Key Wasted

Photo taken from the 7-Mile Bridge, Marathon

 And it’s just the sweetest life he’s ever tasted,
A little laid back and key wasted.
He’s got his toes in the sand, he’s a tropical man
He’s happy as hell and it shows.
He’s just living in a drunken stupor,
Making some money on that old square grouper.
Never had any doubt and if it doesn’t work out,
Well, that’s just the way it goes.

..... Jim Morris, 1996

Even us "retired" folks have to go on vacation once in a while and where better to go than the Florida Keys.

What could be more relaxing than Key relaxed .... there is no other feeling like it on earth (except maybe Hawai'i).  Sun, surf, sand .... boats, bouys, babes ... piers, pontoons, pina coladas.  Sitting on your front porch, watching the ocean and hitting away on the keyboard - what could be better!

A VIEW FROM OUR FRONT PORCH

We took off on March 7th and headed for The Keys, our destination Marathon which is located about halfway between Key Largo and Key West and a resort called Rainbow Bend on Grassy Key.  We chose Marathon because it was in the middle and then we could go either way to do our exploring.

And exploring we did .... from one end of The Keys to the other, checking out all the little back roads and State Parks, touristy areas, as well as where the locals hang out.  The color of the water is absolutely stunning .... from emerald green to robin's egg blue (wish I could have captured it in pictures but the colors just don't show up right) ... from choppy and stormy looking to smooth as glass ... from dark and murky to seeing all the way to the bottom.

Canal off of Duck Key, high-end neighborhood

We made two trips to Key West; one with Harley and one without.  The first trip we encountered hordes of young adults - ut o - spring break is upon us.  It was so much fun to sit and watch their antics; lots of drunk kids doing truly stupid things.  They all seemed to come off of one of the cruise ships in the harbor.  I truly felt sorry for the crew on that ship!

On the second trip we went down later in the day so we could stay to watch the infamous Mallory Square sunset.  And spectacular it was!

 

Mallory Square at sunset is a not to miss item in Key West.  Everyone heads to the square to watch the sunset amid the carnival like atmosphere, food vendors, various artistic endeavors (think painted coconuts), and talented (or not so talented) entertainment from high wire walkers to men in kilts balancing their bagpipes on their foreheads while standing on a very tall stool (yep, for real - we can see you now Parker in your retirement lol).

 We ate grouper and shrimp and stone crab claws and blue crab and lobster and frog legs (no they don't taste like chicken) and key lime pie and ......... and .......... burp ... excuse me ...


We sat through a torrential downpour and endured the sweltering sun (I know you feel sorry for us - NOT), drank wine, cleaned sand out of our underwear and had a damn fine time.  

I’m growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
Let those winds of time blow over my head
I’d rather die while I’m living than live while I’m dead ... 

--- Jimmy Buffett 1980

For more photos of our Keys Vacation click here.

On our way home we took Highway 41 rather than Alligator Alley (where we saw NO alligators) and stopped at Cooperstown for an air boat ride through The Everglades. While our guide was knowledgeable, he wasn't real talkative and I wish he would have stopped more for picture taking.  The scenery was breathtaking, the gators and birds plentiful, and Harley had a ball once he got used to the sound of the engine.  The short 40 minute ride whetted our appetite for more of the Glades and I know we'll return for a longer ride next time.  

We also stopped at a small park along Highway 41 to eat our lunch and were surprised to find it manned by a volunteer who pointed out more gators, birds and snakes for our enjoyment.

For air boat tour and gator photos click here. 

Well, it won't be long until we're headed back to Idaho.  I hope the snow is all gone!!!

Happy Trails,
Jo, Dick & Harley