Early January gave way to some epic hot and sunny days. Between school work we tried to get out and take advantage of every one.

We took our boat to Money Key just a few miles north of our campsite near the Seven Mile Bridge. Keeping up with it’s namesake Gavin found a quarter less than five minutes from stepping foot on the island.

The water was super clear, perfect for snorkeling and searching for Conchs.

We took our bikes to the north side of the Seven Mile Bridge and rode along the old section of the first Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key. Pigeon Key housed many of the workers who constructed the first bridge which supported a train track and now offers tours. We opted for the self guided ride.

It was around nine o’clock and hot. The five mile ride seemed longer in the tropical heat. If only there was surf here to help us cool off.

There are several structures on Pigeon key but only a couple people live full time on the island.

We were treated to a perfect view of three Spotted Eagle Rays riding the current flowing under the bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

Turn around and head back.

Key West

Hard to believe, but it took us three and a half weeks before we made our first of several trips to Key West. Although the drive is less than forty miles from our campsite we were too busy making the most of our time on on Sunshine Key to make the trek until now.

Seeing pictures of this spot from time to time through out my life, it was a bit surreal to be standing here with my family.

We parked a couple of spots away from ground zero marking the East coast’s Highway 1.

This beautiful house caught my eye when we first drove into town. We would later find out it was previously owned by Calvin Klein.

Key West has a colorful history and while we try to stay away from touristy attractions, a ride on the Conch Train provided great insight into the goings on of this southern most spot. The Conch Train’s conductor weaves through the streets of Key West narrating the history of it’s colorful people, politics, history and landmarks.

Back at Sunshine Key

Even though it was mid January, back at Sunshine Key we hung Christmas lights on Bungalow number one in anticipation of our friends arrival from California. Close friends from our neighborhood back home were making the trip to see us and hang in the Keys for a week. They reserved a bungalow on the water next to the fishing pier.  Our kids could barely contain their excitement as their two boys are our boys best friends. On top of that we had family consisting of Uncle Mike and Grandpa Pete coming in at the same time. We felt so lucky and appreciated so much everyone making such a long journey to see us.

As much as we hoped for a solid week of sunny weather for our company we were delivered a number of rainy days during their visit. It poured the first night so we hunkered down in our coach, made dinner and the men played poker wearing funny hats while the kids played games and the wives caught up.

We lucked out with a break in the weather so we headed down to Bahia Honda State Park.

Our friends had a list of things they wanted to do and we didn’t let any foul weather stand in the way.

Heading back to Sunshine in our small boat we beckoned the incoming foul weather to hold off. We laughed in the face of the impending storm.

 

We were back in the safety of our coach before the skies opened up. Mother nature always wins.

The following day gave way to an opening in the weather so we headed back to Key West with the whole crew.

Conch Train Tour for everyone while Laurel and I snuck away to a local watering hole.

Hemingway’s House

Hemingway’s house is a must see. His history career and history in Key West are legendary.

Our tour guide along with one of the resident six toed cats. Hemingway was fond of the creatures and had dozens living on the property during his life here.

Hemingway’s studio which sits separate from the main house had  it’s own private second floor entrance.

The boys and one of the many resident six toed cats.

 

We headed to the beach as the storm continued to move in to find SURF!!! I spoke with a local who said it gets like that once every, like…TEN YEARS.

The Conch Republic

The following day the weather cooperated so we piled in the boat and all headed to The Conch Republic next to Sunshine Key. Since we all couldn’t fit in the boat I shuttled everyone back and forth.

The following day our friends headed back to California. So sad to see them go as the visit was too short. We were so grateful for the time together and appreciate all the energy that went into making the trip.

We still had a couple of days with Uncle Mike and Papa Pete so we headed up to Isla Morada to check out a house Pete once owned, have lunch and visit Cheeca Lodge.

Pete’s old house is behind all the greenery. With eighteen inch cinder block walls, it was designed to withstand hurricanes.

Cheeca Lodge was the childhood playground for my wife and her cousins during their visits to the Keys.

 

It was fully remodeled in 2008 and hosts such distinguished visitors as George W. Bush and actor/musician Steve Martin.

After a tour of Cheeca Lodge we headed to a local lunch spot and continued to enjoy family time over local fare.

Parker lovin his lunch.

Thank you again to our family and friends for making the trip. It was great to spend time with everyone and we appreciate deeply your efforts to make it happen.