Fun with friends in the Florida Keys

Ahhh, the uniqueness that is the Florida Keys.

Old Seven Mile Bridge - pedestrians only

Our friends Wade and Pam graciously hosted us for a long weekend at their place in Marathon. Beautiful unspoiled place on the water. The Keys, if you don't know, are a 112 mile long chain of islands just south of Miami with Gulf on one side and Atlantic on the other. Only one road in and out.

Had a manatee sighting in their marina while we were there. I know, it just looks like a big blob. Currently endangered but just announced that they have made enough recovery to be downlisted to threatened. Gentle, slow moving, ten feet long, 900+ pounds and at risk from humans mainly from boats and fishing activity.

sponger in action

On our way down to Key West, Wade stopped to point out a sponger. Yup, that's an occupation here. And we went to the sponge store - of course I had to buy one. I'll think of sponges slightly differently now.

Wandered around that craziness that is Key West. A little bit of everything.

Why did the chicken cross the road - haha

The chickens were everywhere. I didn't remember this from the last time I was here. A population explosion.

Fun with the spongeman. And this was pre- cocktail hour. Photos courtesy Wade.

The birds were with us everywhere...

And there were many forms of transportation.

Key West from up high - bigger than I thought. 25,000 pop apparently.

A much needed rest stop before the piece de resistance - sunset at Mallory Square. And yes, it was chilly - in tropical Florida.

Mallory Sq. is famous and we've never done it. People, food, drinks, and street performers as far as you could see.

And this - is the Catman of Key West. That Wade and Pam said we should not miss. He's been performing on Mallory Sq. for over 30 years. And he is.stark.raving.nuts. Or the best actor anywhere. We could only manage to stay for half his show. Treasured animals, no injuries occurred if there was concern. He has a website - catmankeywest.com  if you wish to know more. Wheeeeeeeeee.

And while watching crazy man this magnificent sunset was happening. Great fun all around - thanks Pam and Wade!