Key West

Dan had to work on Wednesday, so Bob, Gail and I took a day trip to Key West. While Bob got something to eat, Gail and I went shopping and browsing in several unique galleries. We then stumbled onto a homemade ice cream shop…oh baby, the key lime ice cream was to die for!

After walking down Duval Street and Whitehead, we pass the Hemingway House and continue on to the Southern Most Point.

Since Gail and I had eaten only ice cream, (remember eat dessert first!), we headed to lovely outside restaurant and found a place in the shade. We were entertained by two parrots while we ate a delicious shrimp and mahi-mahi salad. We made our way back to Conch Key in time to relax.

Since Dan was caught up on his work, we took another trip to Key West the next day.  Of course, we had to stop at No Name Pub again so they could try the pizza. It was not a fluke or the low carbs, it was just as delicious the second time. When we got to the Key West, Bob wanted to see the Mel Fisher Treasure museum. He was a famous treasure hunter who after 16 years of searching discovered the Atocha that sank in a hurricane in 1622 off from Key West. It took him years in court to finally claim the $450 million dollar treasure cache: over 40 tons of silver and gold, including 100,000 Spanish silver coins, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over a 1000 silver bars.

Dan, Gail, and I went to the Hemingway House, an 1851 Spanish-style villa where Ernest Hemingway lived and penned many of his classics in the 1930s.

Nestled in the Old Town Key West, the quaint home and studio is home to over 60 cats, including descendants of the legendary original six-toed cats.

Papa Hemingway had the most famous drinking fountain for his cats. The top of the fountain is an old Cuban olive jar and the trough at the bottom is one of the urinals from “Sloppy Joe’s" bar. Apparently, Hemingway’s wife Pauline thought it was in poor taste and had decorative tile added to help disguise it.

We then made a quick stop at the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters built in 1847. Although we were too late to go up the 88 step iron stairway, I was glad that we were able to visit this historic site.

 From Whitehead Street, we made our way down Duval Street to the meet Bob at the Hog’ Breath Saloon.

We enjoyed some margaritas while listening to live music. The bar had a web cam.We called Jeremy and Lalanya so they could see us waving to them on the internet over the web cam. 

From there we walked over to Sloppy Joe's, another bar that had live music. Dan asked the guy next to us what they played and he replied, “comedy”. He was right; they were quite humorous in a raw sort of way. By 10:00 we were all ready to head home to the beach house. Bob and I sat out in the lounges and enjoyed a lovely, star-filled night, counting our lucky stars! There is not a day that goes by that we do not appreciate our good fortune and our many blessings.

Conch Key

On Friday, Bob, Gail, and I drove a few miles north to Long Key to check out the campground and hike on their trails. The sites were all on the ocean, but the campground parallels the noisy main road. We enjoyed a leisurely one hour hike on Golden Orb Trail among the palms and mangoes.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 was Bob’s 62nd birthday. He got to sleep in and wake to the smell of his favorite breakfast…bacon and pancakes with real maple syrup. After relaxing in the morning, we all headed to the Original Marathon Seafood Festival at the city park.

The festivities were in full swing when we arrived, including live music, an art festival, vendors, educational programs, and tasty delectable’s from the sea. After listening to some music and making our way to all of the vendors, we sampled the golden crab and grouper fritters. The crab was good but way too much work to get at without scissors or claw crackers. We are just spoiled eating Alaskan King Crab. We did buy 5lbs of stone crab for $20 to have for dinner on the way out.

I hope that Bob remembers who cracked it for him! It was a fantastic day and gorgeous evening, and we were sad to think that it was our last night.

We were all up early as Dan and Gail wanted to get on the road by 8:00 am. I started to wash the linens and tidy up the beach house, saving the packing for later since we had planned to leave in the afternoon. Bob checked email and gave me the good news that the owner of the beach house offered us four extra nights since the next guests were not coming until Friday. We told her that she could bank another week at our home in Alaska. We were ecstatic and I was so glad that we had not packed up our things and moved them over to the 5th wheel. It was time to get the bathing suit on and get some reading time in on our little beach. Just me and my pelican buddies!

On Monday, we drove to the famous 7 mile bridge and walked on 4 miles on the old bridge built by the railroad and destroyed by a hurricane.

After we got back to our car, we went over to the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar across the street. John Bartus was playing and he sounded much better than he did when we heard him at the Dockside.

On Tuesday, we drove to Homestead, north of Key Largo. Eric and Jeremy had told us about a place called Coral Castle. It is a remarkable work of art, carved and built by one, 5 foot, 100 pound man. He began building the castle in 1920 as a monument to his lost love, his “sweet sixteen”. It took him 28 years to complete.

 Ed Leedskalnin was born in Latvia with little education. After being spurned by his one true love, he made his way to Florida. Although he had access to only crude hand tools, he carved and moved over 1100 ton of rock.

 One of his marvels is a nine ton gate that was so perfectly balanced, it swung open with a touch of a finger.

 Unfortunately, it no longer works even after a local engineering school volunteered to fix it. They picked it up with a crane, moved it to the school and after careful study of it for over a month, were baffled as to how Ed got the original gate to work and could not fix it. What a great story and even greater mystery!

After filling our propane and diesel tank, getting some groceries, we made our way to a fruit stand that Gail and Dan told us about called, “Robert Is Here”. We had already sampled some of the exotic fruit that Gail bought but we had to have more. The real treat was the Key Lime and Orange milkshakes. Definitely, worth the drive! Bob wanted to try the boiled peanuts but made a face when he popped the first hot, mushy legume in his mouth. By the time, we got home the truck stunk and the peanuts made their way to the garbage. It was a full day including the movie, Crazy Heart, on the way back to the beach house. Jeff Bridges definitely deserved the academy that he received for his portrayal of "Bad" Blake.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It is already Wednesday and our last day.

 Time to pack up and have the 5th wheel ready for our morning departure. Of course, we had to celebrate our Irish heritage, and returned to the Sunset Grille. It was packed and it was amazing how many people were already “lit” by 8 pm. We sipped our beers, listened to the live music, and watched the “show”. We decided that it was not a good night to be out late on the roads and left by 10:30 pm. The police were out in full force and we were glad.

On Thursday morning, after one last stroll on our little beach, we locked up and were on our way to Fort Myers, Florida. What a glorious 18 days in this tropical paradise right here in the US. We plan to return again some day to the Keys to embrace the beach life, practice the art of relaxation, and earn our title of "snowbirds"
More Pictures

Florida Keys

On Wednesday, we were excited about making our way to the Florida Keys. The Everglades are the “gateway” to the Keys before reaching US 101 and the bridge to the Overseas Highway. We stopped in Homestead to top off our diesel tank and pick up a few groceries, not knowing what to expect for variety and prices in the Keys. Before long, we were watching the milepost markers starting at mile 110 and making our way to the Jolly Roger
RV Park at Mile 60 on Grassy Key.

We were glad that we did not get a site right on the water, as it was windy on the Gulf side. In fact, during a storm one week ago, a sailboat slipped it mourning and crashed into the dock, significantly damaging both. There was a great little park on the water to enjoy the sunsets.

On Thursday, we drove 3 miles to check out our home exchange beach house on Conch Key. We then went exploring some of the other Keys and stopped at Sombrero Beach in Marathon to relax in the sunshine.

 On Friday, we biked 22 miles round trip to Marathon, a 10 mile long island bustling with activity. We stopped at the Visitor’s Center to pick up some information on the local area and then made our way to the local park.

 By the time that we made it back to our campsite, we both agreed that if we are going to do more biking, we needed to order gel seats.

On Friday, we ventured further south to No Name Key. We had heard that there was a great little pub that served fantastic pizza. We finally found No Name Pub and it was packed.

It reminded us of the old Bird House in Alaska. There was not an inch of space that did not have dollars bills on it, including ours.

 The pizza was one of the absolute best that we have had in all of the 50 states. Of course, we have been eating low carb and we may have been feeling a bit deprived.

Early Saturday morning, we moved over to the beach house on Conch Key.

 As soon as I saw the beach and the aqua blue ocean, I put my bathing suit on for the first time this winter, found a beach chair, and settled in to read and enjoy the sun. Oh yes, I felt like I have died and gone to heaven.

 This is what we have been waiting for all winter…fun in the sun! Dan and Gail arrived in the late afternoon and after they got settled, they told us all about their adventures kayaking in the Everglades.

On Sunday, we checked out the Key Fisheries for some fresh fish. It was suggested that we come back Tuesday night when the boats come in to get some fresh snapper. Although the grilled lobster looked delicious, we opted for fresh shrimp, conch chowder, and stone crab soup for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised when it was time for dinner to see that Gail had spoiled us and peeled all of the shrimp. In Alaska, everyone is on their own!

Monday was another sunny day in paradise. At times we feel like we are in the Caribbean instead of Florida. Bob and I took a 4 mile hike to Hawks Cay and sat at the Marina people watching. Later in the afternoon, we went to the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in Marathon, one of the world’s last remaining thatch palm hammocks and home to the Adderley House. George, a Bahamian immigrant, built the house out of “tabby’ or burnt seashells in the 1900s and make his living harvesting sponges. We visited the Wild Bird Center museum and walked the nature trails, being rewarded at the Point with a panaramic view of the Florida Bay.

After easing into the day on Tuesday, we launched the kayaks. I did not feel as secure in my little yellow kayak as I did paddling in Dan and Gail’s sea kayak.

 At least it was warm out and the water was shallow in most spots. We paddled to the next key on the ocean side and crossed under the bridge to the gulf side.

It was relaxing and fun until we had to cross back to the ocean with the tide coming in. Without a rudder, the wind and current wanted to push me into the bridge wall. Dan and Gail tied onto my kayak to help me get through. No rough seas in this kayak for me! I do think that having one on our lake would be fun.
More Pictures

March, March 3, 2010


We are up before dawn and on our way to Naples, FL. With little traffic, it was a relaxing drive down to Plant City. Aunt Ruth had told us about their fantastic strawberries and she was right; sweet, delicious, and $4.99 for a half a flat. Of course, we loaded up on other fruits and vegetables, as well. To get that excited over fresh and ripe fruits and veggies shows that we have been in Alaska for 38 years. I have been known to embarrass my friend Barb, more than once, at the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, oohing, aahing and taking pictures of the produce! We arrive in Naples in the late afternoon and head to Wal-Mart to get our shopping done. It was such a lovely evening and perfect for a walking.

We woke to a torrential rainstorm, as well as thunder and lightning. Fortunately, it had let up some by the time our friends, Nancy and Bob Walker came to pick us up. We had not seen them for over almost 40 years. We have some great memories of visiting them in Glens Falls, NY, riding motorcycles, and their phenomenal breakfast feasts on the weekend. Here we were back in their kitchen, this time in Florida, smelling bacon, sausage, and freshly caught fish. Bob (Walker) had gone out fishing and caught some sea trout, black drum, and one other species for us to try, However, after filleting the fish, he turned his back just long enough for some hungry pelicans to steal all but the trout fillets. They have a lovely place on a canal with their boat tied up right in front of their house.

 When we went down to go for a boat ride, the pelicans were right there waiting for another treat.

 After such a hard rainstorm, it was hard to believe that the day turned out to be so beautiful and warm. We saw lots of nesting Osprey on our boat ride, Great Blue Herons, and Egrets.

 

We went as far as the ocean and Nancy showed us the island where her son is getting married on New Year’s Eve.

 Back at their place, we spent the afternoon catching up…40 years is a lot of time to cover, but it felt like our friendship picked right up where we left off. They took us for a ride to Marco Island, Collier Seminole State Park and to a quaint little fishing village, called Goodland. Afterwords,we went to dinner at one of their local barbeque restaurants. It seems that we have started a new tradition of trying the barbecue in each state that we visit. Sadly, it was time for them to bring us back to our 5th wheel. It might take some doing, but we promised Nancy that we would try to persuade Bob into coming to Alaska. We assured him that there would be plenty of good fishing and no pelicans to steal his fish. OK, so we forgot to tell him about the bears! Thanks guys for a wonderful day and let’s not wait another 40 years before we see each other.

 

February, 19, 2010


Florida here we come! Of course, it was another stellar day…sunny and clear blue skies. We are hoping for some warmer temperatures in the sunshine state than we have had in TX and LA. But hey, no whining here…we could be up north in the land of snow and ice.

We had a bit of trouble finding the Palatka Bluegrass Festival. Unfortunately, our GPS took us to a subdivision instead of the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch where it was to be held. After calling Dan, we tried a new address but that was taking us north and we knew that we had to go south. A solution came…let’s drive south until we see the Bluegrass Festival signs! It was after dark when we pulled in, but Dan directed us to our site and luckily for us, it was a pull through. We quickly unhooked and headed over to the pavilion to listen to our first Bluegrass Festival.

Dan, Gail, and their friend John has saved us seats. Performing on stage was Doyle Larson and Quicksilver. We were not prepared for how classy the musicians were dressed. Despite their formal attire, they looked like they were having a great time: laughing and cutting up to the point that they were struggling to get the words out. The lively music and bantering gave us our second wind and we were surprised that the set ended so quickly (45 minute sets). However, the next group, J.D. Crowe and the New South, offered another excellent set. This guy has been playing the banjo for 50 years and it showed. The music made you want to jump up and start dancing, but since that is not the protocol, I would have made a fool of myself. The last set ended at 10:00 and we were just getting warmed up. There will be 6 groups playing two sets each tomorrow, so we were sure that we would get our fill. After a full day, it did not take long for us to close our peepers tonight.

Twenty-nine years ago today, February 20, 1981, our second son Jeremy was born. Not only was he 2 weeks early, he decided that he was ready to make his exit during a class that I was attending in Anchorage. Bob had to charter a plane to come and get us, talking an EMT friend into coming along just in case. It was while we were flying over Turnagin Arm, that we decided on his name. We did not bother to come up with a girl’s name considering the number of boys in our two families. He has brought us so much joy and we are proud of the man that he has grown to be. He and Lalanya are in Mexico celebrating at a lovely resort close to where they got married.

After calling to wish him a Happy Birthday, we were on our way back to the pavilion for more music. We particularly liked the Travelin’ McCourys and the Dry Branch Fire Squad. Ron Thomason was not only a gifted musician, but also a marvelous storyteller and had us in stitches. At the end of their set, he also did a ham boning (slapping the legs, arms, and chest) number that was great. Of all the great acts, we have to say that the highlight was the Gibson Brothers. Not only did they have the #1 Bluegrass Album this year, they are from Ellenburg Depot, NY, close to where we grew up. Several of their songs were about places and people in northern NY. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet Eric and Leigh and had them sign their CD for us.

The last show of the evening was the Steeldrivers. Although, not a traditional bluegrass band, they were outstanding. The lead singer had a fantastic voice, and the female fiddle player was amazing. The music seemed to be a unique combination of bluegrass, country, and soul. We plan on looking them up when we pass through Nashville.

It was a good choice to hit Palatka on our way to Silver River. It was fun to spend some time with Dan and Gail, listen to a music genre that is new to us, and meet their friends. Thanks Dan and Gail for the invite.

On Sunday, we were in no hurry to hit the road too early since we did not have far to go. Silver River Park was only 50 miles away, easily our shortest travel day since we started our journey in September. Dan and Gail are already there and set up when we arrive.

We immediately fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness of the park. The sites are large and surrounded by trees, providing lots of privacy. We easily find Dan and Gail’s site and make plans for dinner, followed by our own Bluegrass entertainment around the fire, featuring Dan, Gail, and their friend John. A relaxing way to end a lovely day.

Monday, we took a bike ride exploring the park and then later hiked to the Silver River.

We were anxious to go canoeing, but decided that it was too late in the day. A wise decision since we had a thunder and lightening storm with some major precipitation.

Tuesday, we rented canoes and paddled up river to the Silver Springs, enjoying the sun.

We were treated to nature’s best: turtles and alligators sunning themselves,

 a family of monkeys, and a variety of unique birds: a male and female anhinga, a great white egret, a limpkin, ibis, double-crested cormorants, kingfishers, and a yellow-crowned night heron.

Since we were not able to get out and stretch, we were a bit stiff by the time we got back to the launch. It was a fantastic day.

On Wednesday, Dan had to work (a very foreign and dirty word to us) via the internet, so Gail joined us for a longer hike on a new trail. Before we could complete the loop, some rangers let us know that the trail was full of ruts and mud so we returned the way that we had come. It was wonderful to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We also met four of their friends from Colorado who had arrived earlier in the day. Later we all got together to listen to Dan on the guitar, Gail on the banjo, and Moose on bass. Another enjoyable day meeting some fun people who shared some great places to go in the Keys.

We really liked this area of central Florida with its many rivers and lakes. Before we left Ocala on Thursday, we ordered some parts for our 5th wheel and picked up some medication at the pharmacy. Although our next stop was less than 40 miles away, we made it to Alexander Springs at 5:59 pm just before the office closed.

The next morning, we walked down to the Springs. Although, the water is a constant 72 degrees, we forgo the dip since the air was rather cool. Bob was not too crazy about swimming with the two resident alligators, even though the groundskeeper told him they have never bothered anyone.

In the afternoon, we drove to Deltona to visit Bob’s Aunt Ruth.

 We had an enjoyable visit reminiscing and hearing about some of the adventures that she and Uncle Dennis shared. After a delicious shrimp salad and some strawberry shortcake, we headed back to our campsite.

On Saturday, we had made plans to visit Art and Diane Garcia in Orlando. If we had realized that they were over an hour away, we would have camped a little closer but it was a nice drive through the country surrounded by lakes. Although we have seen Art a few times over the years, we had not seen Diane in over 38 years. I met Art when I was 8 years old when he and his family moved to our town from Texas. He and his brother Johnny spent lots of time playing “guns” with me and my brother Jerry. Art and I were in Rifle Club together and would go woodchuck hunting after school together. Johnny, who died a few years ago, was also a dear friend and was in our wedding party. It was fun catching up and meeting their son Chris and Diane’s sister, Sharon and her husband Brian from Montreal. Art made a north country stew that was delicious and was perfect for the chilly day. Hopefully, Art and Diane will make their way to see us in Alaska. Thank you both for your wonderful hospitality and great stories. We are sorry that we did not take any pictures while we were there.
We decided to spend one more day to relax and enjoy the park. We went for an hour hike and could finally feel the warmth of the sun. Our day ended with one last campfire, burning the rest of our wood from NY and TX.