Prior to the trip, a friend of ours made it crystal clear that F&O were to go to the Southernmost point buoy on Key West, and get a picture. Apparently he had neglected this when visiting himself years ago, and needed F&O to make it right in his mind. Therefore, the first item on the agenda for Day 2 was to cross this assignment off the list. Flynn was surprised by the line to get photos. It is reminiscent of the line to get photos at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. No way was that happening. F&O got pix alright, but from the side & snuck em in between the human tourists. They strolled down the road to the gift shop and got a postcard to send to above mentioned friend. They also walked down the pier and left their mark like so many before them had done. The famous buoy is a ‘state of mind’ rather than the real southern point – which on Key West lies about 1/4 mile south of the landmark, inaccessible to stuffed otters, flamingos, and un-stuffed tourists on the Navel Station property. To be perfectly honest and blow it for all those people standing in line, the southernmost point in the contiguous US is really on Ballast Key. Good luck getting there.
Agenda item number two was to hit the beach. It’s Key West after all, it’s sunny and warm. One must go to the beach. Recommendation of choice from a local was Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. There was plenty of parking, reasonable facilities, sand and water. With sunscreen and pool towels in hand, F&O settled in ~ for about one whole hour. They tried swimming, but apparently the Atlantic was having a bad hair day and would have none of it. Flip-flops were rescued in the nick of time before being swept out to sea, sea-stone road rash was acquired, and being thrown about by waves pretty much ended that adventure. Laying on the towel, drying off, and leaving before sunburned feathers was the extent of the beach visit. Off to lunch of lobster roll and conch fritters at Eaton Street Seafood Market, and the afternoon mission was complete. Good, but not as good as DJ’s Clam Shack.
After showering the sand outta suits – a lot of sand – it was time for happy hour before the show at Mallory Square. A cocktail at Lucy’s and entertainment by Sheldon (again) did the trick. F&O grabbed a Cuban coffee, stood on the square , watched the local wildlife, watched the sun go down (no green flash), and gawked at various live entertainment. A late dinner at Jack Flats rounded out the F&O evening before hitting the sack.
Day 3 ~ more fun in the sun! F&O opted to take it slow in the morning. The editors spent some time in their other office after breakfast on the property before hitting the pool.
After the pool work, F&O headed to lunch off the beaten path at El Siboney, It’s about 1/2 mile from Duval House, in a locals area, and is some legit Cuban food. There may have been beer involved at lunch. Possibly. Ollie has developed a taste. A hot hike back to the hotel for a shower, and it was off to The Hemingway House, which has 59 cats in residence currently. There are staff that know all of their names. There is a cat cemetery. There are cat houses (not that kind, sheesh!). It’s a pretty neat place, and F&O had a good time discovering what an wacko interesting life Mr. Hemingway led. He had to be exhausted near the end. The tour was good, F&O recommend it.
Don’t hate them; Flynn and Ollie’s evening looked like this:
F & O had the most best-est sunset sail on a famous sailing boat “When and If” owned by some bigwig which @bigfokkerdog will be happy to tell you all about on his blog (spoiler: George Patton owned it). Flynn and Ollie only know that it was a beautiful boat, a gorgeous night, a fabulous sail, and a terrific crew. Perfect wind, perfect weather, the sounds of the sail and the water was just what one envisions thinking of Key West. Ahhhh. This was an adult trip, not a booze cruise. Not to say there was none consumed…. but not by Flynn.
Relaxed, wind-blown, and happy they made their way back to Duval Street which seemed like home. F & O split a couple of apps and had a couple of beverages (yes with alcohol) at a bar with “Monkey” in it’s name, and called it a night. Man, they gotta quit drinking!
Day Four will be continued in the next blog. It has only taken 5 days to write this one, so just keep your feathers on. It’s coming.
Fin
Flynn
This is fun and instructive for visiting key west. Thanks for it all.