Quintessentially Key West…

There is never a dull moment in Key West Florida so we felt very fortunate to have been able to spend a week there. What did we do? Not a whole lot because upon arriving in Key West the pace immediately slowed way down allowing us to completely relax while simply enjoying the Island vibe.

The house we stayed at had a fabulous bay view of the turquoise blue waters the Florida Keys are widely known for. Lounging on the back porch became an activity in itself. Also on the porch was a hot tub I actively used as I love to sit and soak. It was fabulous.

In the evening as darkness fell an underwater light came on right near where the owner’s jet skis were parked.I was completely entertained watching schools of fish flit about in the reflected light. Occasionally tarpon as large as 6 feet in length would pass by the light sending the schooling fish in flight, hiding under the jet skis. I even saw a large nurse shark pass by the nighttime lights. Indeed this was a fun and relaxing activity…

Happy hours were another enjoyable activity we both loved while in the Keys. The Keys actually have some of the best happy hours in Florida as they offer inexpensive drinks and eats. Our favorite spots were the Boathouse under the Commodore Hotel and the Half Shell Oyster Bar. We always sat at the bar whenever possible knowing we had to arrive early in order to do so.

Sitting at the bar usually ensured we would meet the people on either side of us and was a great way to get to know new people and maybe make future friends. It is after all, how we first met Kathleen and Jerry, who allowed us the use of their beautiful home in Key West. You never know who you’ll meet as sometimes it is other vacationers or often a local as happened one night when we met a lady who has lived in Key West 23 years.  Everyone we met at happy hours was in a great mood as it seems the island vibe overtakes all who stay in this wonderful place!

Walking down Duval Street prior to Happy Hour, was also a treat for people watching. Often a cruise ship was in port so we would see cruisers or we would pass by  foreign visitors speaking other languages. In addition we noticed many Key West “characters” such as street entertainers or once we saw one gentleman at Sloppy Joe’s wearing only his hotel bathrobe! While walking we would often pause at the bars to listen to the live music mingled with the laughter and conversation of the customers.  It was just such a happy place to be….…

But alas our week ended and we made our way back to Bonita Springs to finish out the month of February as we continue our journeys on our Road of Retirement…

NOTE: We are back at our winter site until March 1st in Bonita Springs, Florida…