Key West

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We left the Tampa area on a 6 day trip to Key West. Neither of us had ever been out there. It is getting kind of warm and sticky in this part of the world about now. First we drove the motorhome to Fort Lauderdale as a base of operations and there were a few things to do in this area. Then from here we drove the pick up truck out to Key West. We could have taken the motor home the entire way, but instead we stayed at two different Inns right in the heart of Old Town so it worked out a little better. We were able to walk or ride bikes everywhere.This place reminded both of us just a tad of New Orleans. It is both a laid back and a happening place at the same time. Bars, restaurants, and a lot of history. Nothing happens very fast here so don't plan on that because by the local area residents own admission, it has one of the worst work ethics found anywhere in the country. Numerous losers congregate here and if they decide they would rather go fishing than show up for work, they just do it. Good one. However, the food is good and the people are mostly nice and everything is pretty close to go see. As I look through the pictures, I noticed that somehow I forgot to include the Mini White House. It was used primarily by Truman. He was here a lot and he used it as an active White House too. Other Presidents used it too, mostly as vacation get aways. You can go on several different kinds of charters like the one out to the Dry Tortugas. It has a fort built during the Civil War but never finished. It became a military prison for a time. The most famous resident was Dr. Samuel Mudd. All Sammy was guilty of was fixing the broken leg John Wilkes Boothe after assassinating President Lincoln. Darn guy. Dr. Mudd didn't even know about it but the gov't was hanging people left and right and throwing just about everybody in jail for a while after that happened. Dr. Mudd was released after a time eventhough he was initially given a life sentence. The temperature here doesn't vary much. It is in the mid 80's when you go to sleep and in the low 80's when you wake up in the morning.

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Photos

Marrero's
This was our first night B&B. Nifty old home dating back 125 years.

Garden of Eden Pub
On the top floor you can be naked. Needless to say we didn't go there as that would be disgusting and indecent.

Light House
Been there quite a while but I forgot the date. The light house, not Marilyn.

Marilyn
At the main tourist trap area. They really bend you over here for just about everything.

Me
I was doing a little purse snatching here. Yet another night in the pokey for me. I had a clean record before starting this trip.

History for 200 Alex!
Yep, Ernie Hemingway's abode.

Ernie's house again.
Decided not to go in because we never were big fans of his stuff.

Marilyn
At our next B&B called the Pilot House. There are a lot of these here and kind of pricey but nice.

Marilyn
Just like it says, the southern most point in the USA.

Me
in front of a statue by the art/history center.

Treasure Chest
This was at the Pirate Soul Museum. The only known authentic treasure chest. No way they would lie about that I'm sure.

Me
and Ernie Hemingway. Got the sign in there so you wouldn't think I was lying yet again about stuff.

Picture 336
At Marrero's

Chicken
She had 8 baby chicks with her. Quite unafraid of people.

Me
Also at the southern most point of USA.

Marilyn
We brought our bikes along and it was great we did.

Me
This is on the drive back with a sample of the view.