I had told you all I would pick up again and tell you about Bill’s BIG 50 Birthday! I will tell you all about that and our time in the Keys, but first, real quick, I want to show you a few pics of this place we stopped at on our way down called “Coral Castle”. It was made by one man, named Ed, all by himself and no one knows how he did it because he did it mostly at night. I really don’t know how to describe it, so I will just show you the pics:
We had arrived in the beautiful Florida Keys and set up for our 2 week stay at Sunshine Key RV Resort, MM38 on the Overseas Highway. The CG is basically the only thing on Ohio Key, complete with its own gas station, store and marina.
We celebrated Bill’s birthday by heading to Key West. Bill had done some research and learned that Fury Water Adventures offered a free ride on any of their boat tours to anyone who had a birthday that day! I called and got us the last 2 seats on their Live Music Sunset Sail, which was aboard a very large catamaran, and included wine, beer, margaritas and snacks. We arrived in Key West early and decided to start the party at the Lazy Gecko. We got a couple of drinks and some wings, which were very good!
The sail was scheduled to leave by 4:15pm, so we arrived in plenty of time to get checked in and relax. The music was very good, the band played a nice variety of things, including some 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, mostly stuff like James Taylor, a few Beatles, Rod Stewart, etc. The snacks were ok, we were glad to have gotten something before hand. The wine was ok, and Bill said the margaritas weren’t bad. The sunset was gorgeous, but of course, we were in Key West. We chatted with a couple who were very nice, vacationing from somewhere very cold up north, I think Minnesota. They were fascinated by our lifestyle and asked a lot of questions. Bill and I didn’t mind, we love talking about our RV and all it involves.
After the sail, we walked on Duval Street and just enjoyed watching all that was going on. There are always people doing crazy things, and very often street performers. Sometimes people with their parrots, and you can pay them to let you take your picture with them.
Our last stop of the night was for dessert – you will NEVER guess the name of the place. Go ahead try! Ok, I will tell you – the restaurant name is “Better than Sex”. Look it up if you don’t believe me. The whole place, from the décor to the names of the desserts and drinks, is very seductive. Bill ordered a “Twist and Shout” with a “Gyration” and I had a “Tongue Bath Truffle” with a “Lucky Shot”. I warned you about the names, didn’t I? I am not sure we would go back, but only because it was very expensive – around $50 just for dessert, but my hubby doesn’t turn 50 everyday, does he?
Other things we did in the Keys:
One day I was up early and decided to catch a few pics of the sunrise – this is the best one – with the 7 mile bridge
hung out by the pool and took a walk around the campground
spent time at the beach – this is Bahia Honda State Park
Here is pics of another day we spent at Bahia Honda State Park – we actually went snorkeling, but sadly no pics of that b/c I was afraid to take the phones on the boat. They had RX goggles so I tried it, I was able to spend about 10 – 15 minutes in the water, but got a bit nauseous, so got out and just watched Bill. He spent the whole time out there, about an hour and a half total, and saw all kinds of fish. When we got back, we stayed for the sunset – it never gets old.
One day we learned about sea turtles at the Turtle Hospital. They have a few permanent residents but mostly they release turtles back into the wild after their treatment is complete.
Another day in Key West
We took a bike ride to Pigeon Key and saw a guy in a boat catch a Sawfish – he had to let it go b/c they are endangered.
Another day we went to the beach at Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key.
The brakes on my car have always been a pain in the butt – needing to be replaced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, instead of 50,000 miles like most of the time. We were heading to Key West on our last full day and they started acting up, making a lot of noise and rubbing. Bill got out and felt the tire (it’s mostly the rear driver side) and it was HOT! So, we sat and waited for it to cool off, and while doing that, he looked up and found a Napa Auto Parts on the way back to the CG. We stopped and picked them up and back at the CG, he replaced the pads on both sides. Thankfully it didn’t take too long and we were back on our way.
Our last evening in Key West
Our next stop is North Fort Myers – catch up with you then!
Wow, those are really awesome photos, and you guys are truly having the time of your lives (oh, did you hear it’s snowing again in NJ?!!) . You really know how to find the best places to visit (I was once at that plaque at the Southernmost tip. Had a paperweight that looked like it, but gave it away during the downsizing, which was kind of silly since it doesn’t take up that much space
Thanks for reading, Cheryl! I did hear about the snow – we still have family and friends there!
And – to be honest – it isn’t all that hard to find great places in the Keys – since amateurs like us were able to do it!
Your photos are amazing! Loved the moon, pelicans and manatee! You can tell you sure enjoyed your time in the keys! Glad Bill had a great birthday!
Thanks Debbie – we did have a great time! It was bittersweet leaving – we were “sort of” ready to move on – we were going to be spending time with Jo and Ben – but also didn’t want to leave!
Love reading your blog – got to get better about commenting!
Great photos! Lived in Florida our entire lives and couldn’t wait to head out west. It’s nice reading other’s perspective of our home state. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading, Joan! We love FL in the winter – not so much in the summer!
Love love ten Darth Vader pic with the glow in the dark banjo 😄
I took that one mostly for my son, he is a big Star Wars fan! It never ceases to amaze me the ways people come up with to make money!