Florida Keys
February 21st, 2006
The Florida Keys
We are still in the Fl. Keys, getting some fiberglass repair work done on
the front end of the boat. It looks like it was hit and repaired before we
bought the boat. The repair appears to be more of a “patch it until you
find a real fiberglass man” because it started to crack and spread like a
spider. We found water in the bottom of the front hull so we decided to
take the time to get it repaired properly.
We are currently in Marathon Key, which is about midway down the chain of
Keys. If you have never been to the Keys, especially driving them, I will
try to give you a good description. The Keys have been interlocked by one
long, two lane highway. It crosses 3 dozen islands over bridges and
trestles spanning lengths from less than 50 ft. to the famous Seven Mile
Bridge connecting the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. Some of the Keys are
so narrow that we have watched the sun rise over the Atlantic set into the
Gulf of Mexico just by crossing the road. I remember doing that in the
Outer Banks off North Carolina also.
Fishing, boating and diving are the main sports of the Keys. The largest of
the islands, Key Largo, is also the gateway from the mainland to the Keys.
The marine preserve, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the premier
diving site of the Keys. It is relatively shallow diving with lots of coral
damage from years of abuse before it was established as a marine preserve.
Efforts are being made to protect the reefs so others can enjoy it in the
future. Most of the commercial development occurred in between the 40’s and
50’s and is reflected in style and architecture. The main thoroughfare is
lined with modest/cheap hotels and resturants,(which could be considered
funky but they aren’t) strip-mall shops and fast-food places. This
characteristic continues through the Middle and Lower Keys until you reach
Key West. The neighborhoods on most of the Keys, especially Marathon, are
comprised completely of trailers and R.V.s. It has an ambiance of it’s own!
I remember the first trip we made to the Keys, I felt like I was
experiencing a “blast from the past”. Most of the population is either
retired folks or burn-outs with leathery skin, cigarettes hanging out of
their mouths and in general sporting a “hard life” look and affect.
Key West, on the other hand, is a jewel, the prize at the end of the long
slow highway! Key West is one of the Lower Keys which is very different
from the Upper and Middle Keys. It is tropical whereas the Upper and Middle
Keys are subtropical. Key West has lush yards with hibiscus, oleanders,
frangipani, date and mango trees and coconut palms rustling in the breezes.
It has, over time, been the wealthiest Key, attracting famous artists,
writers, including Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams and musicians.
One of my favorite things to do is bike ride through the gorgeous
neighborhoods enjoying the unique style of architecture and canopy shaded
streets.
Both of us love Key West. We have come and gone from there many times and
each time we feel a little more at home. It is truly a funky place with
great restaurants, an endless stream of bars offering daily and nightly live
music, an artist community and very colorful locals. A lot of them are
harmless Jimmy Buffet burn-outs with long beards & dreadlocks riding
Harleys, but then there is another aspect of the culture which adds another
dimension of character. We have met artists, musicians, mind-body workers
and general local color just sitting at the bar for breakfast instead of a
table, or drinking beer and listening to live music in the bars where all of
the local people hang out. Key West is definitely a place we will return
to.
We will head to the Bahamas later this week. No more phone calls or
internet onboard, just beautiful clear water, shades of aqua and turquoise,
to swim in and enjoy. Please use our K6mai@winlink.org for correspondence.
Thanks. Hope is well with you.
Jeri and Michael
