Key West (1995)

[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]

Feb. 2, 1995 Marco – Key West
At 7:30 am we boarded the Gulf Stream Falcon at Snook Inn for a 4-1/2 hr trip to Key West.  There were approx. 150 passengers + we rode outside on the first deck most of the way.
We were met on the island by the Conch (Konk) Tour Tram which took us around the perimeter of Key West a distance of 1-1/2 x 4-1/2 miles, seeing the highlights of the area: Ft. Zachary Taylor, Mallory Sq., Hemingway’s Home, southern most home of U.S., 90 mi to Cuba sign, etc.  It was a 14 mi. trip + took 1 hr 45 min.  Had a delicious seafood lunch + key lime pie at Two Friends Patio Rest.  On Duval St. seeing how the subtropical climate nourishes the lush vegetation, especially palm trees, hibiscus, + bougainvillea, made us anxious to go back + spend a few days next year.  We just didn’t have time to see it all.  We just got glimpses of old + new Key West, the Bahamian architecture features using shuttle doors on the roofs for ventilation, houses built up on quarry stones to withstand hurricanes, city cemetery, the gravesite of victims of USS Maine, whose sinking precipitated the Spanish Amer. War, + since we had such a limited time to spend there, it was the best way to see the sights.  As I said before, we must go back!!
The return trip on the Falcon was my downfall.  Because of high winds, we opted to sit inside the cabin + due to lack of oxygen, a full tummy of a late lunch + early dinner, my final hrs seemed like an eternity + I was delighted to land in Marco a little after 10 pm.