Key West Day 3

Sorry we haven’t posted in a while, but we have been busy orienting ourselves. Or trying to.

We are docked at the Galleon Resort, very close to the center of town. The amenities are wonderful: Fresh water pool; hot tub; salt water beach; Tiki Bar; waterfront restaurant; and even same-day laundry service! YOWZA! The marina is very dog-friendly, but the resort is not. As a consequence, I have had to learn to create a little “me time”, leaving Guinness on the boat so that I can enjoy the pool.

The weather is perfect: warm and sunny with a constant breeze.

On Day One, we decided to take the “World Famous” Conch Train Ride to get the lay of the land. It was – without question – the most confusing orientation I’ve ever experienced, bar none. You are submersed in a tidal wave of corny jokes and worthless trivia and factoids, and the route crosses itself over and over, so that at the end of the ride, you can be pretty sure you’ve seen everything, but you have no idea how to find it again! 🙂

The area right around our marina surprised me in a very positive way…it’s authentically nautical, with three antique schooners and a LOT of pleasure boats, along with all the commercial and tourist craft you’d expect. Here’s a view of one from our slip. Nice view, huh?

And the town really is CUTE!

Pretty bungalows with lots of gingerbread trim.

And more substantial homes, as well, that remind me of Nantucket.

I think one of the oddest things about Key west is the indigenous chicken population. I’m sure there’s some interesting story behind them, and I’m sure Bob – my Conch Train Engineer – told me all about it…probably a shipwreck or Conquistadors or Aliens, or something. But anyway, these chickens are ALL through the city. On every corner, in any piece of shrubbery. Naturally, this created quite an opportunity for Guinness. He entertained everyone chasing the chickens. It was literally an EXPLOSION of squawking and flapping. But the laughter died when he actually caught one. Came trotting back to me with a dead chicken in his mouth.

Turns out they are PROTECTED.

What? They are like feral cats.

Oh well, we beat it before we got arrested. Since half the town already knows Guinness by name, I’m thinking of having him dyed a different color for anonymity.

Today he found a new sport. I took this photo just before he leapt off the dock into 30′ of water to chase a marine iguana. I’m sure I’ll find out they are protected, as well. Needless to say, poor Guinness is now experiencing a lot more time on the leash than he is used to.

Well, we’ll say good-bye for now from MILE ZERO on US Route 1. Loving it so far!