Key West

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We took shore leave from Gust O'Wind for 4 days and took the bus to Key West.

It was a good break from living aboard and an opportunity to celebrate Marlene's birthday. We found a quiet little hotel just off the main street (Duval) which is in constant motion. As many as 3 cruise ships were in port at one time so it can be a busy place.

A highlight was Superbowl Sunday. Friends recommended Cowboy Bills Bar - actually about 4 bars, some indoor some outdoor. When we went in we had to pick one of the teams and were given a wristband - every time they scored our waitress delivered a free shot...we both picked the Saints... luckily it wasn't far to "walk" home..glad we didn't need the dinghy! Their Wednesday entertainment is mechanical bullriding. "Ladies" get free drinks from 9pm - 11, then topless bullriding is encouraged... too bad we had to leave on Tuesday.

This Friday we are staying with friends Jim and Christine - they have a slip and a small room with TV - to watch the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. I have arranged for a box of oysters....not sure how many in the box, but we'll manage, to get us started.

(The best way to view the pics is to click on the first then view them as a slideshow)

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Photos

Marathon moon
this was a beautiful moonrise over the mooring field last week

Jasmine Inn
this old home has been converted into a 3 room hotel - easy walking distance to everything in Key West

not so scary
the pooch was a friendly old golden lab

more scary
we didn't hang around to see this one

car art
with Peter on a walk around the old town

nice digs
one of the many old mansions now converted into hotels - Key West was one the richest town in the US (in the ship-wrecking days!)

flora
the tropical vegetation in Key West is lush and colourful

music man
one of many buskers in Mallory Square every evening as people gather to watch the sunset

Mallory Square
another busker hard at work for his tips

Margaritaville
Jimmy now has a chain of them around the country

end of the line
a long swim from Cuba

wire art
we commissioned an artist in Mallory Square to make this little sculpture for us

Comments

[Bill Audrey]

cool so far
Hey Ian and Marlene...we are settled in at Bradenton...very cool so far..hi temp in the upper 50's..we keep busy shopping..flea markets..some golf...no swimming yet...Key West sure is interesting...we love Marathon ..have you tried the Stuffed Pig for breakfast yet?...what are your plans?...Bahamas?...further south?...go for it if possible....smooth sailing and fair winds....Bill and Audrey

[Anne]

Great Hangout
Hi Marlene and Ian, I just loved the story and pics from Key West, always been interested in that spot, a good place for eccentrics. Is that why you enjoyed it so much? xo's Anne

[Judy Coghill]

ENVY
Happy birthday, Marlene! Exactly a year ago today Micki and Jim Clemens and I were in Key West celebrating Micki's birthday! We just spent the day there but loved it. I envy you your 4 days. Bon voyage! Judy

[Eugene Madden]

From the frozen north
When do you guys get back to Sauble Beach? Norah and I will be on the Millennium - March 5th until March 15th. Great pics, by the way. Can't wait to show you some Aussie pictures we took in Cairns, Brisbane, Norfolk Island, Golbourne,Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania. Great country - great trip. We have some pics of Auckland and Rotorua. Looking forward to seeing you guys, maybe in May or June. All the best. Eugene.

[John Logan]

Key West
This is one neat place. I visited here first from a cruise ship with my daughters and it was a fun time. On another cruise Joan and I had a Sunday morning here (boat left around 2). We enjoyed the ambience of the town and the Butterfly Conservatory until the bars opened and we were enjoying a drink at Captain Tony's when who should walk in , but a pirate! Maybe Buffett should write a song about that! (or did he??) It's a must-return-to place for us, but the way you did it - by land, with time. Keep us posted. love, Joan and John

[LIN]

Hi There
I hear you are moving up this way soon. Hope we can get together. When are you doing your marking? It will be lovely to have our kids down here won't it? us grandparents need our hugs. Thankfully the weather is finally warming up. We are flying down to Keywest with Bob and Marylou so any tips you can give would be great - THANKS LIN