Dave's Key West & Buffett 2011
April 20-24, 2011
Wednesday 20th
Southwest #1179 6:40 to Houston 7:35pm#1778 8:15 to FLL 11:30pm
Thursday 21st
Morning- pick up Rob & Mary at MIA then drive down to Key West.Been here at least twice growing up and I think three times for spring break in college, but the last time was 1993 I believe, way too long. So I was really looking forward to this trip.
Lunch stop at this place I love in Key Largo- got the chili and loaded cottage fries.
We lube up and put the top to the convertable down for the scenic ride.
On the Seven Mile Bridge.
Hotel = Orchid Key Inn $280/night#1 of 40 on TripAdvisor
We head west on Duval Street.
World's coolest Walgreens.
A Woman Goin' Crazy on Caroline Street
Sloppy Joes
Capt Tony's
sunset at Mallory Square.
We have some conch fritters.
Still not sure what the appeal of conch as a food is.
Kobe cheeseburgers before bed at what used to be Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Wikitravel
Friday 22nd
I was out the door by about 7am to walk to the ferry dock.
OK, I guess this is Key West...
Not a soul on Duval Street.
Bo's
Day trip to Dry Tortugas- fort, beaches, snorkelingWikitravel
April/May is best time to go!
Yankee Freedom- boating day trip $165
http://www.keywestseaplanes.com/ Check in 7:15am, depart 8am, arrive 10:10am
Fort Jefferson tour 11am (40min), lunch 11-1pm
Depart 3pm, back in Key West 5:15pm "Upon boarding at 7:25 am from Key West, you will enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, freshly baked bagels, doughnuts, cereal, orange juice, and coffee. En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard naturalist will give you an orientation about the area and the national park's surroundings. During your voyage to one of America's most remote National Parks, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, and frequent turtle and dolphin sightings. You can travel inside the main cabin in air-conditioned comfort or outside on one of the observation decks. The Yankee Freedom II also features comfortable cushioned seats, three restrooms, fresh water rinse shower, full galley serving snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks (on return trip only), film, and souvenirs. You will reach the National Park boundaries within 2 hours 10 minutes after leaving Key West harbor. Once at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will disembark at Fort Jefferson and have the option of joining a 40-minute guided tour. Following the tour and back at the Yankee Freedom II, you will enjoy a complimentary picnic buffet of fresh deli meats and cheeses (we also have peanut butter and jelly for the little ones), potato and pasta salad, chips, and soft drinks. Visitors can take advantage of the swimming, snorkeling, beach walking, exploring, birding, and the flora and fauna of this pristine island."
There were quite a few bird watchers on the trip.
If I had to do it over I think the seaplane would have been worth it vs 6hrs on the boat.
I spotted several conch, and there was some good sea grass, but not a ton of stuff.
After reboarding in mid-afternoon we will depart, arriving back in Key West at approximately 5:15 p.m."
Park info
I thought the bartender had a way cool t-shirt, so of course I found a way to get us some before we left town.
It was quite the conversation topic when Rob & Mary wore theirs at the concert.
Didn't get back to the hotel until after 6pm, where I caught up with Rob and Mary by the pool and hot tub.
8:30 dinner at Nine One Five
Had an excellent beef carpaccio, filet and fries.
Then we caught some live music (The Spam Allstars) at The Green Parrot. A good crowd there.
