Having Fun, and Getting Things Done

View from site

We've been here in Key West for almost two weeks and we're really enjoying ourselves. We ended up spending only two nights in the Overflow area before rotating to a full hook-up site. We were lucky to get a site on the end of a row with a clear view of the ocean. Here is a photo of our sunset view.

Shortly after arriving in Key West, I decided to make up a batch of Bajan Rum Punch and introduce Fran and John to the merits of this libation. I do believe they enjoyed it, and I know Lynda certainly did!

The infamous annual Fantasy Fest kicked off right about the time we arrived in Key West. Despite the rainy weather, the festivities were in full swing and so we decided we should at least take a look. So we went into Old Town with Fran and John. I have to be honest and say this just isn't my thing, at least not anymore. 25 years ago, I might have participated (ha!) but now I'm of the opinion that most people should keep their clothes on at all times. In any event, it was still entertaining to watch the spectators' reactions to some of the more outrageous costumes and antics.

Lynda, Fran, John

As we were walking out of town, we went by the Schooner Wharf Bar and happened to hear Raven Cooper belting out a Janis Joplin song. Well that was it for us... we went in, ordered a beer and settled in for a while.

Raven Cooper

Turns out it was Woodstock night, and Raven did an amazing job singing songs by legends such as Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, Joan Baez, Joe Cocker, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

Fran and John took us kayaking a few days ago at the Naval Air Station marina on Boca Chica. They have their own double kayak, and Lynda and I rented single kayaks from the marina. It was a fun afternoon, but very breezy and so we kept to sheltered areas. We plan to go again in a couple weeks.

Kayaking at Boca Chica

We wrapped up the afternoon with cold beer and hot food from the Navigator Bar and Grill, all to the sweet sound of Navy FA-18 Super Hornets launching and landing.

We've been enjoying taking the dogs for long walks around the campground, and just love the laid-back pace of the area. We've also been riding our bikes all over the place. For the past few months, both our bikes have been plagued by flat tires and then John showed me some tricks for easily replacing the inner tubes. Viola! No more flat tires!

A few nights ago, Fran and John taught us a complicated but intriguing card game called Hand & Foot. I partnered with Fran and we soundly thrashed John and Lynda! Hmmmm... maybe I shouldn't gloat; we might get destroyed next time.

Lynda and I were excited to make dinner reservations at Bliss Restaurant, just off Duvall Street. We had read excellent reviews that indicated this restaurant served Latin-Caribbean food, which I love love love. Long story short, our meals were OK but there was nothing particularly special on the menu in the way of Latin or Caribbean dishes. I will admit the Sangria was excellent, but would expect nothing less at $10 a glass. I doubt we'll go back to Bliss - there are so many other restaurants in Key West, why bother with just "OK"?

Now that we've been living in the motor home for a couple months, we've been fine-tuning where/how we store things and generally getting more settled in. And I've also been puttering with minor repairs and tweaks - for example, I replaced the bathroom vent's fan motor and blade assembly and it now spins so quietly we hardly notice when the vent fan is running.