Back to the docks

Yesterday it was back to the docks, in case I'd overlooked something. Come to find out I'd only seen about a 4th of what was there on my first visit.
The sailing races were ending for the day so the place was bustling with activity. I walked many of the piers, watching the crews mend gear & replace broken lines & such. Most of the boats were from Rhode Island.
I made my way around to where the cruise ships dock & found luxury hotels along with the Sunset Bar & Grill. The guy from Wisconsin had told me this was THE place to be when the sun went down. He was right.
I got there about an hour before sunset & got a great seat at the bar facing west. There was a blues singer accompanied by a guitar & they were very good. As sunset got closer people began packing the little place, wedging into spaces that would've made a half back proud.
There were lots of boats going out just for the view and that itself was quite a view. Overall this truly was the place to be at sunset & I'm sure I'll go there again.
Then it was off to find the Green Parrot Bar, a hangout for the locals. It was old, shabby & quaint & lots of interesting things to look at on the walls. Then 7 o'clock rolled around & it was bingo time. Everyone was very excited, except me, & as the game went along I understood the fervor. The caller would occasionally say, "and this one is for a shot". Everyone who had that number got to go up & get a jello shooter of your choice. I was in on the next game & had a very large time. The caller would get a bit bawdy, especially when O 69 was called. It was a hoot!
There was also cold Newcastles on tap & free popcorn. What a great place!
Finished off the night at the Hogfish grill with some fried shrimp. Another fine day in paradise!

The docks & Duval Street

Yesterday begam with a good rain & me on the Vespa in it. I thought the shower had passed & I was flat out wrong! It felt pretty good 'cause it wasn't cold. When I finally did get my walk in I went past a lesbian pride bingo party at an open air bar. Some of the outfits would have made a hooker blush! It was pretty cool.

Riding back from my walking place I heard the high pitched whine of a small engine & spotted these little speed boats zipping across the water. They were doing 55mph according to one of the owners. They drew quite a crowd.

I didn't get to Duval St. Saturday night so I went there yesterday afternoon, stopping at the docks first. That was really a treat. Lots of salty characters hanging out along with young preppy dudes who had been sailing in the regatta. An eclectic mix of folks if ever there was one! And the mostt scooters I've ever seen in one place.

Sloppy Joe's at the corner of Duval & Green is a landmark & the beginning place for a Duval St. Crawl. The place is full of Hemingway pictures & hugh Marlin on the walls. I went in for conch fritters & beer so I could fill out 80 raffle tickets, the grand prize being a gorgeous dark blue Shelby Cobra. Man that thing was pretty!

Of course I had to visit the Garden of Eden clothing optional bar. It was very early in the evening so everone was choosing to wear clothes.

The evening ended with me at the Hogfish Bar & Grill near Boyd's where I'm staying. Had a fun conversation with a guy from Wisconsin who sells T-shirts at festivals & stays here from October until May. Also enjoyed flirting with the cute & friendly waitress. Sure do love this place!

Afterthoughts...

It's raining this morning & it's nice to hear on the roof & the awning. The covered porch with cement pad & table is a very nice place to hangout.
While walking yesterday I saw a red bi-plane takeoff & climb out. The deep throaty sound of the engine is what first got my attention. I might have to see if I can get a ride in that beauty. Flying in an open cockpit has been on my list for a very long time.
I saw 2 Vespas yesterday! One was right next to me at the festival & it's owner & I talked like two long lost relatives. He has a red 250 he wants to sell so I got his name & number. I don't think so but you never know.
The one & only golf course in Key West is very close to my place & also very pricey. The cost is $95 or $70 at twilight. Doesn't matter whether I walk or ride. Since I may or may not come this way again I might have to bite the bullet & go for it.
In the liquor store was a sign: If life hands you lemons, add Vodka! Hadn't seen that one before. Brought a big smile.
Back to reading True Compass. Am thoroughly enjoying it. A great read.
When the rain slacks off I'll probably go to the live butterfly exhibit. L & I went to one in Cost Rica & it was very beautiful!

Pics left out of last post...

Another beautiful day in paradise!

Whew, what a day. The seafood festival was all that I hoped it would be. Lots of great food, cold beer, pretty women & several good bands. The weather was nice & warm (78) & once again got to ride the scooter. Here are a couple of pics. I sat under a big tree to eat, several times, & took a shot of another tree just like mine. My menu for today was conch chowder, beer, lobster, more beer, and conch salad, which is marinated conch, tomatoes & green peppers. It was all very tasty. I took a 2 hour break in the afternoon to rest & get hungry again.
Went for a 4 mile walk before all of this, the longest since I began walking in May. It was so pretty. I was looking for mile marker zero, which I didn't find on the walk but did find on my way back from the festival. This is the start of US1.
Also spotted some gorgeous roosters on my way back & couln't get any closer for a better shot. Every time I moved in they moved away. Very skittish little fowls.
Am heading back to Duval Street shortly. It's kinda like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but a little bit wilder & more wide open, so I'm told. Will just have to research it myself.

I think I'm in love! With..

Key West! This place is so pretty, quirky, free & open. Whew! And it's a scooter lovers paradise. They're everywhere. So far, only one Vespa. Duval street is one cool place after another, sorta like San Francisco. Lots of shops, restaurants & uniquely dressed people.

Woke up at 5:30 excited & ready to explore. Hopped on the scooter & rode 'til my butt hurt. From 9 or so until 1 or so. Twas about 75, sunny & not much breeze. What a Day!

This place is on the flight path for the airport. The Navy fighters in formation still give me a thrill to watch. God that was fun! Reminded me of my flying days. It also reminds me of living in Miami as a kid. One place we lived was directly under it & they were pretty low at that point. Ah the good ole days!

There's a corn toss tournament here at the V park every Thursday. Sure wish Derick was here & we (he) might kick some butt!

A neighbor saw me starting the grill & asked if I'd like some fresh kingfish, caught this afternoon. I said yes & was very appreciative. It was wonderful. At Briarpatch on the New river I'd ocaisionally keep a trout & it was truly a treat to feast on such a fine creature. What an honor.. for me.

Went to the Hogfish Bar & Grill this afternoon & talked to a local for quite a while. Actually I listened. He was extremely informative.

You can see how tight this space is. The concrete pad is raised about 6" & the trailer wheels are about 1o" from it. Tight, tight squeeze!

When the kingfish was done I took it off the grill & ate it with my fingers. Whew, it doesn't get much better than that for me. So very basic.

Enjoyed the chile lights really well for the first time tonight. A gift from Barb & family for Christmas. Am also enjoying Edward Kennedy's book true compass from Derick & family. What a story. It reads like an epic, which I suppose it is.

Tomorrow is the sea food festival from 11am until 9 or so. I hope to have a very large time at that! Eating, people watching, having a beer or 2. Oh yeah! Manana.....

And that really odd looking thing marks the southern most point in the US. It sure is ugly! There were a lot of interesting history plaques nearby & that was very good. Manana....

Key West at last!

It was a loooong drive through the keys. Since I started much later than planned, 11 instead of 9, it seemed even longer.

During the drive I called home to get messages from my house sitter to learn that USAA, my bank & credit card company, wanted me to call them about possible credit card fraud. I tried to call while driving & became totally frustrated by button pushing. After pulling over to make the call, I got it fixed. They saw all the charges in Florida & thought maybe someone besides me was partying on my dime. It was me!

Seven miles bridge is at least that long & very pretty. The whole drive through the keys was awesome. I was treated to a fabulous sunset which the pic doesn't do justice. LaVerne would have paniced with me taking pictures while driving. It was really pretty easy though.

It took me & 2 nice guys helping to get the trailer into this tiny space. I'll try to take a pic of it tomorrow. I was truly amazed that I did it, since I haven't backed this thing that many times & never in a place so crowded.

Tomorrow I'll unload the scooter & head to town. This is gonna be great fun & a high point of the trip I feel sure. Thanks for checking in on me. FR