Key West Day Trips

Our first jaunt to Key West was for a daylong cruise on the schooner Danger. The crew was great and the day was perfect. The morning clouds frightened away some reservations, so we shared the boat with just two other guests- a young couple from Chicago. We ended up with only a few photos as we were hesitant to expose our camera (actually all our photos are taken with our iPhones) to the elements. Also, we enjoyed ourselves so much we forgot to snap some memories.



We sailed westward to the Lakes Passage region which encompasses a number of keys. As we set sail we were served fresh fruit and beverages while we learned about the geography and natural history of the area. After anchoring, we snorkeled along some coral heads and were fortunate to see a hawksbill turtle and lots of colorful fish. The water was on the cooler side so we opted for wetsuits. Philip and I both agreed that we'd had many much warmer skiing experiences. It's amazing how quickly your body cools down in 68 degree water. Then lunch and a kayak trip along a key. We saw horseshoe crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, kingfishers and osprey.



A beautiful ending to a perfect day! Followed by dinner at Mangia Mangia after a hot shower in our van. So convenient right in the parking lot.



We visited Key West once again to take in more of the town. There's always so much to do wherever we go, but we try to linger longer at fewer places rather than try to do it all. This time we rented townie bikes. Yikes! I had forgotten how to use foot brakes. And look at that bar...watch out if your short like me.



Our first stop was the Hemingway House. Anyone read Hemingway recently? Me neither. Let me know your favorite because I do want to revisit his writing.



Hemingway bought this house with his second wife and though he only lived here about ten years, it's where he produced the bulk of his major works. It is really quite lovely. When he moved on to Mrs. Right #3, he lost the house to his second mistake.

The estate is home to 44 cats all of which are descendants of Hemingway's infamous six-toed felines some of whom love the king-size bed. A bed this large was a novelty in those days. This one was made from two twins. The headboard was crafted from a monastery gate.



The upstairs veranda with beautiful arched windows and doors.



Look closely...



Heminway's writing studio in a detached cottage next to the main home.



Lunch was at Blue Heaven. Yum, yum, yum.



Checking out the patio pets.



Roosters, hens and chicks- a Key West tradition.



No that's not us! There was long line to snap your photo at this landmark. But, we were there nonetheless.



Our other stops included the NOAA Eco Discovery Center and the Truman White House. We didn't linger for the after dark revelries that Key West is famous for. Call us boring, old fogies if you must.


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