Luckily there is still time to save these amazing ecosystems! Loggerhead Marinelife Center and its partner organizations are focused on all areas of reef conservation ranging from education to habitat restoration and disease control. We need your help – the boating community is key to helping us build innovative private and corporate partnerships that will support protection and restoration of these ecologically, culturally, and economically important ecosystems.  

There are several things you can do to help in this fight to protect this resource for generations to come. Some of the most impactful things you can do are:

  • Use reef safe sunscreen. Visit https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html for more information.
  • Choose sustainable seafood by using a program like Seafood Watch.
  • Practice safe boating by anchoring in sandy areas away from reefs and sea grasses – far enough to ensure the anchor chain does not drag over these sensitive habitats.
  • Be chemical aware. Many cleaning chemicals for boats can harm the reefs as can fertilizers used in your yard at home.
  • Recycle monofilament lines to prevent derelict marine debris.
  • Refuse or reduce single-use plastics. Plastics eventually break down into nano plastics and trickle into the food and water we consume.

I learned to snorkel in the Florida Keys at the age of 5. I have had a lifetime of adventure and excitement on or under the water on coral reefs. I have been very fortunate to have dove with large sharks, snorkeled with sea turtles and watched goliath groupers. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center we want to help build awareness for these special places to ultimately protect them. We know we have kindred spirits in the boating community that love the coral reefs just like we do, and we thank you for being partners in their protection.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

The Best Charcuterie Board Combinations

Dazzle your friends with your ability to provide tiny bites of fabulous finger foods, whether sweet or savory. Check out our ideas for some fun food boards.

Food boards are a great way to provide a lot of variety for an easy-to-do appetizer or dessert course. You can choose to use a small wooden serving board or large platter or repurpose a cookie sheet or pastry board. The options are truly endless.

Tips:

  1. Consider guests’ dietary needs and make sure you have something for everyone.
  2. That said, do not have more than six or seven choices on any board. Too many choices, in this case, is not best.
  3. Label whatever you can – use flagged toothpicks, mini-chalkboards (check out amazon.com), or frame a cute diagram or drawing of the offerings. Be creative!
  4. Keep everything in easy to manage bites – after all, the purpose is to use your fingers and keep everyone satisfied until the main event is ready.

Traditional Charcuterie Board

Pronounced “shar-cu-tree,” the word charcuterie roughly translates to mean “cold, cooked, meats.” It dates to the 15th century and was used to describe a butcher shop that sold such meats. Nowadays, the trendy adaptation of the word calls to mind a board laden with a variety of meats and cheeses.

  • Bread and crackers: A crusty bread, think French baguette or crostini and artisanal crackers, such as multi-grain or herbed options. Also a few standard Ritz crackers won’t be left behind.
  • Cheeses: Rule of thumb: one hard, one soft, one spicy and two ounces per person. Consider Brie, Manchego, and a traditional Sharp Cheddar.
  • Olives: make this a mix of marinated kalamata, green, and black olives.
  • Cured Meats: hard salami, prosciutto, smoked ham, and summer sausage work well!
  • Nuts: Use small shot glasses or fingerbowls to serve up some unshelled pistachios, cashews, and Spanish peanuts.

Crostini Board

Crostini are small pieces of sliced bread, toasted or fried and topped with the spread of your choice:

  • Bread, pre-sliced, pre-toasted/fried
  • Pre-made toppings such as olive tapenade, pesto spread, or the standard tomato bruschetta*  
  • Cheese toppings can include soft cheeses like ricotta, burrata, or mozzarella

Vegetable Board

Fresh, crisp, and colorful veggies are a heathy alternative to a cheese and meat board.

  • Fresh veggies, cut into easy to eat pieces, such as radishes, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, and carrots
  • Dips such as ranch dip or garlic aioli*

Dessert Board

  • Dark or white chocolate-dipped fruits such as strawberries, kiwi slices, or orange slices
  • Dried Fruits such as apricots, pineapple and mango
  • Gumdrops and Jordan almonds
  • Shortbread cookies, cinnamon-sugar graham crackers, or chocolate-covered graham crackers

*(To make tomato topping, finely dice 4-5 Roma tomatoes and combine with 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper)

**(To make garlic aioli, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 gloves minced garlic, mashed, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate one hour before serving.)

Our Role in Protecting Turtles, From the Nest to the Water

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has a front row seat to one of the busiest nesting beaches in the world for sea turtles. The 9.5 miles of beach that we monitor and study sees nesting activity by three species: leatherbacks, loggerheads, and green turtles. From year to year, nesting counts can widely fluctuate in a natural cycle, but we are fortunate that all three species are stable or increasing in our region. However, this not always the case globally.

For hundreds of years, sea turtles have been hunted for their meat and eggs as food, and their shells have been harvested to create various products, ranging from decorative combs to eyeglass frames. Historically, they have been caught as bycatch, or unintended catch, in fishing industries that use trawling nets and longlines. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was enacted to prevent extinction and promote recovery of imperiled species. A recent article published in PLOS ONE, titled Marine mammals and sea turtles listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act are recovering, provided an in-depth evaluation of the success of conservation efforts in the United States.

All sea turtle species that we see in Florida’s waters are protected at the state and federal level, which often have separate conservation status designations that are separate from those in the Pacific Ocean. These protections prevent harvest of sea turtles and their nests and offer protection to nesting beaches. The science community and commercial fishing industry worked together over 60 years ago to invent the turtle excluder device (TED), which dramatically reduced sea turtle bycatch and net damage without reducing the targeted catch of the fishermen.

The impacts of this level of protection for species on the verge of extinction have been incredibly successful. In 1979, Florida had just 62 green turtle tests, and by 2015 that number increased to over 37,000. Last summer Loggerhead Marinelife Center researchers counted 1,729 green turtle nests on just 9.5 miles of monitored beach. Sea turtles are a critical part of the marine ecosystem both as predators and prey while also helping to provide food to beach- and shore-based predators and nutrients to dune plants. Each species of sea turtle has a unique diet. Leatherbacks feed on jellyfish, keeping their populations in check, and hawksbills feed on sponges on the reef, preventing competition with corals. Sea turtle hatchlings are also a food source for many animals including gulls and popular game fish such as dolphinfish and wahoo.

Sea turtles are still vulnerable to entanglement in derelict fishing gear, ingestion of plastic, and boat strikes; therefore, their continued protection is essential. At the Center, we are grateful for the collaboration with Loggerhead Marinas to help support our vital work to ensure days on the water are filled with wildlife, whether you are fishing, diving, or just cruising.

Photos courtesy of Andy Dehart

Andy Dehart
President & CEO
Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Boat Maintenance Basics: Keep Your Vessel Shipshape

Owning a boat means endless adventures on the water, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your vessel in top condition. Regular maintenance ensures safety, extends the life of your boat, and prevents costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re new to boat ownership or just need a refresher, here are some key maintenance basics to keep your boat in shape.

Keep Your Vessel Clean

Salt, dirt, and grime can build up quickly on a boat, leading to corrosion and damage over time. Regularly wash your boat with fresh water, especially after saltwater outings, and use marine-friendly soap to keep the hull, deck, and seats looking fresh. A coat of wax on fiberglass surfaces can help protect against UV damage and oxidation.

Inspect and Maintain the Engine and Battery

Your boat’s engine is its heart, so routine checks are essential. Before each outing, inspect the engine for leaks, check oil and coolant levels, and ensure belts and hoses are in good shape. Regular oil changes (as recommended by the manufacturer) and flushing the engine after saltwater use will help keep things running smoothly. Regularly inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, ensure it’s fully charged, and replace it if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Keep an Eye on the Fuel System

Inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks, ensure fuel filters are clean, and use fresh fuel to prevent buildup and clogging. If your boat sits for long periods, adding a fuel stabilizer can help prevent issues when you’re ready to hit the water again.

photo from Loggerhead Cortez Village marina
Maintain the Propeller and Hull

A damaged or bent propeller can reduce efficiency and put unnecessary strain on the engine. Before each trip, check for dents or debris tangled around the prop, and have it repaired or replaced if necessary. Inspect the hull for cracks, blisters, or damage, and repair them promptly to avoid bigger issues. If your boat is stored in the water, regular bottom cleaning and applying antifouling paint can prevent marine growth that slows you down and damages the hull.

Inspect Safety Equipment

Routine maintenance isn’t just about keeping your boat running—it’s also about safety. Check that your life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and first aid kit are in good condition and up to date. Also, test your bilge pump and navigation lights to ensure everything is operational.

Store It Properly

Proper storage protects your boat from the elements and extends its lifespan. Whether you keep it in a slip, on a trailer, or in dry storage, use a quality boat cover to shield it from sun, rain, and debris. If you’re winterizing, be sure to drain water systems, add antifreeze where necessary, and give the boat a thorough once-over before storage.

A well-maintained boat not only performs better but also keeps you and your passengers safe on the water. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent headaches and ensures your vessel is always ready for your next adventure. Happy boating!

Green Beneath the Waves: A Dive into Seagrass Habitats

Did you know that seagrass and seaweed are not the same thing? Seaweed, like kelp and the floating sargassum we are overly familiar with here in Florida are not true plants, they are macroalgae. They lack specialized features like roots and the ability to flower. Seagrasses, on the other hand, are flowering plants that are more closely related to lilies and orchids than grasses. They have roots, stems, leaves, and produce flowers, seeds, and pollen. Seagrasses grow in shallow, coastal waters in groups called meadows or beds and are critically important to the health of our coastal waters. Seagrass beds serve many functions like nursery habitat for invertebrates and baby fish, including snapper and stone crab.

Seagrasses are also important carbon and nutrient sinks that produce large amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis. By rooting into the sediment, they stabilize the bottom; a healthy bed of seagrass helps trap fine particles and absorbs excess nutrients from the surrounding water. Not only do these seagrasses play a critical role in the health of the oceans and in generating oxygen for the planet but they are food for some our most beloved animals – manatees and green turtles. Both feed almost exclusively on different types of seagrasses and are challenged by the rapid loss of seagrass in our coastal areas.

These rapid losses are happening because all marine ecosystems are delicately balanced, and too many nutrients can be detrimental. Just like our lawns, seagrass beds need some organic fertilizer, but they can be harmed if the nutrients are too abundant. Instead of helping the seagrasses to grow, the excess nutrients feed microscopic algae causing massive blooms in the water column. This makes the water murky and prevents sunlight from penetrating to the seafloor; ultimately starving the seagrasses of energy they need to grow and thrive. 

Currently, excess nutrients in our coastal waters are not from natural sources but rather from runoff associated with agriculture and urban areas combined with the seepage of waste from failing septic systems and aged wastewater pipes. These pollution pathways are leading to more frequent and severe algal explosions in our nearshore waters and ocean ecosystems – causing massive seagrass die offs. This starts a vicious cycle – as seagrass beds die, the sediment their roots held together becomes loose and gets stirred up by waves.  This worsens the water clarity and makes restoration of these habitats challenging.

As Loggerhead Marina boaters there are some simple steps you can take to help us at Loggerhead Marinelife Center to protect our coastal seagrass beds. First is through responsible boating: Go Slow for Those Below! To help protect sea turtles and other marine life, travel at the minimum speed needed for safe navigation. This also reduces your risk of running your boat onto shallow seagrass beds that could cause scars in the sediment and take years to recover. When choosing a place to anchor, look for a sandy patch rather than grass as anchors tear seagrasses out at the roots. Second, reduce fertilizer use at home and fertilize only in the dry season. Plant native trees and landscape that do well in the local environment. Lastly, support responsible local watershed management including septic to sewer infrastructure upgrades and low-impact development and green infrastructure projects. As someone that enjoys life out on the ocean, in the Intracoastal Waterway, or any number of bays and harbors you see the bounty of what seagrasses provide. Be good stewards and help us protect these incredible coastal ecosystems.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Better boater tips:

simple steps to protect our coastal seagrass beds

  • Travel at the minimum speed needed for safe navigation and to avoid scarring shallow seagrass beds
  • Look for a sandy patch when anchoring rather than grass as anchors tear seagrasses out at the roots.
  • Reduce fertilizer use at home and fertilize only in the dry season. Plant native trees and landscape that do well in the local environment.
  • Support responsible local watershed management including septic to sewer infrastructure upgrades and low-impact development and green infrastructure projects.

Green Beneath the Waves: A Dive into Seagrass Habitats

Did you know that seagrass and seaweed are not the same thing? Seaweed, like kelp and the floating sargassum we are overly familiar with here in Florida are not true plants, they are macroalgae. They lack specialized features like roots and the ability to flower. Seagrasses, on the other hand, are flowering plants that are more closely related to lilies and orchids than grasses. They have roots, stems, leaves, and produce flowers, seeds, and pollen. Seagrasses grow in shallow, coastal waters in groups called meadows or beds and are critically important to the health of our coastal waters. Seagrass beds serve many functions like nursery habitat for invertebrates and baby fish, including snapper and stone crab.

Seagrasses are also important carbon and nutrient sinks that produce large amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis. By rooting into the sediment, they stabilize the bottom; a healthy bed of seagrass helps trap fine particles and absorbs excess nutrients from the surrounding water. Not only do these seagrasses play a critical role in the health of the oceans and in generating oxygen for the planet but they are food for some our most beloved animals – manatees and green turtles. Both feed almost exclusively on different types of seagrasses and are challenged by the rapid loss of seagrass in our coastal areas.

These rapid losses are happening because all marine ecosystems are delicately balanced, and too many nutrients can be detrimental. Just like our lawns, seagrass beds need some organic fertilizer, but they can be harmed if the nutrients are too abundant. Instead of helping the seagrasses to grow, the excess nutrients feed microscopic algae causing massive blooms in the water column. This makes the water murky and prevents sunlight from penetrating to the seafloor; ultimately starving the seagrasses of energy they need to grow and thrive. 

Currently, excess nutrients in our coastal waters are not from natural sources but rather from runoff associated with agriculture and urban areas combined with the seepage of waste from failing septic systems and aged wastewater pipes. These pollution pathways are leading to more frequent and severe algal explosions in our nearshore waters and ocean ecosystems – causing massive seagrass die offs. This starts a vicious cycle – as seagrass beds die, the sediment their roots held together becomes loose and gets stirred up by waves.  This worsens the water clarity and makes restoration of these habitats challenging.

As Loggerhead Marina boaters there are some simple steps you can take to help us at Loggerhead Marinelife Center to protect our coastal seagrass beds. First is through responsible boating: Go Slow for Those Below! To help protect sea turtles and other marine life, travel at the minimum speed needed for safe navigation. This also reduces your risk of running your boat onto shallow seagrass beds that could cause scars in the sediment and take years to recover. When choosing a place to anchor, look for a sandy patch rather than grass as anchors tear seagrasses out at the roots. Second, reduce fertilizer use at home and fertilize only in the dry season. Plant native trees and landscape that do well in the local environment. Lastly, support responsible local watershed management including septic to sewer infrastructure upgrades and low-impact development and green infrastructure projects. As someone that enjoys life out on the ocean, in the Intracoastal Waterway, or any number of bays and harbors you see the bounty of what seagrasses provide. Be good stewards and help us protect these incredible coastal ecosystems.

Andy Dehart

President & CEO

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Homemade Delights: Cherry Cobbler Muffins & Apple Carrot Dog Treats

If you didn’t get enough sweet treats from the holiday season, then you’re in luck!


Cherry Cobbler Muffins

Ingredients:

Muffin mix
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs
¼ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup milk
21 ounce can cherry pie filling, divided

Streusel Topping:

¼ cup, salted butter, cold and cut into cubes
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with parchment paper muffin liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat or whisk together eggs, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Dump the dry ingredients into the egg/milk mixture and stir gently, just until combined. Do not overmix. Transfer ½ (about 1 cup) of the canned cherry pie filling to a strainer and rinse the pie filling from the cherries. Allow to drain completely. Toss the rinsed cherries in the remaining tablespoon of flour. Then fold into muffin batter, stirring just until cherries are distributed. Divide the batter evenly between 12 muffin cups. From the remainder of the cherry pie filling can, drop 2 to 3 cherries over the top of the muffins along with a small amount of pie filling. In a small bowl use your fingers or a fork to mix butter, flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbles form. Mix heavy cream into the butter/flour mixture. Sprinkle streusel over the top of the cherries and muffin batter. Bake approximately 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of muffins comes out with only a few crumbles. Cool for 10 minutes and then remove muffins from the pan onto a cooling rack. Serve warm.

Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits (makes 12-24 biscuits based on size of cookie cutter)

Recipe from reluctantentertainer.com

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
½ cup oats (gluten-free or regular)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 apple, cored and grated
½ cup carrots, peeled and grated
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
¼ – ½ cup water

Instructions:

Mix the dry ingredients together. In separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the oil, water, and grated apples and carrots. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix completely. Carefully roll out dough and cut into shapes with a small cookie cutter. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until biscuits are firm.

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No Gear Needed: 4 Games to Play on the Waves

a few games that require little to no supplies

Twenty Questions

This tried-and-true pastime doesn’t have to be saved for road trips!

To play Twenty Questions, one player (who will be “it” for the round) will think of a person, place, thing, or animal. The other players will take turns asking yes or no questions to determine what the secret answer is, but they can only ask 20 questions in total. If the other players can guess the secret answer, they win, but if they can’t, the person who is “it” does!

Tag-team stories

In this game, you and your group are working together to write a fictional story. Each player is responsible for keeping the story moving forward, adding a sentence when it’s their turn.

For example, if player one begins with “It was a warm, sunny day.”, the next could continue with, “Our family was having a picnic at our favorite park” and the following might create a twist such as, “Suddenly, the wind picked up and it began to snow.”

The possibilities are endless when it comes to what direction your stories will take on, and you’re sure to come up with some unexpected plot points!

Got It

There’s no limit to how many people can play Got It at once, though the more players you have the more exciting the game will be!

Two players each think of a word. It can be anything – an animal, place, idea, action, you name it! When each player has their word in mind, they’ll say their words together on the count of three. Two new players will try to think of a word that connects the two words said by the first two players and will say them together on the count of three. If you’re playing in a large group, ask the players to shout out “Got it!” when they’ve come up with a word and are ready to play. This continues until two players land on the same word!

Picture This:

In this game, you and your group are each directing a music video. Turn on your favorite playlist and let your creativity fly visualizing what would be happening in your music video. Take turns painting the scene for your group and see how they compare to your fellow players.