Key West, FL

This is going to be a long post, because I did not take my computer when we went for our "day trip" to Key West.  But before I start on that, I would like to show you a picture Teresa took on Thursday night after I posted the last blog of Miami....

Teresa, Judy, the two pups, and I left early yesterday (Friday) morning for a day trip to the Keys.  We suspected we could not make Key West and back in one day, so we were thinking we would go as far as Marathon Key, then head back.  However, by the time we reached Marathon, Judy and Teresa, neither of whom had ever been to the Keys, were so loving the drive and the scenery (and the food), that they really wanted to go all the way to Key West.  So we did!

First, Teresa secured a hotel room where the pups were welcome.  Then we stopped at a pet store and got the pups some food, treats, and toys (yes, they are spoiled).  Then we stopped at a "3-for-$10 T-Shirt" store for shirts to sleep in.  All that was left was a stop at CVS to pick up toothbrushes and assorted necessary items.

Now for details of our two-day trip to Key West.....

Friday, January 11....

First stop on the agenda was Key Largo Conch House.  We had Yelped for a dog-friendly restaurant for a lunch stop and this one fit the bill.  Great food and the pups were welcome to hang out underneath our table on the porch.

At Key Largo Conch House

Ready to continue West....

Judy gets puppy kisses from Oscar

This is what puppies look like riding in a convertible at 55 mph.  Glad no one took a picture of me!

The next stop, after lunch, was Anne's Beach on Islamorada Key.  This was also discovered doing a Yelp search for dog-friendly beaches.  It's a narrow, beautiful beach, with a board walk to walk on if you don't want to get your feet wet.  There were a lot of people there sunning, walking, swimming, and kite boarding.  Pictures of Anne's Beach:

One of the most spectacular things along the drive in the Keys is the 7-mile Bridge.  It begins just West of Marathon Key and runs over to Little Duck Key.  

What's left of Florida East Coast RR, Key West Extension

We arrived in Key West around 2:30, checked into the Sheraton on the beach (near the airport), then drove into the Historic District and walked around, visited shops, and had dinner.  It was a little challenging with the dogs, since there aren't many places where they are welcome.  But we made the most of it and enjoyed the afternoon and evening.  Key West photos from Friday:

Teresa and me walking toward the Southernmost Hotel

Southernmost Point in the USA

One of many wild roosters in KW

The Strand is now a Walgreen's Drug Store

We had dinner at Old Town Mexican Cafe on Duval Street (where the pups could sit under the table), after trying Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville (pups had to sit outside on the sidewalk, while we ate inside....no way!). 

Saturday, January 12.......

First up....sunrise.  And it was spectacular.  I got up early and didn't want to wake Teresa and Judy, so I sneaked out with the dogs for a walk and arrived at the perfect moment of sunrise:

After marveling the beautiful start of yet another day, I glanced around and noticed quite a few people on the beach, kayaking and jet skiing in the water.  I wasn't quite awake, so I really didn't pay too much attention, until the crowed got thicker and I noticed many of them were wearing, or putting on, wet suits.  So, I asked....and found out that they were starting a Triathlon.  The pups and I walked by all the commotion and continued West along the ocean until we came across a Nature Trail, and since dogs were allowed, we walked it.  Then walked back to the Hotel.

Judy by then had ventured out to the beach and she took these photos:

Our Hotel, as viewed from the beach

Beautiful Beach!!!!

Then we began our search for breakfast, which became quite a challenge.  First up was Hogfish Bar and Grill, recommended by Lori Kasserman.  Off the beaten path and way over on the East side of Key West....but when we arrived we found out that it was only open for breakfast on Sundays....bummer.  We took a picture anyway to show that we tried.....

Next try was Blue Heaven, back in Old Town, recommended by Teresa's friend Brian Persall.  We got there around 10:00 am and the place was packed....long wait for a table.  We hated to pass it up because it really looked good, but we were getting really hungry, so we kept looking.  Again, Yelp came to the rescue....we found that Six Toed Cat, across the street from Hemingway's house, was dog-friendly.  Teresa called them and found out that there was no waiting, so we rushed over there.  Had a wonderful breakfast!  Finally.....

Since we were right there, Judy and Teresa toured the Hemingway House.  Of course, with over 40 six toed cats in residence, the dogs were not allowed, but I was content to take them for a long walk through the residential sections nearby instead.  I had toured the Hemingway House on my last visit to Key West.

Judy at Hemingway's

Reluctantly, it was now time for us to head back to Coconut Grove, our time in Key West had come to an end.  We had a very pleasant drive back, having lunch at another wonderful restaurant recommended by Peter Lyew, who works with Judy at LTC Properties....Islamorada Fish Company on Islamorada Key.  Fantastic lunch in a beautiful setting right on the Gulf of Mexico.

Beautiful spot, huh?

We arrived back at Dinner Key Mooring Facility in Coconut Grove after sunset, but managed to load up the dinghy and get back to the boat before it got too dark.  We are tired, but it was a great two days of unexpected beauty, fun, food, and togetherness.  Nice to be back on the boat and relaxing....

Day of Relaxation....

We started the day on the 8:00 shuttle for the pups and a load of laundry, followed by breakfast at Starbucks.  Dropped by CVS and the bank, then took the 11:00 shuttle back to the boat.

Then we decided to take it easy, catch up emails, and relax on board.  Judy and I took the pups ashore at 4:00, returning at 5:30 pm to find Teresa had started dinner and it smelled wonderful.  Judy got some puppy kisses while we were awaiting dinner:

Dinner being prepped

Oscar has a unique way of kissing

We watched another beautiful sunset....

And then enjoyed delicious Shrimp Quesadillas......

Followed by chocolate dipped strawberries!!!!  Teresa, you are too good!!!

South Beach

Today was a good day to go to South Beach!  We jumped into the car Teresa and Judy rented (a red Mustang convertible) and headed up to Miami Beach and had lunch in South Beach.  We ate at The News, a sidewalk cafe where I had eaten when I was here last a few years ago.  Then we walked over to the beach, and along the beach.  This is one of the best beaches in the world!

From there we drove up to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel.  We walked around taking pictures, then had a drink in the lobby before heading back to Coconut Grove.

Pictures are worth 1,000 words....so here are a few to describe our day.....

Judy (driving), Teresa (on right), and me (in the back seat taking the picture)

South Beach

Judy, taking a photo of her feet (inside joke)

The beach at South Beach

Judy and Teresa

The three of us.....

Teresa and Me

Lobby of the Fontainebleau Hotel

The main pool at the Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau

Teresa and Judy arrived.....

......yesterday afternoon, two days after Greg left for Italy.  I had a quiet two days, doing mostly cleaning and boat maintenance and getting things ready for company.  The thing I did not accomplish was getting the dinghy motor fixed.  Yep....another issue with the dinghy motor, but that's another story.

First on the agenda was lunch for Judy and Teresa, so we walked over to Main Street in Coconut Grove and enjoyed lunch at Lulu's....

Here I am with the pups on the shuttle from the marina to the boat.

We enjoyed an absolutely beautiful sunset before having a light dinner, playing a game of Domino's, then retiring for the night.  Sunset photos, of course:

After I took the dogs ashore for their morning walk, I came back to the boat and the three of us (Teresa, Judy, and I) returned to shore for much-needed showers, followed by a delicious lunch at Scotty's Landing.  Scotty's Landing is right next door to the Marina and has a very Caribbean feel to it.  I have heard from locals here that the USA TV show Burn Notice is often filmed here, as well as other locations in Coconut Grove.

After lunch, we did what every woman does on the first day of vacation....go get manicures, pedicures, massages, etc.....   Coconut Grove has a multitude of Spas and we checked out several before settling on two.  Judy went to one and Teresa and I to another.  Gotta do what's necessary.....

We returned to the boat and I grabbed the pups for their afternoon walk while Teresa and Judy stayed on board for a little relaxation.  The pups and I got back just in time for another spectacular sunset (will they every cease?).....

 I cooked a spicy pasta dish for dinner and now Judy and Teresa are relaxing while I finish this post.  We are tired and will no doubt sleep well tonight!

Greg's gone to Italy.....

It's a strange feeling tonight as I sit here working on emails and the Shearwater Newsletter, and no one's talking to me.  Greg left this afternoon, flying home to Annapolis for the night.  Then he will catch up with his brother, Bob, in New York to share a journey to the villages in the Piedmont Region near Milan where their parent's were from.  He won't be back until January 16.

But, I won't be alone (with the exception of the pups) long.  Teresa and Judy will be arriving early Monday afternoon and staying until the 17th!  I'm very excited about their visit....we always have a lot of fun together!  Judy has never been to this part of Florida, and the last time Teresa was here she was 5 years old.  We will enjoy sightseeing the area, and maybe take the boat out for a day or overnight cruise. 

So, beginning Monday, watch for posts about their visit. 

Old Home Day

We rented a car yesterday and ran half of our errands, then finished up this morning.  We finished early, so we decided to drive up to visit the area where Greg grew up.  He lived in this house in NW Miami (near Coral Gables) from the time he was 8 years old until he graduated high school and left for Georgia Tech.

He says the neighborhood hasn't changed much.  Many of the homes have additions and many also have front yard fences and bars on the windows.  He recalled where most of his friends lived, where he worked (Winn Dixie in Coral Gables), and the streets he played on.  He walked to elementary school, several blocks away.  I also took a photo of his elementary school.  While you could access the school from the front, the sides and back were completely fenced in.  Greg said that wasn't the case when he went there...he used to walk in through the back.

When we got back to the dinghy dock, and while I was loading up the dinghy with our Target bags, a fellow a few dinghys over told me to watch out for the Manatee.  I looked down and saw a huge Manatee, must have been over 250 pounds, right underneath our dinghy!  Needless to say, we cast off without starting the motor and waited until we were well away from this guy!

Greg worked the rest of the afternoon, while I did a few chores on the boat.  I also took the dogs ashore in the dinghy all by myself for the first time.  Had to do it sooner or later, since Greg is leaving on Saturday and Teresa and Judy don't arrive until Monday.

Then we went to see Christine and Al De los Reyes, Annapolis neighbors who live in a condo right across the street from our marina here.  We had a wonderful evening with them catching up, first in their beautiful condo, then at dinner at the Fontana Restaurant at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

Greg and me on Christine and Al's balcony.....

Christine and Al

Happy 2013

New Year's Day - 2013

Coconut Grove was peaceful and quiet on our walk this morning, but by our afternoon walk, everyone was out shopping, eating, and walking about.  We enjoyed calmer wind, warm temperature, and bright sunshine.

Here is a photo taken just after sunset of downtown Miami....about 6 miles to the North:

And a picture of Coconut Grove, through the mooring field with the breakwater and marina in the background: