The Key West adventure started Friday as an impromptu birthday celebration for David. Four of us headed out from Ft. Lauderdale down the turnpike to Highway 1. The further south one drives, you can see the world start to slow down. There is not even a Walmart south of Key Largo! That is saying something.
Our accommodations were great at the Hammocks in Marathon. We had a two bedroom villa overlooking the water and lighthouse. The property is very comfortable and offers a warm swimming pool, waterfront bar and grill and great conversations with the local fishing boat captains. We chatted with Captain Danny Strub of Blue Waters while he finished cleaning fish for his day's charter. We observed nurse sharks, tarpon and barracuda in the waters from the dock! This entire area is fascinating and a fishermans dream! Keep Captain Danny in mind for future charters. Half days are $500 for the boat, $750 for the entire day.
Key West was the agenda for the next day. Up early to arrive early, we drove the short 45 miles, parked the car for the day and took to the streets. Duval Street in Key West is something like a carnival. The variety of shops, food, art and just interesting people is overwhelming. NCL's Pearl was in town until late afternoon, so the Conch Train and other little tours were very busy. After some general shopping and a lot of walking, we opted to rent a four passenger electric car (a souped up golf cart!) and took to the street. We were able to cover a lot more territory and save our feet! I would highly recommend any visitors consider these carts or the scooters! We made our way to the southernmost point in the United States (just 90 miles from Cuba!) After
a photo opportunity, (see above), we boarded our electric car and headed towards Key West Winery. Key Lime Wine, Pineapple Wine, Pina Colada Wine and Sparkling Mango Wine were just some of our treasures we took away. If you enjoy semi-sweet white wines, this is a must stop for your visit to Key West! Best of all, they ship!
A quick visit to the Pirate Museum (overpriced and kind of glitzy!), we hurried to Mallory Square, the home of the evening entertainment....SUNSET! Sunset is a major event in the Keys and not to be missed. If you are lucky, you will see the "Green Flash" as the sun sizzles into the sea. Street entertainers, from jugglers and tightrope walkers to the very strange flying cats, compete for your time after the sun sets. Music begins throughout the area. You will hear it all, from salsa to country, rock and roll and Irish ballads. A weary but happy group returned to our condo.
The next days adventure took us to see the Key Deer. An endangered species, there are less than 800 of these small deer just south of the seven mile bridge at Marathon. The deer average about 24 inches high at shoulder, and weigh approximately 45 pounds and are fiercly protected with reduced speed limits thoughout the area.
Reefs in the area offer great snorkeling and diving. John Pennecamp State Park is a great day trip in Key Largo, offering picnic area, snorkeling trips and an all round great day.
All in all, the Keys is a great get a way for any occassion!
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