A Key West Post

I wonder how many people find and read this "conch" blog and wonder why I rarely talk about Key West. Sorry! I will today.

Yesterday we got wind that a woman was swimming from Cuba to Key West and was almost here (64-years old, 5th try, 103 miles, 54+ hours). So we headed toward the beach and discovered that every single person on the island had the same idea. CNN was there, and so was a little drone flying overhead (freaky).


As it turned out, we arrived just as Diana Nyad swam up. Oddly, the reporters and ambulance weren't anywhere near where Nyad came onshore. I dared Michael to photo bomb this guy, but he wouldn't do it. I was too chicken too.

We made our way over to where the masses were and then were surprised when Nyad was rushed right by us down the beach. She looked like she was in a lot of pain (her poor mouth). And the people carrying her looked like they were a little pissed the ambulance wasn't closer (I have no idea why they didn't move the stupid thing when they realized she was down the beach).

My photo sucked. Photo from Fury Facebook

Way to go Diana! On Tuesday, local officials announced that Key West was honoring Diana Nyad with a parade. I don't think there's another place on this planet that likes their parades as much as Key West.

Once the show was over, Michael & I went to the West Martello fort. You'll remember, I was just there a couple of weeks ago. Shade. Glorious shade. Here are a few photos of the things I missed when the camera died last time.

This was a pretty waterfall that looks like poo in this photo.

I'm glad I have Michael back to do silly things for me again.

Then we headed home for a wardrobe change, all the way down to the underwear. We were so drenched in sweat that it looked like we had swam from Cuba too. That done, we decided to head to Turtle Kraals to take advantage of their happy hour and were handed tickets to the turtle races. And Michael's turtle won! Go #4! It turns out that several people had #4, and all of them were given a key. Each person tries the key in a treasure chest and if it opens, he/she wins the prize money ($350). It didn't open. Boo.

Tomorrow, we hit the road. We're going to wean ourselves into this and visit friends we made while sailing. They've had two kids since we last saw them and happen to be in FL for the month, so it's time to meet the new crew. Then we'll slowly drive back down the coast and see if any place looks like a winner. We'll check on our furry brats, and then rent a car again (we're debating if this is the time to buy one but are still mentally fighting the fact that we're staying in the US), and drive up the gulf coast. We've also sent an email to an eco-lodge in Belize and a resume to a Marriott on Maui. Let's see what happens.