The day started out cool, for the folks who live here (65) and overcast but the sun was shining by 9:30 am and the skies were crystal clear. We arrived at the parking garage on Grinnell St. by 10:45 am and on the Trolley Tour of Key West by 11 am. Out guide was very informative , funny and kept the tour interesting. It was a 1.5 hour tour that lasted two hours. We really enjoyed his history lesson on Key West.
There were three cruise ships in port so the streets were packed but he managed to get up and down those narrow streets with ease. We were so close to the oncoming traffic you could touch the vehicle next to you.
As we drove through the streets we noted the beautiful structures, high end stores and lots of people. As we passed by the location of the Southernmost point of the Continental US we grabbed a picture with the mental note to return to it on another day. Fifteen years ago the buoy sat alone on the beach but it is now surrounded by hotels and condos. People were in line 20 deep waiting to take a picture at the site.
Our driver gave us a history lesson on the cessation of Key West from the Union in 1982. Apparently there was a move to secede from the Union due to some unhappiness with government control. They called themselves The Conch Republic and even have a flag. I guess this was picked up by the news media and the bad press didn’t go over to well with the White House. The Conch Republic officially seceded and asked for 1 million dollars in foreign aid money, which they received. The secession lasted less then one hour and now they fly their flag with the state and national flag. On the flag it says: We Seceded Where Others Failed.”
www.conchrepublic.com/the_beginning.htm
We debarked the trolley downtown and walked to the pier. There were three cruise ships in so lots of people. We had seen the AIDA ship at the Black Falcon Terminal in Boston this past September and here it was again. After seeing all the cruise ships in the two times we have been in Key West we are really looking forward to our cruise on the Allure in November.
As we were walking around the ship terminal we came across a privately owned yacht that was incredible. Cannot even imagine what it must have cost. Someone is filthy rich!!!
There was a Duck Tour available for those interested and we were told by our Trolley driver that the Duck had just been put into service two weeks ago.
Before booking the tours we were interested in we decide to grab some lunch at the Two Friends Patio Restaurant. I had a delicious blue crab cake sandwich and Ron a burger. While we were eating we heard a crash and shattering glass. The woman behind us had dropped her plate and it shattered into a million pieces. When the waiter was trying to sweep the glass around he she didn’t even move a muscle. She had glass all around her feet but just sat there. She had sandals on so getting cut was a real possibility.
After we left the restaurant we took a tour of Harry Truman's Little Whitehouse. It was a place he enjoyed during his presidency and after. Because it is still a secret service site we were unable to take pictures. It was used as a conference area during the Bay of Pigs invasion and is still in service today by our federal government.
Our tour guide was excellent and a great historian. The furnishings are original to the house and in great condition. The grounds are also beautiful and the house sits in a gated neighborhood.
Despite the fact that we were in an exclusive neighborhood there were chickens and roosters everywhere. We ran into a family with Mommy and her chicks with a very aggressive rooster not far behind!!! LOL Carolyn – WARNING – C’s in the area!!!!
Our next planned stop was the Ernest Hemingway Home. The walk there took us by mile marker ‘”0” so of course we had to take a picture. (This is for Russ) NO, Ron I didn’t get your feet !!!!
Hemingway had only lived in this home for nine years with his second wife. It was her home and when she found out he was cheating on her she threw him out and he never lived in the home again. During their marriage they had a volatile relationship but still managed to have two children together. Hemingway was a cat lover and today there are 45 cats living on the property. About half are polydactyl having 6 toes. The cats have free run of the place and are everywhere. A vet comes to the property once weekly and tends to the cats. They are all very healthy and well cared for.
The interior of the home is very nice but not too large. There are some unique light fixtures and very pretty windows and art work throughout.
Our tour guide told us that Hemingway was not only a polished writer but a womanizer and drinker as well. He was very regimented and rose every morning at 5 am, took the walkway to his studio and wrote until he had completed 700 words or until Noon, which ever came first. afternoons he would spend fishing and at night he would walk to Sloppy Joe’s Saloon and drink until the wee hours of the morning. Despite his long nights of drinking he still would rise at 5 am and write.
One tour guide stated that Hemingway was able to find his way home by the beacon of the lighthouse next door to his property. The property was beautiful with multiple garden areas, a huge pool and an area specifically set up for weddings.
I was especially enthralled with his studio situated on the second floor over a garage. It was very spacious with great natural light. Ron said I could have one for a retreat as well! LOL
Unfortunately Hemingway suffered from depression and his fourth wife tired to get him some help via ECT that resulted in severe memory loss. This made matters even worse for him because his writings were based on the memories of his life. I believe she said he was 62 when he took his own life. Sad ending for such a renowned writer.
We finished the tour around 5:20 pm so our trolley ride back to the parking garage some 3.5 miles away was no longer available so we started our trek back to the car. It was a beautiful night so we decided to head over to Mallory Square to watch the sunset before going to the car.
The walk was great and we got some good pictures of the area. The cruise ships had all left so the streets were less congested and in some places empty. It seemed like the town had emptied out!!!
Once we arrived at Mallory Square we understood why the pedestrian traffic was so light elsewhere. Everyone was in Mallory Square!!! There were street performers everywhere and the pier was loaded with people, cameras ready.
The sunset sailboat was kind enough to sail in front of the setting sun for great pictures.
The sailboat just added to the incredible beauty of the sky and setting sun. But the best was yet to come and that was watching the Sun fall below the horizon.
It was utterly spectacular and we could appreciate why the streets of Key West were so empty. Who would want to miss watching this!!!
Well, it was time to get back to the car and we still had some distance to walk. We chose to walk along the pier and enjoy the good weather and admire the beautiful boats docked in the marina.
By the time we had gotten to the car our feet were feeling the five hours of walking we did today so sitting down was greatly appreciated. We arrived home around 7:30 pm and Jewel was very happy to see us. Of course before we could settle in for the night Jewel needed her- walk!!! Yep, a little while longer before we could rest our tired feet.
It was a long but very pleasant and enjoyable day. We are getting into the touristy thing much to our surprise and enjoying it very much. Not sure what tomorrow will bring but busy of laid back we’ll be happy.
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