Blogs from Florida, United States, North America - page 524

It is hard to say goodbye. We leave tomorrow. It has been such a relaxing time here. Today we parasailed. We were the only ones on the boat so it was really nice not having to wait on others. We were dipped in the ocean once. What a view. Sunset was spent at Fort Zachary Taylor SP. It has to be THE best place to see the sunset in Key West. There were only 4 other people on the beach. It is not the chaotic, crowded, cruise ship ridden place that Mallory Square has become..oh how I miss the "old" Key West of the 70's. Yesterday we went to the Aquarium and handled some sea creatures. I don't think the Aquarium has changed at all since the 70's. Good thing it is only $10 to get ... read more

It’s all because of hurricane Wilma that we got a taste of Fantasy Fest in Key West. The annual tribute to “Freaks, Geeks, and Goddesses” was postponed from its normal (that’s an odd word to use here) dates in October because of the big storm. So we arrived absolutely clueless (admitting we never even heard of Fantasy Fest) and got a big surprise. The guy at the Visitor’s Center tried to explain the event. Said he, “Well, there will be people promenading up and down Duval Street dressed (and undressed) in all sorts of accessories and costumes.” That’s a fairly good description, but we also passed vendors up and down the street with great menus, interesting drinks, and quirky goods. Lively music, showers of beads from balconies, and memorable people watching added to the party scene. ... read more

It is almost time to go home. I have stared at these pale yellow walls for way too many years now. My time here is limited. Only another 2 months to go. I am working overtime to save as much money as possible to begin my journey. I am heading for the Keys the day after tomorrow. I am looking forward to that. Four days in the Keys with my youngest daughter. She has never been. She is the only true native Floridian in the bunch, and the only one not to have seen the Keys. It's a shame, I tell you. Four days of riding a bicycle, watching sunsets and laying in a hammock. Life doesn't get much better than that. Plus FREE happy hour from 4-5 daily!! Sunsets in Key West...ahhh. Sunny and mild ... read more

While they are efficient and we can’t do without them, Interstate Highways are infinitely boring! In need of a break from the monster road and seeking a good slug of scenic local highway, we exited I-95 just south of Jacksonville and headed for coastal highway A1A and the Guana River State Park and Ponte Vendra Beach areas. What a treat! Wild dunes, shell-filled beach, and only a few people enjoying this spot on a sunny Sunday afternoon. One couple was surf casting and a young family was playing in the sand. That was it for miles in both directions! There were several pull off parking lots with boardwalks and stairs to the beaches along the scenic route. After our beach break, we continued south on A1A and wound through the more commercial part of St. Augustine ... read more

This an exciting evening for me. The offer on a timeshare in the Clearwater Beach Area has just been accepted. This isn't any ordinary cramped motel type unit with a kitchenette but a complete cottage with two bedrooms and two baths. The nicest part are the surroundings: Lots of lawn,hiking trails, two tennis courts, a swimmimg pool and a 580 foot dock that juts out into the water. It will be fun spending Thanksgiving with the temperature in the 80's. Actually November is off season and most of the tourists have left so it isn't too croded. We have stayed here before so we know the area and what it has to offer. There is a free beach and park only 10 minutes away and Clearwater is about 20 minutes away. This is the part of ... read more