Jane, Bill, Lynn, John, Pam, Dave
This section of Tampa is known as the Party Zone and the four Syracusans and 2 Floridians saw quite a display of revelry and merriment before driving back to Forest Lakes in Zephyrhills. 
Coyote Ugly Dancers
The next day everyone was up early for the drive to the Florida Keys. Southbound on I-75 to Naples, then east across Alligator Alley to Miami, and south to Key Largo and the 158 miles across all the Keys to Key West.
One of the Bridges
One of the Marinas under the Bridge
The water was a beautiful shade of blue as the Phaeton negotiated all 42 bridges to Stock Island and Boyd's Campground. The longest bridge is 7 miles long.
It didn't take long to realize this is one of the lushest and most beautiful campgrounds in the world - coconut and palm trees galore, colorful flowers and plants, a wonderful pool, private dining area, boat launch and a view of the water on two sides, all combined with temps in the 80's and a tropical breeze that feels just right. 
walkway to the pool
private eating area
pool
The first stop on Duval Street was the original Margaritaville Bar where Jimmy Buffett hit the big time. Of course a band was playing as happens at about half of the 250 bars in Key West.
The next day our quartet took the tourist trolley all around Key West and tried to soak up as much history as possible.
Mallory Square - Shops and Restaurants
Mallory Square at Sunset - people waiting to see the sunset
A main stop is the marker indicating the southernmost spot in the USA - only 90 miles from Cuba.
Southern most Hotel
Dave and Pam took a tour of Ernest Hemingway's house and saw some of the famous six-toed cats that still live there.
Restaurant we went to: Hog's Breath Saloon - Bill is holding sign that says:
Hog's Breath is better than No Breath At All.
Everyone makes a stop at Sloppy Joe's Bar where Hemingway used to hang with his drinking buddies.
Key West has struggled through the years to find it's economic engine. Originally a pirate hangout, Key West has tried cigar production, ship salvaging, fishing, shrimping, sponging and finally settled on tourism to pay the bills. Henry Flagler built a railroad that was destined to open Key West to the world in 1912, but it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. Flagler also built a fantastic hotel for the wealthy that still functions today. Harry Truman loved Key West and made 11 trips there while he was president, once threatening to move the Capital there it was so beautiful.
Truman's Little White House in Key West, Florida
The waterfront area on the north end of Key West features dozens of nice restaurants and bars interspersed along the docks with fishing charters, sightseeing ships and private vessels ranging from rowboats to yachts.
The Chittenango quartet did a day trip to the Gulf waters for snorkling
Bill - Snorkeling
Bill, Pam & Dave
but the best part was the gorgeous sunset during the return to Key West - it has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
After the snorkling trip the foursome changed out of their wet bathing suits and ate dinner and had a few beers at the Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant on the waterfront enjoying the nightly entertainment.
Key West has a deep enough harbor to dock the large cruise ships and several of these came to call during the vacation stay. One late afternoon was spent at Kelly McGillis' (star of "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise) restaurant known as Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill and Brewery. 
It's the only brewery in Key West and the 550 gallon kegs are stored in a refrigerated basement with direct lines to the bar!
It was so good the quartet ate dinner there after happy hour.
Our blissful group split the time between cruising Key West and lounging at the pool at Boyd's campground. Jane kept very busy utilizing the blender for margaritas, daiquiris and other concoctions -paradise indeed! One morning Bill went for a bike ride and discovered a lobster company just down the road run by Cubans who sold live lobsters for $7.00 a pound. Needless to say, that evening they feasted on fresh boiled lobster, baked potatoes, veggies and shrimp - even the melted butter melted in your mouth!
On the Saturday before departure our group went to Church at St. Mary Star of the Sea, one of the first Catholic churches in South Florida. Sister Louis Gabriel was assigned to the Catholic School built there in the late 19th century and endured three hurricanes. She finally built a prayer grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes and declared upon it's completion in 1922 that Key West would never bear the direct brunt of a hurricane as long as the grotto stood. 87 years later no hurricane has yet made a direct hit.
The final night in Key West featured a steak dinner cooked on the grill over charcoal - what a way to end a glorious week. (and some Karaoke)
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and our revelers slowly made the long trip back to Tampa. Lazydays Campground was the site of Dave and Pam's last night in Florida, and the next day Bill and Jane dropped them off at Tampa International for the flight home. Don't worry - summer is almost here!
General Bailey Patton - Tank Commander
2 comments:
Bill & Jane
We truely enjoyed reliving the Key West vacation through your blog. Needless to say, we are missing the beautiful sunsets, the 85 degree weather, the exquisite dining (includng all the foo foo drinks), and perhaps most of all Boyd's pool where many hours were spent bobbing in the water. Pam & I want to thank you both very much for your generous hospitality. We got a taste of what it's like to be retired and doing the "RV" thing and now can't wait till we can finally join you in your adventure (my dream).
............oh and did I forget to mention we can't wait for you guys to be back up north so we can begin our summer of fun and games!
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