2020--Key West, FL
Day One--Monday, November 30, 2020
2:30 AM came way too early. We have a 6 AM flight, so the early hour was required. As usual we were up later than we wanted to cleaning, packing, and finishing up the last minute preparations. With Margo and I both so busy the minutia of this trip has been under planned. We still have everything ready, but I don’t have a detailed list of places to visit, or an hour by hour breakdown. But, on this trip, I don’t think that is really going to be needed. The only thing carved into to stone is our helicopter ride on the 2nd, at 11 AM. Everything else is flexible.
Pam and Jayme were at our door at 3:15 AM. I was just putting on my shoes, but most everything else I was responsible for was done. Margo was still putting a few things, medicine and the ilk, in bags, but we were on the road before 3:30, which had been our goal. Jayme brought Dad’s old 2003 Chevy S-10. It amazes me that it is still on the road. But, it shouldn’t. Jayme takes good care of his vehicles and it doesn’t get much use. I think it has about 50,000 miles on it, after 18 years.
The drive to the airport was uneventful. I was a bit worried that USAirport parking would not be providing prompt service to the airport, due to the limited people flying, but we weren’t in their lot more than ten minutes total, including parking. The lady who drove the bus did appear to think speed limits were a suggestion, but I have been guilty of that transgression a time or two myself.
There was no line at security, and since we were doing carry on only, we got to skip the impressive 4:00 AM line to check bags. Going through security was simple for three of us. Between forgetting to take off my watch and my artificial hip, I set off metal detector. Yay. When I told them I had an artificial hip, I was told I could not go through their again. I needed to do the fancy machine that caused a stink years ago, because it could supposedly see you naked. I’m sure the TSA agents are thrilled. Well, I had issues with that, too. It picked up my watch and it picked up my Libre sensor. I have been wearing a continuous glucose monitor since March. Yet another thing brought my 2020. I showed them my sensor. I don’t know if they had seen one before or not, but they did have a procedure. I had to put my hand under my sleeve and touch the sensor. Then they swabbed that hand, I guess to check for explosives. I was worried about a false positive, but I was on my way in about 30 seconds. Breakfast from McDonalds and an hour until we board. Can’t wait.
Pam and Jayme were at our door at 3:15 AM. I was just putting on my shoes, but most everything else I was responsible for was done. Margo was still putting a few things, medicine and the ilk, in bags, but we were on the road before 3:30, which had been our goal. Jayme brought Dad’s old 2003 Chevy S-10. It amazes me that it is still on the road. But, it shouldn’t. Jayme takes good care of his vehicles and it doesn’t get much use. I think it has about 50,000 miles on it, after 18 years.
The drive to the airport was uneventful. I was a bit worried that USAirport parking would not be providing prompt service to the airport, due to the limited people flying, but we weren’t in their lot more than ten minutes total, including parking. The lady who drove the bus did appear to think speed limits were a suggestion, but I have been guilty of that transgression a time or two myself.
There was no line at security, and since we were doing carry on only, we got to skip the impressive 4:00 AM line to check bags. Going through security was simple for three of us. Between forgetting to take off my watch and my artificial hip, I set off metal detector. Yay. When I told them I had an artificial hip, I was told I could not go through their again. I needed to do the fancy machine that caused a stink years ago, because it could supposedly see you naked. I’m sure the TSA agents are thrilled. Well, I had issues with that, too. It picked up my watch and it picked up my Libre sensor. I have been wearing a continuous glucose monitor since March. Yet another thing brought my 2020. I showed them my sensor. I don’t know if they had seen one before or not, but they did have a procedure. I had to put my hand under my sleeve and touch the sensor. Then they swabbed that hand, I guess to check for explosives. I was worried about a false positive, but I was on my way in about 30 seconds. Breakfast from McDonalds and an hour until we board. Can’t wait.
View of South Florida. I think this is part of the Everglades as we were coming in
I was hoping that our flight into Fort Lauderdale would give me the opportunity to sleep. One, I really could use the flight. Two, we were slated to be in the air for 4 hours if our itinerary was to be believed, and, Three, we were required to wear masks, and sleep would help all of this. I was not feeling good about this, when I saw, in our less than half full flight, one toddler and one infant in two different families. The odds of both families producing and raising well traveling children of this age, seemed remote. Happily, I didn’t hear a peep from either one. The toddler even took a stroll with his mom and gave Pam a playful squeal when she waved at her. It teased a grin onto my tired face.
The flight ended up being more like 3 ½ hours, but that was the pilot had promised 3 ¼ hrs., so I still end up being disappointed. I am going to have to learn to be more of an optimist and look on the bright side. We ended up landing about 12:30 PM, local time
Renting the car went smooth. II wasn’t asked about declining insurance, even. In the past that was usually a sore point, depending on how recently the agent had been briefed on the importance of selling this. I think we declined the insurance when we set it up.
Our journey started out of the wrong foot, with Margo fighting with the GPS, after it turned off. It got temperamental after failing to find satellites, while we were under Budget’s concrete parking garage. But, I knew to head south and that I-95 would get us in the right direction. So after ten minutes or thereabouts she got it working and pointed us down the right highway.
None of us had ever driven on the Overseas Highway, which is the only car route available to Key West. I had visions of endless water on either side of the road. The sky would be bright and blue. Clouds would be white and parse. The water would be an aquamarine blue. The reality would prove to be different.
The flight ended up being more like 3 ½ hours, but that was the pilot had promised 3 ¼ hrs., so I still end up being disappointed. I am going to have to learn to be more of an optimist and look on the bright side. We ended up landing about 12:30 PM, local time
Renting the car went smooth. II wasn’t asked about declining insurance, even. In the past that was usually a sore point, depending on how recently the agent had been briefed on the importance of selling this. I think we declined the insurance when we set it up.
Our journey started out of the wrong foot, with Margo fighting with the GPS, after it turned off. It got temperamental after failing to find satellites, while we were under Budget’s concrete parking garage. But, I knew to head south and that I-95 would get us in the right direction. So after ten minutes or thereabouts she got it working and pointed us down the right highway.
None of us had ever driven on the Overseas Highway, which is the only car route available to Key West. I had visions of endless water on either side of the road. The sky would be bright and blue. Clouds would be white and parse. The water would be an aquamarine blue. The reality would prove to be different.
The skies started getting ickier the further south we went
It took us about 30-45 minutes of driving, plus another hour break at the Olive Garden in Southland Mall, just to get to the tip of the greater Miami areas where we would start our journey over the water. I don’t know that disappointed is the correct word to describe trek. For 90% of the journey we were on land. There were plenty of bridges, but the grand vistas were not there. Most of these water overpasses were fairly short, a few hundred yards.
The part that really failed to meet expectations, was the weather. We got our warmth. Yeah! It was in the 80s. But, we also got grey clouds and over cast the further south we wend. This had the color of the water range from a creepy sea foam green to a menacing grey. The blue sky and white clouds we had when we landed, gave way to grey yuck. By the time we got to climatic 7 mile bridge, three quarters into our journey, it was basically, just another road.
The part that really failed to meet expectations, was the weather. We got our warmth. Yeah! It was in the 80s. But, we also got grey clouds and over cast the further south we wend. This had the color of the water range from a creepy sea foam green to a menacing grey. The blue sky and white clouds we had when we landed, gave way to grey yuck. By the time we got to climatic 7 mile bridge, three quarters into our journey, it was basically, just another road.
We were given side by side rooms, overlooking the pool. The rooms are nice. Maybe a little worn, but they felt more cultural than historic. They have upgraded their door locks to an electronic lock, that opens with a bracelet. Just like at Disney or Universal Studios. Only they don’t work very well. You had to scan at least ten time to open the door. We finally got some electronic card keys that worked well.
We had dinner at the local restaurant, Floridita. It is a restaurant in the strictest of definition. What it is, is a food truck, that pulls up beside a façade. Overlooking that is a very nice palm thatched tiki hut, with several tables. The food was decent, but expensive. With tip and drinks it was about $100.
The service was very good. I did not catch our waiter’s name, but he did a nice job. Margo scared him, though. She had told me, as she stepped away to go to the bathroom, to not let him take her melting ice/coke remains. As it turned out, he did not come around. At least not until she had returned, and had brought new drinks. As he began clearing old drinks, he grabbed Margo’s glass. She yelled “No”, in a manner expected as if he was removing her cell phone. We all jumped and started to laugh as she explained she wanted her ice. It was hard to tell his exact reaction, but he appeared to have laughed it off, with us.
We had the dining area to ourselves until about 8:30. We talked about the recent family events, and the sub plots around them all. Margo had said she wanted to have drinks around the pool, but as the rain had followed us all the way here, we settled for a very enjoyable evening under the tiki hut, with the pool close, but mostly out of sight. We went to our rooms around 9 PM. Tomorrow we will be touring downtown Key West.
We had dinner at the local restaurant, Floridita. It is a restaurant in the strictest of definition. What it is, is a food truck, that pulls up beside a façade. Overlooking that is a very nice palm thatched tiki hut, with several tables. The food was decent, but expensive. With tip and drinks it was about $100.
The service was very good. I did not catch our waiter’s name, but he did a nice job. Margo scared him, though. She had told me, as she stepped away to go to the bathroom, to not let him take her melting ice/coke remains. As it turned out, he did not come around. At least not until she had returned, and had brought new drinks. As he began clearing old drinks, he grabbed Margo’s glass. She yelled “No”, in a manner expected as if he was removing her cell phone. We all jumped and started to laugh as she explained she wanted her ice. It was hard to tell his exact reaction, but he appeared to have laughed it off, with us.
We had the dining area to ourselves until about 8:30. We talked about the recent family events, and the sub plots around them all. Margo had said she wanted to have drinks around the pool, but as the rain had followed us all the way here, we settled for a very enjoyable evening under the tiki hut, with the pool close, but mostly out of sight. We went to our rooms around 9 PM. Tomorrow we will be touring downtown Key West.
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Day Two--Tuesday, December 01, 2020 (Margo's Birthday)
Up at 7 AM, after going to bed about 10:30, but intending to sleep until 8 AM. The previous occupant of our room had an alarm set for 6 AM. So, it went off. I was relieved when I saw it was two hours early. Margo shut it off, and I said “Nope”, she agreed, and back to bed we went.
There was an IHOP next door, so that was where we had breakfast. The service was a little slow and English was not the primary language, so there was repeating and lots of “Huh?”. The mask our waitress had to wear did not help.
We gathered up our things, back at the hotel, and left for Old Town Key West around 9:30 AM-ish. I had scouted out a parking garage as our destination. We had planned to traverse the downtown area via the Duval Loop. The Duval Loop is a free shuttle that makes a loop around Old Town area, with Duval Street, the heart of the area, in the center.
The parking garage I picked out was less than 100 yards from Stop #1 on the loop. We made to the garage in about 10 minutes, parked and figured out how and where to pay in another 10. The we went looking for our stop. We thought we found it another few minutes later, but watched our bus drive by not long after that. Jayme figured out where the real stop was, but since our bus had passed we decided to start walking the route an at least be closer when the next one came about. We ended up walking all the way down to stop 4, which was past Mallory Square and past Duval Street.
There was an IHOP next door, so that was where we had breakfast. The service was a little slow and English was not the primary language, so there was repeating and lots of “Huh?”. The mask our waitress had to wear did not help.
We gathered up our things, back at the hotel, and left for Old Town Key West around 9:30 AM-ish. I had scouted out a parking garage as our destination. We had planned to traverse the downtown area via the Duval Loop. The Duval Loop is a free shuttle that makes a loop around Old Town area, with Duval Street, the heart of the area, in the center.
The parking garage I picked out was less than 100 yards from Stop #1 on the loop. We made to the garage in about 10 minutes, parked and figured out how and where to pay in another 10. The we went looking for our stop. We thought we found it another few minutes later, but watched our bus drive by not long after that. Jayme figured out where the real stop was, but since our bus had passed we decided to start walking the route an at least be closer when the next one came about. We ended up walking all the way down to stop 4, which was past Mallory Square and past Duval Street.
The four of us if front of the pool
Our goal had been to catch the shuttle and take one tour around the town to get a lay of the land. I’m not sure it worked, but we got to sit down and see Key West. What impressed Jayme the most were the homes. He admires both the architecture and the age. Most of these houses look like are 100 years old. What they don’t look like, is that they should be expensive. But, we would walk past million dollar home, after million dollar home. They were nice enough, but given the age, you would think they should be priced about 66% lower. We saw on place that was being gutted and redone. It would be nice to see what it looks like when it is done. I am guessing that local ordinances require the outside to look like it was built 100 years ago, but the inside is going to be amazing.
Key West is a bird sanctuary. Chickens are birds. They are protected.
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The Shoppes at Mallory Square
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We completed our loop, and were dropped off on stop #3, and we made our way to Sloppy Joe’s. Sloppy Joe’s is a bar. It was Ernest Hemmingway’s hangout in the 1930s. He had a home in Key West and it is, plus the six-toes cats there, area a big tourist attraction today. We had a nice lunch, had a beer under the nose of Hemingway’s portrait and listen to the 80s music which was playing overhead.
Jayme and I had the sloppy joe, which I liked. Pam had been wanting to try Conch Fritters, a local delicacy. No one else had a desire, but Margo and I agreed to try them. Jayme has almost zero food adventure in him, declined. They come with a Lime mustard dipping sauce. They were hot, so I dipped mine and let it cool. Pam bit into hers and said all she really tasted was cornmeal. They had a very soft and spongy feel to them, so I was a little hesitant to follow through. But, I just did it, and took a bite. I said I thought the whole thing tasted like ketchup. I just the combination of breading and the vinegar in the mushroom had my brain jumping to onion rings with ketchup. My traveling companions thought this was the funniest thing they had heard since Jeff Dunham’s last special. My wife had tears running down their face at this absurd pronouncement. For the rest of our trip this became a running joke. Between the music, the food, and the laughter, it was the nicest lunch I had had in quite a while. For dessert Margo and I had key lime pie, which Margo had been looking forward to, since we planned this trip.
Jayme and I had the sloppy joe, which I liked. Pam had been wanting to try Conch Fritters, a local delicacy. No one else had a desire, but Margo and I agreed to try them. Jayme has almost zero food adventure in him, declined. They come with a Lime mustard dipping sauce. They were hot, so I dipped mine and let it cool. Pam bit into hers and said all she really tasted was cornmeal. They had a very soft and spongy feel to them, so I was a little hesitant to follow through. But, I just did it, and took a bite. I said I thought the whole thing tasted like ketchup. I just the combination of breading and the vinegar in the mushroom had my brain jumping to onion rings with ketchup. My traveling companions thought this was the funniest thing they had heard since Jeff Dunham’s last special. My wife had tears running down their face at this absurd pronouncement. For the rest of our trip this became a running joke. Between the music, the food, and the laughter, it was the nicest lunch I had had in quite a while. For dessert Margo and I had key lime pie, which Margo had been looking forward to, since we planned this trip.
The red, black and yellow concrete buoy at the southern end of the island has been designated as the southern most point of the United States. It is not. Less than a mile to the west is Naval Air Station Key West which juts out just a little farther. But that did not deter us from wanting to take the requisite photo. So after our Duval Street meal, we made our way to the Duval Loop stop #4, and took it to stop #10.
This dropped us off a couple of blocks from buoy. I had read a little about the experience and expected a line. I was not disappointed. The line had about 15 people, of varying group sizes. But, as people were just snapping a few pictures, even though social distancing had the line half way down the block, it moved fast. We were past noon by this point, and the sun was shining into our eyes, as we had our pictures taken by the young lady behind us in line.
We learned a little history. Right beside the Southernmost Marker is the Southern Most House. It was built by Judge Jeptha Vinning Harris for a quarter of a million dollars. That was a very grand sum in 1897. Beside that was a concrete building which housed the connection between the land telegraph line and the under sea cable going to Cuba. The first International phone call was made through different, but similar lines to Cuba. On the Cuba end, there was a long silence after they picked up the connection. They finally replied, presumably in Spanish, “We don’t understand you."
Finally across the street, this South Street, the judge built three matching Queen Ann homes for gamily and guests. He gave one to a daughter as a wedding present. I think her home sold a few years back for 1.7 million. The judge paid $3,500 for the land in 1906.
This dropped us off a couple of blocks from buoy. I had read a little about the experience and expected a line. I was not disappointed. The line had about 15 people, of varying group sizes. But, as people were just snapping a few pictures, even though social distancing had the line half way down the block, it moved fast. We were past noon by this point, and the sun was shining into our eyes, as we had our pictures taken by the young lady behind us in line.
We learned a little history. Right beside the Southernmost Marker is the Southern Most House. It was built by Judge Jeptha Vinning Harris for a quarter of a million dollars. That was a very grand sum in 1897. Beside that was a concrete building which housed the connection between the land telegraph line and the under sea cable going to Cuba. The first International phone call was made through different, but similar lines to Cuba. On the Cuba end, there was a long silence after they picked up the connection. They finally replied, presumably in Spanish, “We don’t understand you."
Finally across the street, this South Street, the judge built three matching Queen Ann homes for gamily and guests. He gave one to a daughter as a wedding present. I think her home sold a few years back for 1.7 million. The judge paid $3,500 for the land in 1906.
The Southernmost House and the line for the Southernmost Point
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With this trip bucket list item ticked off our list, we got back on the shuttle and rode it most of the way around the loop to #4. This would turn out to be our most popular stop. It was right in front of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. We never visited this, but if we ever come back, I want to. Mel Fisher was a treasure hunter, who eventually found the wreck of the Atocha, with tons of silver, gold, and emeralds.
We would be searching for a different treasure; t-shirts and Key Lime Spice. Jayme wanted to get a few t shirts for his new granddaughter and Brandon. Margo picked up a key lime spice back in 2007 when we were last in Key West. She wanted to get more.
Mallory Square is known for a number of things; sunsets, buskers, and shopping, in that order. We would be starting with shopping. We bounced around from shop to kiosk to booth, looking for anything that would catch our eye, and specifically her key lime spice. I think was this one of the places was actually did find some key lime spice, but not the one from 13 years ago. We wandered the shops for a while, and although we did not find our spice, we did find Key Lime Bread and Butter Pickles, and a Mango/Key Lime preserve. We ended up with a heavy bag of stuff.
We would be searching for a different treasure; t-shirts and Key Lime Spice. Jayme wanted to get a few t shirts for his new granddaughter and Brandon. Margo picked up a key lime spice back in 2007 when we were last in Key West. She wanted to get more.
Mallory Square is known for a number of things; sunsets, buskers, and shopping, in that order. We would be starting with shopping. We bounced around from shop to kiosk to booth, looking for anything that would catch our eye, and specifically her key lime spice. I think was this one of the places was actually did find some key lime spice, but not the one from 13 years ago. We wandered the shops for a while, and although we did not find our spice, we did find Key Lime Bread and Butter Pickles, and a Mango/Key Lime preserve. We ended up with a heavy bag of stuff.
Nearby was a key lime place named Kermit’s. They have been around for a long time. Margo was thinking she bought her original spice here, but I was sure it was the same place we bought our key lime pie, back then. I think was called The Blonde Giraffe. I looked it up before we left with the key lime pie in mind, but that Key West location had closed down, several years ago.
We did end up finding several different spices, but none of them looked right. I suggested that maybe Margo could get a hold of Veronica, who was babysitting Jackie, back home, and ask her to take a picture of the bottle, which was still in the cupboard. She did that and soon had a likeness. The picture confirmed that Kermit’s did not have what Margo was looking for they suggested The Tea and Spice Exchange.
At this point, I volunteered to walk the heavy bag and anything else that someone was tired of carrying back to the car. That way we would not be burdened for the rest of the day. Margo thought that was a good idea. Jayme wanted to ditch his coat, as the day was warming up. While the weather was better than back home, upper 60s, it was not the mid-70s or better we had hoped for. Plus there was wind. Downtown had sheltered us from that, or maybe it had died down, but either way we were feeling warmer and jackets were in the way.
The walk back to the car was maybe 15 minutes and we walked at a decent pace, discussing thing we saw. A lot of that was both the architecture, cost of homes, and how close they were to each other. There was one house, maybe on Caroline, which was being gutted. You could see that there was a lot of pressure treated wood being put up, along with the electrical outlets and wiring. I was imagining this being a really impressive home when it was done.
We did end up finding several different spices, but none of them looked right. I suggested that maybe Margo could get a hold of Veronica, who was babysitting Jackie, back home, and ask her to take a picture of the bottle, which was still in the cupboard. She did that and soon had a likeness. The picture confirmed that Kermit’s did not have what Margo was looking for they suggested The Tea and Spice Exchange.
At this point, I volunteered to walk the heavy bag and anything else that someone was tired of carrying back to the car. That way we would not be burdened for the rest of the day. Margo thought that was a good idea. Jayme wanted to ditch his coat, as the day was warming up. While the weather was better than back home, upper 60s, it was not the mid-70s or better we had hoped for. Plus there was wind. Downtown had sheltered us from that, or maybe it had died down, but either way we were feeling warmer and jackets were in the way.
The walk back to the car was maybe 15 minutes and we walked at a decent pace, discussing thing we saw. A lot of that was both the architecture, cost of homes, and how close they were to each other. There was one house, maybe on Caroline, which was being gutted. You could see that there was a lot of pressure treated wood being put up, along with the electrical outlets and wiring. I was imagining this being a really impressive home when it was done.
A blunderbuss, just like the pirates had. All of them, really
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Pam & The Smallest Bar. It opened a couple hours later
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Is this where the term "dickhead" comes from?
We made it back, dropped everything, except Margo’s now empty shopping bag, and made the decision to walk to the Duval Loop stop #1, and ride back. That was a good decision, in that the bus was sitting there waiting for us. We got on, and in about 5 minutes we were on Duval Street, just past Sloppy Joes’ where we had left the girls.
The girls wanted to show us what they had found. Among their discoveries was a dick shaped squirt gun, and various male genital inspired BBQ aprons. They had a great laugh both before and after our return. We had all walked past several T-shirt shops, with some clever, funny, and very adult t-shirts. But, we were still on a quest for key lime spice. Jayme and Pam were still deciding on exactly what they wanted, so off to the Tea and Spice Exchange, we went.
Margo and I were familiar with The Tea & Spice Exchange, as we visited one in San Antonio this past January. They seemed to have everything. So the four of us, pointed our way south. Pam and Jayme were being good sports, as we were dragging them up and down the same streets looking for this spice. This stop proved to be fruitless. They had nothing and had never even heard of the company who made this spice. So at this point we were going to head back to Kermit’s to get the next best thing.
The girls wanted to show us what they had found. Among their discoveries was a dick shaped squirt gun, and various male genital inspired BBQ aprons. They had a great laugh both before and after our return. We had all walked past several T-shirt shops, with some clever, funny, and very adult t-shirts. But, we were still on a quest for key lime spice. Jayme and Pam were still deciding on exactly what they wanted, so off to the Tea and Spice Exchange, we went.
Margo and I were familiar with The Tea & Spice Exchange, as we visited one in San Antonio this past January. They seemed to have everything. So the four of us, pointed our way south. Pam and Jayme were being good sports, as we were dragging them up and down the same streets looking for this spice. This stop proved to be fruitless. They had nothing and had never even heard of the company who made this spice. So at this point we were going to head back to Kermit’s to get the next best thing.
Gunsight from the battleship USS Maine. Sunk in Havana Harbor
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Sunset at Mallory Square
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Key West United Methodist Church.
The sunset made it look pink.
Margo's birthday present
We did not make it to Kermit’s. We kept getting distracted by other shops. Pam and Jayme did find several shirts at a couple of different shops. At some point, I reminded Margo it was her birthday and I still had not bought her anything. We ended up in a shop at Clinton Square Market which sold jewelry. She found a pretty blue and white sapphire ring, for about $450. So I got that for her.
We looked around trying to see if there was anything we could not live without. The answer was pretty much, No. It was getting late in the afternoon and I suggested heading over to Mallory Square for sunset. We were there in about five minutes.
Sunset in early December, in the Keys is around 5:40. We were about an hour early. It tuns out that staring towards the sun for minute after minute is not fun. There were no clouds in the sky, so even though we were not constantly looking towards the west, this began both boring and hard on the eyes. I suggested dinner and reminded Margo that as birthday girl it was her responsibility to choose. She decided on Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.
We walked down the icon Duval Street to the intersection of Duval and Fleming, and entered the original Margaritaville restaurant, which opened in 1985. Margo and I have been to several of these restaurants, including Cozumel, where I bought Jessi her first legal beer, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, where I had just hit a $900 jackpot at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal. Good times.
They were in full social distancing mode here at the tropical paradise. Really, up until now, even with the local mandatory mask wearing policy, even outside, we had not been exposed much to this. We had been wearing our masks anytime we went inside, but they came off, once we went back out. No one seemed to care. But, we got a full rundown of the rules, including to wear your mask if you got up from the table. Other restaurants you wore them and took them off when you sat down. At our hotel, we wore them when we checked in, and not at all afterwards. No one said a word. It was really quite nice.
We looked around trying to see if there was anything we could not live without. The answer was pretty much, No. It was getting late in the afternoon and I suggested heading over to Mallory Square for sunset. We were there in about five minutes.
Sunset in early December, in the Keys is around 5:40. We were about an hour early. It tuns out that staring towards the sun for minute after minute is not fun. There were no clouds in the sky, so even though we were not constantly looking towards the west, this began both boring and hard on the eyes. I suggested dinner and reminded Margo that as birthday girl it was her responsibility to choose. She decided on Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.
We walked down the icon Duval Street to the intersection of Duval and Fleming, and entered the original Margaritaville restaurant, which opened in 1985. Margo and I have been to several of these restaurants, including Cozumel, where I bought Jessi her first legal beer, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, where I had just hit a $900 jackpot at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal. Good times.
They were in full social distancing mode here at the tropical paradise. Really, up until now, even with the local mandatory mask wearing policy, even outside, we had not been exposed much to this. We had been wearing our masks anytime we went inside, but they came off, once we went back out. No one seemed to care. But, we got a full rundown of the rules, including to wear your mask if you got up from the table. Other restaurants you wore them and took them off when you sat down. At our hotel, we wore them when we checked in, and not at all afterwards. No one said a word. It was really quite nice.
Inside Margaritaville. Plenty of social distancing. At least they are allowed to be open
The food was OK. Not great, but not bad either. It was just nice, for the second time today, to actually sit at a table and enjoy a meal out in the town. Back home, our governor, Lord Polis, had encouraged counties to move to a Red Alert, which is not the highest (Purple, go figure), in which dining rooms at restaurants are shut down again. So, we had been doing take out for the past couple of weeks. But, we were reminded that we are still living under the tyranny of the mask, when one of Key West’s finest asked Pam to mask up. He wasn’t mean about it, but it was still a reminder that civil rights are being violated. These masks don’t prevent the disease, as evidenced by the fact that Lord Polis himself now has COVID, as does his gay partner, the “First Gentlemen” (gag).
But, with dinner complete, shopping done, and not of the mind to attempt the Duval Pub Crawl, we made our way to the nearest Duval Loop stop to head back to our hotel. It was on Fleming Street, and Fleming St is both residential and dark. It is home to the Monroe County Courthouse. You would think that a public building and a bus stop would have a nice welcoming street light. Nope, with only a few lights streaming from cracks in shutters and curtains, the street was dark as a back alley.
Further adding to the dramatic mood of the place was a homeless dude from Tampa. He was hungry, tired, lost, and just trying to find a bus to get him to Stock Island. We could not help him with any of this. The best we could do was keep him company, as he was also having a mild anxiety attack over all of the above. Without prompting he told us of his woes with the legal and medical departments of Florida, and lamenting being in Key West, when he wanted to be in Tampa. We told him that he could likely get some help getting to Stock Island, via the correct bus, from the bus driver on the Duval Loop. That looked like that did happen, about 10 uncomfortable minutes later, when the bus finally arrived. The guy did not appear dangerous, but he was also not completely of a stable mind. Even so, I snuck him $20, which he tried to decline. He told me that he only had $10 on him. I figured that he could maybe get a meal and an ride if for his $30.
But, with dinner complete, shopping done, and not of the mind to attempt the Duval Pub Crawl, we made our way to the nearest Duval Loop stop to head back to our hotel. It was on Fleming Street, and Fleming St is both residential and dark. It is home to the Monroe County Courthouse. You would think that a public building and a bus stop would have a nice welcoming street light. Nope, with only a few lights streaming from cracks in shutters and curtains, the street was dark as a back alley.
Further adding to the dramatic mood of the place was a homeless dude from Tampa. He was hungry, tired, lost, and just trying to find a bus to get him to Stock Island. We could not help him with any of this. The best we could do was keep him company, as he was also having a mild anxiety attack over all of the above. Without prompting he told us of his woes with the legal and medical departments of Florida, and lamenting being in Key West, when he wanted to be in Tampa. We told him that he could likely get some help getting to Stock Island, via the correct bus, from the bus driver on the Duval Loop. That looked like that did happen, about 10 uncomfortable minutes later, when the bus finally arrived. The guy did not appear dangerous, but he was also not completely of a stable mind. Even so, I snuck him $20, which he tried to decline. He told me that he only had $10 on him. I figured that he could maybe get a meal and an ride if for his $30.
Jayme was the only one of brave enough to get in the pool. It was a tad chilly
The bus took us back to our parking garage, and less than ten minutes after being dropped off, we were on our way back to the Havana Cabana. It was still too early for bed, so we decided to enjoy the night air, which was a little chilly, but if stayed out of the breeze, tolerable. We had wanted to sit in the hot tub, but it was occupied. Even three trips to there to peak in, did not clue the other group that someone else wanted to use the tub. COVID restrictions prevent more than one group from using at a time.
So, over to the bar we went. I had a frozen strawberry daiquiri, Jayme a But Lite, and the girls each had a bucket of Rum Runner. There must have been six ounces of rum in that potion. Margo got hers frozen, which the bartender warned her would really dilute it. Margo did not care. Pam said hers was strong, but she soldiered through about 2/3 of it, an impressive feat, and did not look worse for the wear. We talked and laughed for a few hours, and went to our rooms about 10:30. I wrote for a while, and was in bed by midnight.
So, over to the bar we went. I had a frozen strawberry daiquiri, Jayme a But Lite, and the girls each had a bucket of Rum Runner. There must have been six ounces of rum in that potion. Margo got hers frozen, which the bartender warned her would really dilute it. Margo did not care. Pam said hers was strong, but she soldiered through about 2/3 of it, an impressive feat, and did not look worse for the wear. We talked and laughed for a few hours, and went to our rooms about 10:30. I wrote for a while, and was in bed by midnight.
Day Three--Wednesday, December 02, 2020
Up at 8 AM, but I had been up off and on since 6 AM when my bladder woke me up. Margo was up at 7 AM. Today promised to have the highlight of our trip, a short helicopter ride around Key West. We had breakfast yesterday at Denny’s, so today we decided to try the food truck again. To be fair, it is more like a food trailer. It looks like an old Airstream. It is pulled in sideways, and they have a cutout built around it, so it looks like a large pick up window at a café kitchen. The food that comes out of it, is pretty good. The only thing we did not like, was the prices. Today, my breakfast sandwich, ham, egg, and cheese on Cuban bread, was $17. It was about half that at IHOP down the road, and it came with fries. But, we were on vacation, and if you want experiences, you pay for experiences. I liked mine, and then mooched some of Margo’s country potatoes.
Out helicopter ride was scheduled for 11 AM, and we were advised to be there a half hour early. The drive was about 10 minutes, so if we left at 10 AM, that would give us time to get lost. While that did not happen, I did miss my turn into the airport. Key West does have an international airport and we saw plenty of 737 type aircraft landing. If we go back, we will be flying. The Overseas Highway was nice to do once. Anyway, we had to go about ¾ of mile down S. Roosevelt to find a place to turn around, passing two eager looking motorcycle patrolman who were parked on the beach side, waiting for prey. I watched my speed so as to not provoke an attack, and one of my passengers saw the entrance, as I kept an eye on traffic. Armed with directions and a picture from Air Adventures, we found out destination easily after that.
Out helicopter ride was scheduled for 11 AM, and we were advised to be there a half hour early. The drive was about 10 minutes, so if we left at 10 AM, that would give us time to get lost. While that did not happen, I did miss my turn into the airport. Key West does have an international airport and we saw plenty of 737 type aircraft landing. If we go back, we will be flying. The Overseas Highway was nice to do once. Anyway, we had to go about ¾ of mile down S. Roosevelt to find a place to turn around, passing two eager looking motorcycle patrolman who were parked on the beach side, waiting for prey. I watched my speed so as to not provoke an attack, and one of my passengers saw the entrance, as I kept an eye on traffic. Armed with directions and a picture from Air Adventures, we found out destination easily after that.
The wait felt a lot longer than the 40 minutes it was. Probably because, Margo and I had to wait twice. Our pilot, a thirty-ish looking clean cut guy, appeared right around 11. He took all of us to our helicopter, and gave us a safety briefing. The helicopter itself, seats four, including the pilot, and is smaller than I remember our others. Jayme and Pam made the same observation. Both, while looking forward to this adventure were a bit nervous because they did not know what to expect. Seeing this smaller version of what was in their mind did not help. The safety briefing was where not to step, this part is a flotation device, and stay away from the back end of the plane. That tail rotor is people cuisinart. Get out. Move forward.
The four of us in front of our helicopter. We went up in pairs
We had ridden a golf cart out to the helicopter, and we piled back in to be driven back. FFA regulations prohibited leaving Jayme and Pam out there. Perhaps they figured Jayme might attempt a joy ride. Probably not this time, but after he had a ride, the thought might occur to him. We were dropped off, went back into the waiting area, and Margo and I watched The Price is Right on the TV.
Drew Carey has a beard now, and dresses like he is gay. Most of the male contestants looked gay and there was no studio audience. Applause was piped in when the next contestant was announced, who appeared from the wings. It was sad looking to be honest. They still had one girl who would stand over the new car and sweep and arm or other gesture, but they also had a guy now, too. I feel very old.
The time past slowly, but it was only about 20-25 minutes before they were back. Jayme’s face looked neutral, so I wasn’t sure if he enjoyed it. The wind was still blowing, and our pilot had said while the machine and he could handle more than a 25 mph wind, he wouldn’t take up passengers above that, because it would not be a good experience. Our wind was probably 15-20, so we were going to feel it. I gave a Jayme a quizzical thumbs up, asking if he enjoyed it. He responded in kind, and nodded his head. When we got closer he said it was a kick and he was ready to do it again.
Drew Carey has a beard now, and dresses like he is gay. Most of the male contestants looked gay and there was no studio audience. Applause was piped in when the next contestant was announced, who appeared from the wings. It was sad looking to be honest. They still had one girl who would stand over the new car and sweep and arm or other gesture, but they also had a guy now, too. I feel very old.
The time past slowly, but it was only about 20-25 minutes before they were back. Jayme’s face looked neutral, so I wasn’t sure if he enjoyed it. The wind was still blowing, and our pilot had said while the machine and he could handle more than a 25 mph wind, he wouldn’t take up passengers above that, because it would not be a good experience. Our wind was probably 15-20, so we were going to feel it. I gave a Jayme a quizzical thumbs up, asking if he enjoyed it. He responded in kind, and nodded his head. When we got closer he said it was a kick and he was ready to do it again.
It was our turn. My only concern was getting in and out of the machine. I just don’t bend or have the range I used to. But, I managed fairly easily, and the pilot brought Margo a step stool. She had an easier time than I did. It was a little cramped inside. It took three tries to get the engine to turn over and start. It had the feeling of trying to start a finicky car, which did give me a little pause. But, it turned over and the overhead rotor started turning. In just a minute of so, after clearance from the tower, we side scooted just a bit and took off in that direction.
750 sf apartment here is only $400,000
Right across the road from Smathers Beach
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Casa Marina Key West
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Some of the boats off of Key West
Photo by Pam Kretzer
Helicopter flying is so much smoother than a fixed wing plane. One second you are on the ground and the next, you are moving up and forward. It has an unnaturally, natural feel to it. We were on the south side of island, which has the best beaches, and our pilot (Brian?) pointed out Smathers Beach. Our top altitude looked to be around 250 feet, and it was almost all over water. But, you could see all the way to the other side, which was really cool.
We saw Sunset Key, which is home to a few celebrities, possibly both Oprah and Kenny Chesney. Right beside it is Wisteria Key, which is essentially a homeless colony. I asked our pilot why such prime real estate was not developed, and he did not know. I checked online when we got home and found that ownership is in dispute. The Navy is claiming title as is a developer who has been paying taxes on it for a decade. Right now it is being used by those whose boats were destroyed in the last hurricane, and those who can’t afford to live on the island. $3,000 per month rents are the norm. It is cheaper to buy a boat and park it in the bay to live on, than to rent of buy on the island.
Helicopter flying is so much smoother than a fixed wing plane. One second you are on the ground and the next, you are moving up and forward. It has an unnaturally, natural feel to it. We were on the south side of island, which has the best beaches, and our pilot (Brian?) pointed out Smathers Beach. Our top altitude looked to be around 250 feet, and it was almost all over water. But, you could see all the way to the other side, which was really cool.
We saw Sunset Key, which is home to a few celebrities, possibly both Oprah and Kenny Chesney. Right beside it is Wisteria Key, which is essentially a homeless colony. I asked our pilot why such prime real estate was not developed, and he did not know. I checked online when we got home and found that ownership is in dispute. The Navy is claiming title as is a developer who has been paying taxes on it for a decade. Right now it is being used by those whose boats were destroyed in the last hurricane, and those who can’t afford to live on the island. $3,000 per month rents are the norm. It is cheaper to buy a boat and park it in the bay to live on, than to rent of buy on the island.
Naval Air Station Key West
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The Reach Key West
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Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
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Where the Disney cruise ships used to dock. Key West banned them, and all other cruise ships with more than 1500 passengers this past November
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We saw the Southern Most Marker, which is not the southern most point. Naval Air Station West-Truman Annex, with its Golf Ball (Doppler Radar) and Scaffolding (Radio Antenna), (3/4 mile west) is. But since a flock of tourists is not going to be admitted there, the second most southern point of the continental United States will have to do.
At the western point of the key we saw Fort Zachary Taylor State Park with a commanding position of the harbor. We rounded the point and few for just a minute down the northern side, before flipping a U-turn to come back. The return trip seemed faster, and all too soon we were on the ground back at Key West International.
We talked to the pilot on the trip back and had talked to him in the air. He was not ex-military. He had been turned down for a very mild case of color-blindness. He had very much wanted to serve and has a goal of serving as a civilian contractor once he gets enough hours in the air. He said he was about to reach 1000 hours and thought he needed closer to 3000.
We saw the Southern Most Marker, which is not the southern most point. Naval Air Station West-Truman Annex, with its Golf Ball (Doppler Radar) and Scaffolding (Radio Antenna), (3/4 mile west) is. But since a flock of tourists is not going to be admitted there, the second most southern point of the continental United States will have to do.
At the western point of the key we saw Fort Zachary Taylor State Park with a commanding position of the harbor. We rounded the point and few for just a minute down the northern side, before flipping a U-turn to come back. The return trip seemed faster, and all too soon we were on the ground back at Key West International.
We talked to the pilot on the trip back and had talked to him in the air. He was not ex-military. He had been turned down for a very mild case of color-blindness. He had very much wanted to serve and has a goal of serving as a civilian contractor once he gets enough hours in the air. He said he was about to reach 1000 hours and thought he needed closer to 3000.
Sunset Key. 1.5 to 6.0 million dollar homes
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Heading towards the southwest point. Photo by Pam Kretzer
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Jayme was still pretty pumped over their trip and was as impressed with Fort Zachary Taylor as I was. He suggested a trip over there to check it out. As they had food there, too, there were not dissenting votes. We really did not know where to park, and they did not hand out maps at the entrance gate, so we followed the signs and found a lot, and parked.
It was after noon by now, and the wind had died down. The temp had risen and we were all comfortable. Everyone was in pants, but we could have worn shorts. It was a short walk to the fort, with a quick stop for the restrooms and the offsite blacksmith shop.
Jayme and I were impressed with the fort. Not sure about Pam, but she did seem to be. Margo’s leg was bothering her, so she sat in the sally port and made herself comfortable. We had had a medical scare with her on the Saturday before we left. She, since at least Thanksgiving, had a swelling/tightness pain in her mid-calf. It was not getting better, so we went to the urgent care facility. They told her it was likely muscular, but it was now radiating to both her thigh and hip. It was not preventing her from walking, but it was no picnic either
It was after noon by now, and the wind had died down. The temp had risen and we were all comfortable. Everyone was in pants, but we could have worn shorts. It was a short walk to the fort, with a quick stop for the restrooms and the offsite blacksmith shop.
Jayme and I were impressed with the fort. Not sure about Pam, but she did seem to be. Margo’s leg was bothering her, so she sat in the sally port and made herself comfortable. We had had a medical scare with her on the Saturday before we left. She, since at least Thanksgiving, had a swelling/tightness pain in her mid-calf. It was not getting better, so we went to the urgent care facility. They told her it was likely muscular, but it was now radiating to both her thigh and hip. It was not preventing her from walking, but it was no picnic either
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But, the rest of us climbed all over the fort, walking the ramparts, gun placements, barracks, parade field, and the aforementioned sally port. They did not have nearly enough signage, but we did find the jail cells (two) on either side of the sally port (entrance). The most famous occupant of the jail had been Dr Samuel Mudd, the doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg after he shot Lincoln. I will have to read up on that story, because I thought it was all a misunderstanding, but the information I saw sounded like he was held for many months, here and elsewhere.
But, the rest of us climbed all over the fort, walking the ramparts, gun placements, barracks, parade field, and the aforementioned sally port. They did not have nearly enough signage, but we did find the jail cells (two) on either side of the sally port (entrance). The most famous occupant of the jail had been Dr Samuel Mudd, the doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg after he shot Lincoln. I will have to read up on that story, because I thought it was all a misunderstanding, but the information I saw sounded like he was held for many months, here and elsewhere.
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The barrack held displays of the artillery and its ammunition. I showed Jayme the grape shot, which effectively turned the cannons into large shotguns. There was other information about the cannons, which are very impressive pieces of metal. They had a large stack of cannonballs, in a pyramid, which Jayme tells me is called a brass monkey. Most of the displays were about the cannons, but there was very little about the soldiers and their daily lives. Still it was a nice hands-on visit, with us being nearly the only visitors. That was a welcome change from our summer trip, which had a lot of people at the various National Park overlooks.
The barrack held displays of the artillery and its ammunition. I showed Jayme the grape shot, which effectively turned the cannons into large shotguns. There was other information about the cannons, which are very impressive pieces of metal. They had a large stack of cannonballs, in a pyramid, which Jayme tells me is called a brass monkey. Most of the displays were about the cannons, but there was very little about the soldiers and their daily lives. Still it was a nice hands-on visit, with us being nearly the only visitors. That was a welcome change from our summer trip, which had a lot of people at the various National Park overlooks.
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But, we were all getting hungry. We found a park sign that suggested that we needed to go two parking lots down to get to the beach café. Signage was not clear, or maybe I just didn’t see them, but ended up at just the next parking lot, and parked close to the beach side. Pam and I went scouting to find the café. The area behind the beach, where we were walking had tons of trees, and quite a few picnic tables. We saw multiple people having a picnic lunch. About 100 yards into our search we found the café structure and the right parking lot. I was going to just move the car to save Margo from walking, but she said she was fine. So we all went up the stairs and ordered.
The food was like you would find at any Disney kiosk or food truck. It was OK, but nothing special. But, truth be told, food was secondary, even tertiary. We were there to enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of back home, the COVID restrictions preventing us from dining out, and to enjoy each other’s company. We did all three for something approaching an hour.
The food was like you would find at any Disney kiosk or food truck. It was OK, but nothing special. But, truth be told, food was secondary, even tertiary. We were there to enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of back home, the COVID restrictions preventing us from dining out, and to enjoy each other’s company. We did all three for something approaching an hour.
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We went back to our car and decided on the Key West Lighthouse as out next destination. None of us had ever been up in a lighthouse, and without an elevator, two of us were still not going to be. But, the girls were happy just to be doing something and seeing new things. I dropped the girls off at the entrance and then Jayme and I drove the third of mile to the nearest place to park, or so I thought.
We met the girls in less than ten minutes. They pointed out that we had 45 minutes to tour the place, because the closed at 4 PM. That seemed a bit early, but whatever. Jayme and I made a beeline for the lighthouse entrance. Jayme said he heard it was 200 steps to the top. That might have come from Pam. I am not positive if he said that. I didn’t think it was that many, but more than 50 was going to require a stop for me. Probably less. It turned out there were 88, and I stopped about 2/3 the way up, and then after another 10, because I should have rested longer.
We met the girls in less than ten minutes. They pointed out that we had 45 minutes to tour the place, because the closed at 4 PM. That seemed a bit early, but whatever. Jayme and I made a beeline for the lighthouse entrance. Jayme said he heard it was 200 steps to the top. That might have come from Pam. I am not positive if he said that. I didn’t think it was that many, but more than 50 was going to require a stop for me. Probably less. It turned out there were 88, and I stopped about 2/3 the way up, and then after another 10, because I should have rested longer.
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The view was worth the climb. While we were not as high as our helicopter, not even close at about 70 feet up. But, you could still see the water on one side. Most of the rest of the view was residential, but you could pick out certain other landmarks, mostly churches, and distant resorts. We had little idea what we were looking at, but we also did not care. It was cool.
We went back downstairs and took a quick tour, which included a short film about the history of the lighthouse. They had a Fresnel Lens, maybe the one from this lighthouse. This thing looked like a glass beehive and was about 7 foot tall. It was made of many layers of cut glass held together with brass. It was very unusual looking for something called a lens. It too, was impressive.
We went back downstairs and took a quick tour, which included a short film about the history of the lighthouse. They had a Fresnel Lens, maybe the one from this lighthouse. This thing looked like a glass beehive and was about 7 foot tall. It was made of many layers of cut glass held together with brass. It was very unusual looking for something called a lens. It too, was impressive.
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The rest of the museum did not command much attention, even though it probably should have. Personally I was getting a little tired. I just don’t have the stamina I used to. We took a few parting pictures, including one of a False Banyan tree they had beside the lighthouse. The grounds were very pretty. The museum was a large house that used to be the Lighthouse Keepers quarters. The lighthouse itself was much more inland that you would expect. The 1846 hurricane flattened it, and it was rebuilt on higher, safer, inland ground.
The girls walked back with us, and we made plans for our next slice of Key West. I might have suggested heading to Duval Street, with no other attraction of specific destination in mind. We would wing it as far as parking. That ended up being the Margaritaville Resort, on the water and also facing Front Street. The parking was for the resort, but they encouraged the public to spend $4 per hour to park there as well. We did.
The girls walked back with us, and we made plans for our next slice of Key West. I might have suggested heading to Duval Street, with no other attraction of specific destination in mind. We would wing it as far as parking. That ended up being the Margaritaville Resort, on the water and also facing Front Street. The parking was for the resort, but they encouraged the public to spend $4 per hour to park there as well. We did.
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We wandered a little. I think Pam and Jayme ended up with both a shirt and some Jergens. We talked about finally getting Jayme some ice cream. He had been mentioning it for the past two days. I was not against the idea, so we headed towards the Hagen Daaz shop, which was also beside Kermit’s Key Lime Pie store. I was tempted to forgo ice cream for key lime pie, but we had also passed a place called Gladiator Ice Cream. They said they made everything fresh each day from natural ingredients. You hear that all the time, and that does not mean it is any good. But, they looked like they needed the business, so while Pam and Jayme went after a shirt, I backtracked, with Margo and we got ice cream there. I got chocolate and Margo got a watermelon sorbet. The chocolate was OK. Nothing special. The waffle cone was a bit soft, but that was probably the humidity. Margo’s sorbet was excellent. It tasted like actual watermelon. Not a Jolly Rancher watermelon, but a Rocky Ford melon you picked up at King Soopers.
Jayme and Pam met us in front of Haagen Daaz. Jayme called me rude for starting on ice cream ahead of him. He got over it pretty quickly, once he had his own cone in hand. He said his was pretty good, and complained of the cone also. A small price to pay.
The shadows were getting long, and I suggested we try the sunset at Mallory Square again. It was after 5 PM, and I was wondering if we were missing it. But, we still had at least 25 minutes. We wandered the square just a bit. Margo found someone selling names cut into sea shells. We remembered this exhibit from 13 years ago. I am surprised no one came home with one.
The sunset had some clouds on the horizon, but it was still pretty. I got a few decent shots. I think both Margo and Jayme videoed the whole thing. Margo takes more videos than I do. I don’t know why. I took pictures on this trip, but I never seem to take enough. No exception here. The sunset was the last one I took.
Pam wanted lobster for dinner. We went back to our hotel to figure out where to get it. You would think that would be easy, and if I had not objected to driving back down town, it probably would have been. But, parking is not fun and my night vision is just not what is used to be. Plus, I had been driving with just running lights on. I thought they were dim, but I could not figure out how to make the others come on.
We decided on Outback Steakhouse, as Pam is the only real seafood lover of the bunch, Jayme likes his steak, and there was something for the Margo and I as well. The meal was nice. Pam’s twin lobster tails actually looked good. I don’t even remember what Margo and I had, but it was good. It was a nice meal, and a nice way to end the day. We went back to the hotel, and with packing to do, we made plans to eat at 8:30 or earlier to get on the road by 9:30. That was it for the day
The shadows were getting long, and I suggested we try the sunset at Mallory Square again. It was after 5 PM, and I was wondering if we were missing it. But, we still had at least 25 minutes. We wandered the square just a bit. Margo found someone selling names cut into sea shells. We remembered this exhibit from 13 years ago. I am surprised no one came home with one.
The sunset had some clouds on the horizon, but it was still pretty. I got a few decent shots. I think both Margo and Jayme videoed the whole thing. Margo takes more videos than I do. I don’t know why. I took pictures on this trip, but I never seem to take enough. No exception here. The sunset was the last one I took.
Pam wanted lobster for dinner. We went back to our hotel to figure out where to get it. You would think that would be easy, and if I had not objected to driving back down town, it probably would have been. But, parking is not fun and my night vision is just not what is used to be. Plus, I had been driving with just running lights on. I thought they were dim, but I could not figure out how to make the others come on.
We decided on Outback Steakhouse, as Pam is the only real seafood lover of the bunch, Jayme likes his steak, and there was something for the Margo and I as well. The meal was nice. Pam’s twin lobster tails actually looked good. I don’t even remember what Margo and I had, but it was good. It was a nice meal, and a nice way to end the day. We went back to the hotel, and with packing to do, we made plans to eat at 8:30 or earlier to get on the road by 9:30. That was it for the day
Day Four--Thursday, December 03, 2020
Travel day back home is the worst day of vacation. You have nothing to look forward to, but one hurdle after another, until you pull into your driveway. Today, our hurdles were; a four hour drive back to the main land, at least one stop for gas and maybe a meal, final gas up of the mini-van, return the mini-van, check bags, clear security, board the plane, and then another four hours of flying to get home. None of those sound like any fun, and except for the sunnier weather across the keys, it really wasn’t.
The trip back across took the four hours. We stopped once to gas up. I think we were in Islamadora, but everyone of those towns looked like the last one. The only thing that caught my eye the whole time was a white version of a blimp that seemed to be tethered to something and floating several hundred feet in the air. This was fairly early into our return trip, and I later found out that we were at Cudjoe Key at the time and this was a military balloon with was the very visible part of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System.
The trip back across took the four hours. We stopped once to gas up. I think we were in Islamadora, but everyone of those towns looked like the last one. The only thing that caught my eye the whole time was a white version of a blimp that seemed to be tethered to something and floating several hundred feet in the air. This was fairly early into our return trip, and I later found out that we were at Cudjoe Key at the time and this was a military balloon with was the very visible part of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System.
There were supposed to be two of these at this area, but we only saw one. They are used to monitor the keys for a number of things; drug smuggling, border protection, and air sovereignty. I was thinking it was a really terrible attempt to draw attention to something on the ground. It was too high, too plain, and too hard to narrow down the location.
After that our highlight was recrossing the Seven Mile bridge. The water was the aquamarine, like I thought it should be. There were clouds, but they were not threatening. With the four of us, the time passed quicker than I thought. I had a devil of time finding a gas station, because I did not think of it until we were pulling into the airport. Jayme finally tracked down one with his phone.
We were home shortly before 8 PM our time. We had been traveling or waiting around for over 12 hours. It went faster than it had a right to, but it was still a very long day. They have canceled our Disney cruise for next month. So the next trip that Margo and I have on the books, is our 50th and last state, Michigan in the summer of 2021. I hope it is COVID free.
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