From the murky waters of the 10,000 Islands it was time to aim for some blue again. We caught a nice day of weather and took off for a quick 80-mile hop straight on down to Key West. I have to say, trip planning with a 8.5 knot average speed is sooooo much more enjoyable than trip planning at 5 knots. Eighty miles in an afternoon, after a leisurely coffee and breakfast? No problem.
Our minimalist aesthetic is taking a bit of a hit this season with all the new water toys.
I don’t post videos any more. We don’t shoot many videos, I hate editing videos, and videos tend to be more personal/private than photos. But this one made me smile and want to post. After about 20 dives off the pier the kids were still jumping out of their skin with excitement each time. It cracks me up to see them behind me just bouncing with energy for the next jump.
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon—jumping off the pier, eating some good food, drinking some cold beer, and listening to chill music.
For my kids’ entire lives I’ve put them to bed singing Please Come to Boston by Dave Loggins. Whenever we’re out in the wild and hear it, we all recognize it by about the second chord. We got a nice rendition from this guy, and then we were floored a day or two later to hear Michael McCloud sing it at the Schooner Wharf Bar. Pretty sure that song will bring tears to my eyes when my kids are grown and gone.
The “beach” here at Lagerheads is about the only beach in town, and it only consists of enough space for maybe twenty chairs. When Lowe was building things in the sand he quickly discovered that even this little slice of beach was just a facade. “Papa, this beach is fake,” he said as he struck concrete four inches down. On the plus side, the concrete made a nice solid base for building a wading pool in the sand.
The dinghy dock for the mooring field is about a mile and a half walk, which isn’t so bad in Key West, as there is plenty to see along the way. Anyway, judging by the weather forecast it seems we’re going to be calling Key West home for a little while. Mexico will have to wait a bit longer.
14 Comments on “Key West”
You want to take the kids to Earnest Hemingway’s house. They will enjoy all the cats. The Truman little White House was also interesting. The smokin Tuna Saloon on Charles St and Telegraph Ln is where locals go, not tourists. We like to seek out where the locals eat for the best food.
Yes, Hemingway’s house is a must. And yum, that restaurant looks like another must. Thanks!
Sipping a cold drink listening to Michael McCloud is a great way to spend a Key West afternoon. Don’t miss Caffeine Carl at the Tuna, although he may play too late for the kiddos. I’ll bet you’re planning on the butterfly museum soon. Snorkel the beach at Fort Zach. Breakfast at Blue Heaven. Don’t forget to go see the Nutcracker!
You’ll have a busy few weeks wait. Enjoy!
Yes going to try and get to the Tuna, this weekend. Already have tickets to the Nutcracker for Sunday, and the big Holiday Parade is Saturday night. Thanks for the other ideas. And funny I think this photo is from the Blue Heaven when we were here many moons ago before we first took off for our RTW cruise. https://www.bumfuzzle.com/Pictures/USA/USA%20Boat/US%20Florida%20Keys%20Blue%20Heaven.JPG
If you’re still there on December 15 there is the lighted boat parade. How fun would that be for the kids if you were a parade entry?! ?
Hoping to go watch, but not participate. The kids will have fun. KW is great for the holidays.
We do have more beaches! Head to Higgs Beach next to White Street Pier when the wind is blowing to watch the kite surfers. Don’t miss Fort Zachary Taylor State Park at the southeast corner of the island.
Fort Jefferson National Park is a beautiful excursion for a few nights. https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/boat-permits.htm
Great. Thanks, Valerie!
Sounds like a good place to be “stuck.”
So, a couple of questions: Didn’t the original Bumfuzzle do 8.5 knots pretty easily? Most cats can.
Are you guys skipping Cuba? Very cool country just another leisurely brekkie and afternoon motor South or has the dude in Washington once again made it sketchy?
Good luck as always! 🙂
Don’t miss the sunset celebration! We also love the Schooner Bar and the Hemingway House. I think Fast Buck Freddy’s has closed, but it was fun.
Sounds like Please Come to Boston is a must for Father Daughter Dance at her wedding some day! Enjoy your daily adventures.
I can almost hear the kids making noises in those big fans-
I have been following your travels since you headed east on your “Cat” quite a few years ago. Now, I find you almost
back where you started from, Florida….but with the delightful addition of two beautiful children. Don’t miss sailing out to the
Dry Tortugas…….the fort will be fascinating especially for your children……it’s a national park and of historical value.
Safe travels……and best wishes! Angelica
Thanks, Angelica. And yes we are waiting on weather to leave Key West, and head to the Dry Tortugas and beyond. Should be a good time. Happy holidays!