I purchased a time-share. At first I tried to sell the rental for this time-share. Motel rooms were costing as much as $250 for a days end and $400 for a Hyatt. Why were these motel rooms so expensive? I had to find out. So my wife and I decided to visit Key West and find out what was so intriguing. It was time to use my time-share in Key West, Fla. We started our trip form Coal City, We programmed our Garmin Street Pilot GPS unit to Atlanta Ga. Because of the traffic congestion we like to stay below Atlanta Ga. The GPS unit suggested we proceeded to Key West from Coal City, Indiana down highway 231 across the Ohio River near Owens burg, Kentucky. This was unusual because we normally went through Evansville. We proceeded as the little lady said. We referred to the GPS unit as the little lady because the unit talks to us in a female voice all the way including which lane we should be in. As we drove through Indiana we crossed into Kentucky. The Bridge is newly constructed and modern. We continued our trip through some of the drought stricken parts of the country such as Mountainous Tennessee. I mentioned that the little lady by choosing the shortest route had saved us approximately one hour in drive time and the road was much better. The water reservoirs in the southern part of the country were almost depleted. Fortunately it started raining and misting as shown. It was as if we were driving in mountain clouds.
Daylight was dimming and we had to find a place to stay. Using the little lady to drive through a place like Atlanta Ga. was a lifesaver. By tapping the screen in the right hand corner she continually told us what lane we should stay in. We had preplanned what motel we were going to stay in. As we approached, we selected lodging on the GPS unit and it told us the name and location of our motel. By simply stating GO, the little lady took us directly to our lodging. We drove on down taking the Florida Toll Road to Pompano Beach the remaining day. It was nice to relax in such surroundings in Pompano Beach as the photos show. Early in the morning the lighthouse would be beaming brightly after which it was normal to see a sunrise. After staying at Pompano Beach for a few days, we continued to Key West.
Every one should experience driving to Key West. It is very much like driving out into the blue sea. The way to Key West of surrounded by sense of awe and wonder.
An example of this is shown below which is next to a seafood restaurant that is likely to bust your gut with a fresh fish catch.
Part of the experience is crossing many miles of bridges as shown below. As you travel you can see the many miles of bridges with missing sections possibly destroyed by past hurricanes or storms.
After driving the most part of the day, we arrived at Key West. I was surprised to find that all I had to do was touch lodging on our GPS unit and sure enough there was Coconut Mallory Marina. After touching GO the little lady told us exactly what roads to take for us to reach our destination. I was impressed with our accommodations and wish that I had at least two other couples to accompany us so as to make full use of it, there s room enough.
There were multiple eating-places at Key West next to the boat dock such as that shown below.
The shops at Key West were especially notable. There were shops that displayed found treasures from sunken ships, art shops with expensive paintings, and a host of others as shown.
Ongoing festivities were especially noted. There was so much going on that unfortunately I did not attend. Perhaps next time! Below is a photo of a couple at the dog show and a photo of a dog masqueraded with his booties. I missed the make your own bikinis contest, look alike contest, and pajama come as you are.
The day before the Fantasy Fest Parade some people wore special clothing namely paint and not much else. The following shows what I mean. I was told the Fantasy Fest at Key West makes Mardi Gras at New Orleans look like a Republican Convention. I do not know about that because I have not been to Mardi Gras. I was convinced that the people were proud of their art display on their bodies.
While this body art display was on going, a Church was open which undoubtedly also showed its beauty and art.
Finally, I cannot leave out the historical significance the Truman White house at Key West. Truman, a very notable president, in a significant time period for this country when the first atomic bomb was developed and used. I recommend this tour very highly. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take photos inside.
Another important tour of historical significance was the Ernest Hemingway house. Perhaps next time!
Key West is full of adventure with a lot of things to do. These include hang gliding and motor skiing. I did not complete this adventure. You could even go on sunset boat excursions with all the beer you can drink at a reasonable price about $35. Again, perhaps next time!
