WOW! I can't believe that the week is over and that I havn't updated the blog in so many days.
I got a kick out of the comment left by DS asking when the writers strike is going to be over so that the blog would get updated. Good one!
Today is moving day. I have many pictures to upload from our adventures while in Key West. We are heading to Key Largo, about 100 miles from here, and will spend a week there before our trip to the Bahamas. More on that to come later. When we get to Key Largo I will update the blog. You'll want to read about our night at Cowboy Bill's with the "sexy female bull rider" competition. The things people do to win $250.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday Nite in Key West
What a way to spend a weekend. Saturday night in Key West. I am a little surprised that it doesn't seem to full for being their busy season. The bars were full but not like I remember when we came a few years ago. Must be something to do with the "R" word. (recession)
Lets start this blog off right instead of getting all depressed. We'll start from the very beginning. Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Woke up a little early and decided to take a few pictures of the sunrise. It was well worth it. Even with all the roasters calling in the distance it made for a beautiful start. By the way, Key West has an over population of chickens running around. Luckily there are none on the campground. Too many camp fires at night makes it to easy to accidentally make one dinner.
Our friends finally moved in next to us. Here is Elle pulling into our area.
We took our chairs out to watch like we were told to do but there really wasn't a good show. They are to experienced. I did miss another pulling in but I heard about it from the guy's wife. She was out walking the dog to get away from her husband as he whaled away at their RV with a hammer to get the dents out of the door. Apparently when they were backing into their site he didn't see some big rocks and kind of took out the side of his rig. I missed it! Anyway, here is a pic of our friends "kids" that they brought along.
I think that a some point dogs out number people in some of these campgrounds. We are talking about these little dogs to. The kind that can only bite your ankles and bark a lot.
We did our little version of a bar crawl Saturday night. We started out at Mallory Square where we saw this huge, beautiful sail boat docked. I tried to take a picture of this private yacht but I couldn't fit it on the camera. It was 170ft and had two small power boats on its deck which was all wood and brass. From there we started onto the bars. Lets get busy. First stop, Hogs Breath Saloon. Started talking to some people around the bar and wouldn't you know it, there was a guy there from Annapolis here for the weekend. Small world. He said he had to get away from the cold. I know what he is talking about.
Next, hunger hit us and hit us hard. We ended up getting a whole pizza pie and ate it down like it was our last supper. It was also called "priming the stomach" for more drinks. Here is Richard to the entrance of another bar.
We then hit a bar called "Big Un's". A sports bar, so we could watch the last part of Georgetown vs. W Virginia. Elle is from WV so we get to make a lot of WV jokes around her. No picture from that bar but I wish I would have. There were some Big Un's there. Next stop, Whistle Bar.
Heard some live music along with a couple of cold ones until we headed out to Captin' Tony's. If you look closely you will see Business Cards all over the ceiling. This is a great place to Network. Some ladies even leave their Business Support behind.
Sorry, no flash on that picture. I didn't want to call attention to myself when taking the picture. I was drinking but I wasn't that drunk...yet.
Today should be another great day. We are planning on going on the Base because they have a private beach that has some snorkeling right off the shore. Enjoy your Sunday.
Lets start this blog off right instead of getting all depressed. We'll start from the very beginning. Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Woke up a little early and decided to take a few pictures of the sunrise. It was well worth it. Even with all the roasters calling in the distance it made for a beautiful start. By the way, Key West has an over population of chickens running around. Luckily there are none on the campground. Too many camp fires at night makes it to easy to accidentally make one dinner.
Our friends finally moved in next to us. Here is Elle pulling into our area.
We took our chairs out to watch like we were told to do but there really wasn't a good show. They are to experienced. I did miss another pulling in but I heard about it from the guy's wife. She was out walking the dog to get away from her husband as he whaled away at their RV with a hammer to get the dents out of the door. Apparently when they were backing into their site he didn't see some big rocks and kind of took out the side of his rig. I missed it! Anyway, here is a pic of our friends "kids" that they brought along.
I think that a some point dogs out number people in some of these campgrounds. We are talking about these little dogs to. The kind that can only bite your ankles and bark a lot.
We did our little version of a bar crawl Saturday night. We started out at Mallory Square where we saw this huge, beautiful sail boat docked. I tried to take a picture of this private yacht but I couldn't fit it on the camera. It was 170ft and had two small power boats on its deck which was all wood and brass. From there we started onto the bars. Lets get busy. First stop, Hogs Breath Saloon. Started talking to some people around the bar and wouldn't you know it, there was a guy there from Annapolis here for the weekend. Small world. He said he had to get away from the cold. I know what he is talking about.
Next, hunger hit us and hit us hard. We ended up getting a whole pizza pie and ate it down like it was our last supper. It was also called "priming the stomach" for more drinks. Here is Richard to the entrance of another bar.
We then hit a bar called "Big Un's". A sports bar, so we could watch the last part of Georgetown vs. W Virginia. Elle is from WV so we get to make a lot of WV jokes around her. No picture from that bar but I wish I would have. There were some Big Un's there. Next stop, Whistle Bar.
Heard some live music along with a couple of cold ones until we headed out to Captin' Tony's. If you look closely you will see Business Cards all over the ceiling. This is a great place to Network. Some ladies even leave their Business Support behind.Sorry, no flash on that picture. I didn't want to call attention to myself when taking the picture. I was drinking but I wasn't that drunk...yet.
Today should be another great day. We are planning on going on the Base because they have a private beach that has some snorkeling right off the shore. Enjoy your Sunday.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Sittin' on the dock of the Bay...
We find ourselves sittin' around and enjoying the sites. We haven't really done anything of excitement in the last couple of days. Kind of taking it easy. Listen to this to put you in the mood.
The entrance to our Campground has this fountain that sums up the area very well.
It reads "Welcome to Paradise". How true it is.
Sitting out a couple of nights ago it was neat to see all the stars. There isn't much light so you can really see the stars. I took this picture when the moon came out. You can see on of the many bridges on the left.
The other night we did mange to sneak down to Mallory Square for a little while to check out the festivities.
There are street performers all over the place juggling, magic tricks, pet tricks, singing or what ever else they can think of to try and get some money from you. Also known as Tourist Trap.
We went over to the famous "Sloppy Joe's" and had a cold drink and watched some of the music act.
We have a lot of activities planned for the next couple of days so don't worry, it will be more exciting.
The entrance to our Campground has this fountain that sums up the area very well.
It reads "Welcome to Paradise". How true it is.
Sitting out a couple of nights ago it was neat to see all the stars. There isn't much light so you can really see the stars. I took this picture when the moon came out. You can see on of the many bridges on the left.
The other night we did mange to sneak down to Mallory Square for a little while to check out the festivities.
There are street performers all over the place juggling, magic tricks, pet tricks, singing or what ever else they can think of to try and get some money from you. Also known as Tourist Trap.We went over to the famous "Sloppy Joe's" and had a cold drink and watched some of the music act.
We have a lot of activities planned for the next couple of days so don't worry, it will be more exciting.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Oh, my back!
What did we do on our first full day at Key West is what most of you are probably wondering. We finished getting set up and some light cleaning. Took the bikes out and tuned them a little. It was a nice day. Mid 80's and the sun was boiling hot. You could feel your skin burning up with the rays.
We have some local residences here in the campground. In the late afternoon you can sit out back by the bushes and just see many of these locals running around. I have tried to catch one but these are pretty fast. I heard they taste pretty good when cooked on an open fire.
Just kidding, please don't send PETA after me.
We decided to go out for a short, I stress short, bike ride. Nothing serious just a trip around the immediate area to get familiar. We head out and I took the camera, as always, cause you never know what you are going to see. Well, I dropped the camera and my lovely wife just shook her head at me like I was a kid about to get scolded. I snapped this picture to test the camera after I secured all the pieces that came flying off the thing and I think "the look" she was giving me sums it up.
How many of you have seen this or some similar version from you significant other?
Our short bike ride ended up taking us all around Key West. A total of about 10 miles. I'm not as young as I used to be and by the time we made it back my ass was completely numb. The kind of numbness you would have when you leave the dentist's office after they work on your mouth. My back, oh my back was killing me. I sit here this morning with our "Mini Masseuse" turned on. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a battery powered machine that you place rubber pads onto any sore muscle and the electric current stimulates the muscle. You don't want to hook it up to every muscle, trust me, I have been told. I'm not that stupid.
As we were looking for somewhere to eat we passed the Southern Most Point in the USA. We were to hungry to actually pose there so I took this on the fly.
Today we are thinking about taking our Kayak's out for a little. Nothing like yesterday, this will be a short ride. A couple of people have asked for a picture of these Kayaks but I haven't taken any yet but I did download these off the website so you can have an idea.
It folds up and is easy to carry around in these bags. This is just one Kayak. We have two so that we don't kill each other on the water with one wanting to go this way while the other wants to go the other way. 
Tonight we are planning on going to Mallory Square to catch the Sunset party. We heard that you see all kinds of interesting people and acts. I won't drop the camera.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Key West!
We have finally made it to the southern most point of the USA. Can't go any further south than this and we are loving it. We said our good bye's to our friends back in Marathon this morning and will really miss them. We had a great send off last night. Dinner, drinks and dessert. They gave us a nice cake and added the touch of "aye" for our Canadian friends. 
The journey was only 50 miles this morning but Road Hazard passed a milestone in its 11 year old history. After many miles of rolling along on highways, grass, getting stuck in friends back yard and having the Pick Up try and pass it, Road Hazard hit 30,000 miles on the odometer. Not bad for this old fellow. Sorry the picture is a little blurry but I took this as we were moving.
The drive down is beautiful. If you have never driven to the Keys it is something that you definitely need to do. The bridges are incredible. Especially being up high in RH and just looking out over the clear blue water.
We made it to our campsite and it really tested our marriage and communication level. The site is really tight. They pack you in like a can of sardines. It's funny to see because when someone new arrives these ole' timers get their chairs out to watch the excitement. We did a great job. With Reta directing me we parked this baby. Of course after about 20 plus maneuvers. A lot of the parking involves trusting the person directing you because you can't see everything and in a sense you are driving blind. Just when we thought we were done, we had to move it 6 inches back, no wait, 4 inches forward and to the right, stop, 3 inches to the left and back, OK, not straighten out. All this because there are two palm trees on our site and we had to position RH just right so that we could open the slide and awning. It was a good show. No yelling but some laughing. After all said and done here is a view of our new home. We back up to the Atlantic Ocean.
What we didn't realize is that there is a military base up the coast where these jets fly overhead for their final approach to land. I am sure if my buddy CB were here he'd spend all his time sitting there going "I see it...it's a f15 Tomcat with afterburners and sparrow missiles with landing gear down and the pilot has green eyes." I don't know how he knows all this stuff, he just does and I don't know what type of plane that was.
The journey was only 50 miles this morning but Road Hazard passed a milestone in its 11 year old history. After many miles of rolling along on highways, grass, getting stuck in friends back yard and having the Pick Up try and pass it, Road Hazard hit 30,000 miles on the odometer. Not bad for this old fellow. Sorry the picture is a little blurry but I took this as we were moving.
The drive down is beautiful. If you have never driven to the Keys it is something that you definitely need to do. The bridges are incredible. Especially being up high in RH and just looking out over the clear blue water.
We made it to our campsite and it really tested our marriage and communication level. The site is really tight. They pack you in like a can of sardines. It's funny to see because when someone new arrives these ole' timers get their chairs out to watch the excitement. We did a great job. With Reta directing me we parked this baby. Of course after about 20 plus maneuvers. A lot of the parking involves trusting the person directing you because you can't see everything and in a sense you are driving blind. Just when we thought we were done, we had to move it 6 inches back, no wait, 4 inches forward and to the right, stop, 3 inches to the left and back, OK, not straighten out. All this because there are two palm trees on our site and we had to position RH just right so that we could open the slide and awning. It was a good show. No yelling but some laughing. After all said and done here is a view of our new home. We back up to the Atlantic Ocean.
What we didn't realize is that there is a military base up the coast where these jets fly overhead for their final approach to land. I am sure if my buddy CB were here he'd spend all his time sitting there going "I see it...it's a f15 Tomcat with afterburners and sparrow missiles with landing gear down and the pilot has green eyes." I don't know how he knows all this stuff, he just does and I don't know what type of plane that was.
Our friends from MD have also just arrived in Key West so we hope to hook up with them at some point. Let the Partying Begin!!!!
P.S. take a look at "Something to Think About" on the right hand column. Interesting, aye?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Last Day
The last two days have been bad. We spent the whole day yesterday in RH watching movies and the football games. The weather has just been terrible. The water in the Gulf of Mexico has white caps from the high winds. The little palm trees look like they are going to bend in half. The weather channel said that we are getting 35mph gusts of wind.
I can't complain too much because I see on the news that it isn't much better up north. I can do without the cold and snow. I'll take the wind and some rain. It has been so windy that we had to put the awing away for fear that it would blow away.
I can't complain too much because I see on the news that it isn't much better up north. I can do without the cold and snow. I'll take the wind and some rain. It has been so windy that we had to put the awing away for fear that it would blow away.We have been enjoying ourselves when it is nice out. We ended up buying a couple of kayak's and we have been out on the water a lot. We take our snorkeling gear with us and paddle out to a nice spot and jump in and see everything. We have seen nurse sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, numerous types of fish and Reta claims to have seen a Manatee. We are having a blast. If we aren't out on the water we are on our bikes exploring the area. I think we are finally starting to get in shape although I am trying to put the weight back on with all the beers that we put down every night.
We have really made some great friends here in the campground. We take turns going over to someones RV to hang out and tell stories until we run out of drinks. 
We have been laughing pretty good with some of the stories. The other night Jerry and Janice invited us out to dinner. We went to Fisheries Restaurant. Neat little place that sits on the water. You order and pay for your meal at this window and instead of them asking for your name they ask you for a cartoon character. They change it up every night. Sometimes you have to tell them a movie or famous actor or sometimes it's a singer. Keeps it entertaining when you sit down for dinner and hear some of the characters that people come up with. Here we are at the restaurant.
We have been laughing pretty good with some of the stories. The other night Jerry and Janice invited us out to dinner. We went to Fisheries Restaurant. Neat little place that sits on the water. You order and pay for your meal at this window and instead of them asking for your name they ask you for a cartoon character. They change it up every night. Sometimes you have to tell them a movie or famous actor or sometimes it's a singer. Keeps it entertaining when you sit down for dinner and hear some of the characters that people come up with. Here we are at the restaurant.
The food was great. All seafood of course, but all fresh. I had a Blackened Mahi Mahi that just melted in your mouth. Reta tried this fish called Hogsnose. I think that's what it was but it tasted good and was very light.
Last night we were getting ready to get our happy hour started when this neighbor across the street came back with this huge fish. A Barracuda. We have seen these fish out swimming around the pier here at the campground but have never seen one this close.
As you can see it is all teeth. The gentleman that caught the fish had told us that it had taken two other lures before he finally caught it. His hands were all bloody from the fishing line cutting him when he was fighting the fish. Reminds me of the Hemingway story of the Old man and the fish. Of course he couldn't speak english very well, having come from Cuba, so I was able to use my broken spanish and learn about his fight with the fish. I think I was able to walk away without offending him with my spanish. Nice fish, don't you think?
As you can see it is all teeth. The gentleman that caught the fish had told us that it had taken two other lures before he finally caught it. His hands were all bloody from the fishing line cutting him when he was fighting the fish. Reminds me of the Hemingway story of the Old man and the fish. Of course he couldn't speak english very well, having come from Cuba, so I was able to use my broken spanish and learn about his fight with the fish. I think I was able to walk away without offending him with my spanish. Nice fish, don't you think?Today is our last day in Marathon because tomorrow morning we leave for Key West, FL. There, we will hook up with some friends that we made while we were in Solomon Island, MD. Plans for our trip to Bahamas are starting to take shape as we are getting dates together. It will be happening mid February. Once in Key West I will be able to once again update the blog daily. See you then.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
With or Without
The weather is finally starting to get better. These last two days it was overcast and cold. In the low 70's. Today, it should start getting warmer, back in the mid 80's again with blue skies. We spent the past two days just exploring the area and relaxing. We went snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico and because of my facial hair I kept getting water in my mask so I was forced to shave. I had a hard time. In the month that I had it I became attached to the way it looked and felt. When I started shaving I only did half and asked Reta what she liked better. With or Without. I'll ask you what you think.
We went over to a beach on the Atlantic side the other day called Sombrero Beach. Very nice public beach but we didn't realize that if you chose not to wear any cloths that was alright. Well, my luck we discovered this because some guy was, for lack of a better term, sunning his sausage. Not the kind of view I wanted to see. What happened to the ladies. Don't they want to let the "puppies" get some sun? Don't worry, I didn't take any pictures.
We had a good time at the beach until I decided to be Steve Irwin and help a beautiful blue jellyfish that had washed up. I decided that if I scooped it with my foot and kicked it out into the water I would be fine. NOT! It felt like a bee sting and my middle toe got a little swollen. Only till we left did we see the signs warning people about these jellyfish. Live and learn.
Our campground is filled with pelicans and these big white birds that I think are some sort of Herring. These things will fly overhead and scream. Sounds like an old man is chocking. I found it interesting how this particular one enjoyed his perch high above everyone.
On our drives out to explore there is a bridge called "Seven Mile Bridge" because it is 7 miles long. It is an amazing sight to see. Clear blue water on both sides. We think this is the bridge used to film the movie "True Lies" with Arnold. The scene with the limo driving off the bridge.
What is on today's agenda? Don't know yet but I think I am going to Diesel 101 class today. The neighbor that is behind us is a Diesel Mechanic and he is going to introduce me to that huge thing in the back of Road Hazard. Show me how to maintain it.
Quick story...we had another happy hour last night with this neighbor and his wife (from Michigan) and we also invited this other couple that moved in across the street. They are from Canada. We started this happy hour at 4 and went up to 11 last night, telling stories and laughing until our stomachs were hurting. These Canadians like to say "ai" all the time and we would just loose it. They are also very green to RV'ing, more than Reta and I, and listening to their stories was too funny.
Enjoy and remember, the weekend is almost here. Hang in there!
We went over to a beach on the Atlantic side the other day called Sombrero Beach. Very nice public beach but we didn't realize that if you chose not to wear any cloths that was alright. Well, my luck we discovered this because some guy was, for lack of a better term, sunning his sausage. Not the kind of view I wanted to see. What happened to the ladies. Don't they want to let the "puppies" get some sun? Don't worry, I didn't take any pictures.We had a good time at the beach until I decided to be Steve Irwin and help a beautiful blue jellyfish that had washed up. I decided that if I scooped it with my foot and kicked it out into the water I would be fine. NOT! It felt like a bee sting and my middle toe got a little swollen. Only till we left did we see the signs warning people about these jellyfish. Live and learn.
Our campground is filled with pelicans and these big white birds that I think are some sort of Herring. These things will fly overhead and scream. Sounds like an old man is chocking. I found it interesting how this particular one enjoyed his perch high above everyone.
On our drives out to explore there is a bridge called "Seven Mile Bridge" because it is 7 miles long. It is an amazing sight to see. Clear blue water on both sides. We think this is the bridge used to film the movie "True Lies" with Arnold. The scene with the limo driving off the bridge.What is on today's agenda? Don't know yet but I think I am going to Diesel 101 class today. The neighbor that is behind us is a Diesel Mechanic and he is going to introduce me to that huge thing in the back of Road Hazard. Show me how to maintain it.Quick story...we had another happy hour last night with this neighbor and his wife (from Michigan) and we also invited this other couple that moved in across the street. They are from Canada. We started this happy hour at 4 and went up to 11 last night, telling stories and laughing until our stomachs were hurting. These Canadians like to say "ai" all the time and we would just loose it. They are also very green to RV'ing, more than Reta and I, and listening to their stories was too funny.
Enjoy and remember, the weekend is almost here. Hang in there!
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