Westons Go South: Key West

Wednesday, April 27

Key West

Theresa and Ernie decided to fly down and spend an extended weekend in Key West. They stopped and picked us up on their way from Miami so we could spend some time together.

Of course, we couldn’t drive all that way without refreshments, so we stopped at the No Name Bar. What a place! There are thousands of dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling. We only had one drink, but the bar stools were so tall we felt like we were drunk when we tried to get off them. It was fun.

Sam and I had reservations at the Fly Navy Lodge in Key West, so Theresa and Ernie dropped us off there and went back to Boca Chica to check in. Our plan was to meet at sunset at Mallory Square. I, however, made a mistake and we went to Sunset Pier instead. It was a neat place with a good band, and the sunset was beautiful. But, we couldn’t find T & E. Finally Sam guided us to the right place and we met up.

We tried to eat at BOs Fish House, but it was late and they were closing. So, we ate at Pepe’s instead, and had a great meal.

Thursday, April 28

The next morning T & E picked us up and we went to Ernest Hemingway’s house. It was something! The house itself was wonderful, and it still has the original furniture in it. I really got a sense of Ernest when we went up to his studio – I could feel him sitting there doing his writing. The grounds were spectacular, with all kinds of exotic plants. Also, there were “Hemingway” cats wandering all over. They have six toes; Hemingway loved them, so the estate raises and cares for them.

After that we went to the lighthouse complex. There was so much history in those buildings. At the top of the lighthouse there were cards telling you what you were seeing at each viewpoint. Inside the lighthouse keepers’ house were all kinds of video and audio presentations. The stories were fascinating.

Next, we went to listen to Kelly McGuire, a singer that we like a lot. He was having a concert in a hotel courtyard, so we had lunch and listened to him. He was really good. Also, he was really nice. Sam went over and talked to him for quite awhile and really enjoyed it.

Finally, it was time for us to head back to Marathon, so we hopped on the island shuttle bus. It was a long ride, but it dropped us off right at the entrance to our marina. Very nice!