After a cool morning near the Everglades NP, we headed down Florida’s Hwy 1, all the way through the many keys(islands). Over Bridges and through the (mangrove) woods. It was a beautiful and windy drive down to paradise! We arrived at the Sugarloaf Key KOA, it was more like a tropical resort. We had a beautiful site, right on the water. The first afternoon we had lunch at Boondocks then came back and enjoyed the resort. They had music that evening at the bar, so just had to check it out!
Day 2, Chuck worked in the morning and I took the Bulleit Boy for a nice 3 mile walk along the original State Hwy and back to poop him out so we could go to lunch at the No Name Pub (on No Name Key), where I think their retirement funds are hanging on the walls and ceiling, so crazy! Then to the turtle hospital where they rehab sea turtles that can be rehabbed or repaired or keep them as permanent residents. We learned about many things, but one thing that they can never be returned to the sea is Bubble Butt, which is when the turtle gets hit by a boat, jet ski, etc and their shell gets distorted due to the impact and fills with air so they can never dive for food again, pretty hard to see but glad there are these rescues for them. This property was on a old motel property that the owner decided to turn in into the turtle hospital where all the employees can live free of charge, pretty sweet! On the drive home, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset!
Day 3 was planned to take a glass bottom boat out to the reefs but got a text in the morning that the seas were very rough. We were able to opt out, so we did. Decided to take a hike thru the mangroves with Bulleit(happy dog) then headed to Key West to hit a few old bars, tour The Hemingway House along with meeting many of the 61 kitty residents. The photo of the penny in the pool deck is when Ernest told his wife , Pauline that the pool was so expensive, you might as well take my last penny and he threw it at her. She embedded it in the pool deck, very close to the urinal Ernest stole from the original Captain Tonys Bar, that Paulne had modified into a planter and fountain. What a hoot of a couple! The bar stools are where the named celebrity sat in the current Captain Tonys Bar. Key West is unique and we enjoyed watching the wild chickens all through the town. We were able to watch the sunset at the southern most place in the continental US, Mallory Square. It ended up being a super last day in paradise!
Chuck and Kathi's trip blog 