ONE YEAR IN KEY WEST

One year ago this week, I landed in Key West. My only responsibility was to s/v Kairos, I owned no keys, and felt free as a bird. This morning, I grabbed my keys, climbed into my car and drove to work. My life has changed drastically in one year. I'm not complaining, I like my life, it's great. I'm close to my daughter and her family, have a fun job, a wonderful boyfriend, and planning my next boat build.

What's that song that Miranda Lambert sings... "Famous in a small town". Key West is that small town. It may have thousands of tourist visiting every day, but it's still a small town, and everyone makes it into the paper eventually. Last week, it was my daughter and her family, front page... and back page.

Working at the locally owned hardware store, I see the contractors and their employees everyday. Sometimes many times in one day. I don't spend much time with them during the transaction, but enough to chat and learn a little about them. Each of the cashiers have their own "fan club"; those customers that will wait in line for a particular cashier, even tho there are two open registers. Yes, I too have a small fan club. I've been called many enduring names: sweetie, sugar, doll, baby, honey, darling, mama, beautiful, and been told "I love you". Been asked out for drinks, dinner, and even gotten an offer to be a mistress. WOW! Yes, that one shocked me. Doesn't he know how small this town is? Or, does he not care anymore!

Key West is an interesting place, and maybe a one-of-a-kind. It attracts a variety of individuals. I can usually tell the sailors from the power boaters, and the locals from the snowbirds. The young people are usually only here for a few years, then they move on. If you don't have a strong pull to the water, if you are here for the "party" atmosphere, the new wears off after a few years and the financial strain is too much of a burden, and you move on.

I have decided that Jim Michalak's Mayfly 14 is the perfect boat for me. The plans have been copied from Jim's book; enlarged, studied and I'm making a list of lumber needed. I want to know the cost, and an approximate build time. My plan is to start the build this summer, when there is plenty of daylight after work. I'm excited about this boat, and feel I will be able to get a lot of sail time with a Mayfly 14. Now, to just convince Chuck that one more boat will fit on his property.



Chuck's favorite line is: "Some people have an alcohol or drug problem. I have a boat problem, and I don't want a cure."

Yes, there is a house behind the boats.

I think the boat count is up to 12... what's one more!

RACE WEEK

photo by Andy Newman

After weeks of strong gusting winds in Key West, I sit here looking out over the water one day away from the 2014 Quantum Sailboat Races... and the palms are motionless and the water looks like glass. Great conditions for power boats, not so good for sailboat races, but I'm sure it will change.

Last year, I sailed into Key West aboard Kairos during race week. The marina was humming with excitement, boats coming and going. I will see the races from a different view this year. Several customers in the store this week buying anchor chain, shackles, and wearing matching jackets with sponsor logos, are participants in this year's race. A few telling me "ciao", and one familiar face to many... Dale Earnhardt Jr. I don't know if he's here because it's race week, or just when he decided to take a vacation.

photo by Tim Wilkes

The races start Sunday, the 19th. The marinas will be buzzing during the day, and the bars busy with race chatter at night.

photo by Tim Wilkes

There is always something going on in Key West. We are always looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry! This week.... sailboat races!

BIRTHDAY CRUISE

Chuck:  What do you want to do for your birthday?

Me:  We could go out to eat.

Chuck:  Have you ever been on a cruise?

Me:  No.

Chuck:  Would you like to?

Me:  Absolutely!

After checking on dates and destinations, it was discovered that there was no way we could go ON my birthday, so we got as close as we could: leave January 2, 2014. Cozumel, Mexico… here we come! 

Chuck had a friend that was to be in Cozumel the same week, so plans were made to meet and go diving the afternoon we arrived. The dive gear was packed, along with swim suits, shades, caps, short sleeve shirts, and shorts. We were prepared for a warm weather vacation. 

On the morning of the 2nd, we arrive in Miami and board CARNIVAL VICTORY. After getting settled in, we wander around and land on Lido Deck… where we found food, TV, pool, and a waiter waiting for us with a couple drinks. This seems the perfect way to start the cruise.

Hungry, we quickly find the buffet and help ourselves. 

Miami in the background.

Two of our friends, Ed and Deb, booked the same trip. I met them a few months ago when they came to Key West for a visit. It was good to have them along.

Ed and Deb

Most of our time was spent in the dining room, Casino, or enjoying the comedy shows. Turns out it was rainy and cold most of the time, which kept most away from the pools and hot tubs… but it was a little too cool for us too. On the last day, the sun came out and it was very warm. I thought, I will go up to the Adults Only deck and soak up some sun and take a dip in the hot tub… turns out, all 3600 passengers had the same idea. It was so crowded, I made a lap around the deck, didn't find a single chair open. I headed back to the room and took a nap while Chuck enjoyed a lively game of Texas Hold 'Em.

Our best find on the ship, was Sylvia at the Martini Bar, soon to be known as "Sylvia's Bar". She was a hoot! The Mini Martini Tasting was our first experience at Sylvia's Bar, and we had a blast. We shared all eight of their samplings, tasting each to discover our favorite. Mine? Sea Blue, yummy! Sylvia put on a show for us. She poured all eight at the same time, but claimed she could pour up to 12 at a time, and would do that the next time we came to see her. Did we go back? Of course Silly!

Friday was a windy day as we headed south to Cozumel. The seas climbed to 10 - 15 feet, and combined with the winds, the ship started to rock. Luckily, this didn't affect me at all. HOWEVER, this was not the case for everyone on the ship. Just outside the dining hall, we witnessed a young woman making a mad dash for the Ladies room, being chased by a server with a bucket in hand. She wasted that meal! Many of the young ladies were dressed in their party attire, complete with four inch heels. It was quite a sight watching them walk down the halls bouncing off the walls as the ship rocked and rolled. I was fine in my flip flops, and experience aboard heeling sailboats on rough seas. Again, I was fine.

Saturday afternoon, we rolled into Cozumel at 1 o'clock, along with the storm. It was decided the conditions were too bad to go out diving. Chances were great something would get broken, or someone would get hurt. Diving was called off and a new plan was set in place: meet at Woody's for a drink, snack, catch up, and take a stroll down memory lane. I heard many stories of finding treasures in the waters of Key West. Everyone was wearing a Spanish silver coin on a gold chain, part of the treasure that was found by Mel Fisher's crew in The Keys. Jim was a member of the crew, and found 18' of gold wedding chain. He was paid in Spanish silver coins, cool huh? Okay, everyone but me has a coin, but maybe someday. 

Heading back to the ship in Cozumel.

Our room was on the first deck, and very roomy; large bathroom, two hanging lockers, three drawers, a couch and a towel animal with two chocolates every night. The staff greeted us by name every time they saw us. and seemed genuinely glad to see us. That, or they are good actors. 

Did I have a good time? Definitely! Will I do it again? Absolutely! This was the best birthday present I have ever received. Thank you Chuck for making this a birthday I will never forget!

CHRISTMAS 2013

I booked my flight home for Christmas, last summer to get a good rate. Luckily, my employer didn't have a problem with me taking a week off for my holiday visit. Three days before Christmas, I was soaking up rays in warm and sunny Key West. Two days before Christmas, I was freezing my butt off in West Texas. The cold dry weather irritated my nose and aging joints. It was not pleasant.  I love my family, but dang they live in harsh conditions.

We had a small gathering this year. Only two of my mother's grandkids made it down. My daughter and her family couldn't make the journey. We usually Skype with them if they cannot attend, but due to sick kids, worn out mother, and working father, it just didn't happen this year. My son hurried off to work before we thought about posing for our annual Christmas Photo. Bummer. Did he do that on purpose? He's not fond of having his photo taken.

As far as gifts go, I made out like a bandit: cool T-shirt, cool sunglasses, a beautiful bracelet, and a GoPro! Yeah, a GoPro… now you guys will have to endure… I mean, get to view… videos from another angle. How cool will that be! I have already purchased a bag for the camera and accessories, and am planning cool stuff to do with it.

Burrrrrr.....

MOM: 21 DEGREES, WINDCHILL 10.

ME: BURRR… 81…. FEELS LIKE 84. :-)

My mother has entered the world of the smart phone. She has been keeping me abreast of the weather in Lubbock, Tx, through texting… where I will spend my Christmas week. They have been having some very cold weather lately, as low as 10 degrees. Wow, I don't own a coat, and only one long sleeve shirt. Guess I will spend most of my time in the house, or borrow a coat. I do hope my brother will take me for another ride on his motorcycle while I'm there. Last time I went riding with him, it was in the low 30s, and I was bundled up enough that I didn't get cold. That, or I was just having so much fun that I didn't notice I was cold. Either way, it didn't scare me off of riding in the winter.

When the temperature is 83 degrees, and you can lay in the sun and tan, it just doesn't seem like Christmas is almost here. That's okay, because I will have my one week of winter, and it will come at the perfect time… Christmas week. I can then return to the tropical weather of Key West, FL.

A couple days ago, my daughter sent me a photo of her and her husband, coming from the beach, with Frosty in the background. What's wrong with this picture?! NOTHING!!! I love it. Most of Key West is draped in Christmas lights, and it's very festive. One of my co-workers won first place in the "Best Decorated House", and it glows. Reminded me of the Chevy Chase movie.... Christmas Vacation.

Chuck asked me the other day, "Are we going to put up a Christmas tree?" Since neither one of us will be in Key West during Christmas week, I didn't think it necessary. As far as my shopping is concerned, I am almost done. I believe I have done better this year, picking out the perfect gifts. Some a little unusual, some practical, but I believe all will be appreciated. The only one I am stumped about, is for Rocket, my 18 month old grandson. He is too young to fish or snorkel... so fins and rod & reel are out. He does love balls. I think he will be the athlete of the family.

I accompanied Chuck to Marathon for a Children's Christmas Fair, where the Mason's provide a free child ID service. Christmas music and dance programs from the local dance studios played on the stage. Everyone was sporting their shorts, flip-flops and Santa hats in the 84 degree weather. Just doesn't feel like December to me. Life is different in the Keys.

EXPLORING

My bike has felt a little neglected. It's been too long since we took a ride, and I was feeling restless. I had not explored all the roads in Chuck's neighborhood, until today. I found a quiet little beach that probably only the locals know about, because it's tucked away far off the beaten path.

The road is barricaded to car traffic at the beginning of the beach. It appears that maybe past hurricanes have not been kind to the road, so it was closed. However, bikes and pedestrians can continue on... so I did.

Then the overgrown road ended, there was a path that led on down the shoreline. Me, being the "wonder what's around the corner" type person, I continued on foot.

Along the path was this fence with various types of shoe. I suppose this is the lost and found?

This took me by surprise... but I continued on. What?! I had to see The Stone House!

It wasn't quite what I expected, although, I don't know what I expected. It looks like it is a dead tree that someone used as a cornerstone for a "fort". Remember those structures you built as a kid and played make-believe in all summer? This is the adult version. Actually, it was kinda' cool. My amateur photography skills couldn't capture the ambiance of the place, or show the rooms very will.

Left of one of the entrances, is the bow of a small fiberglass boat. Nets and other washed-up parafanalia decorate the house, inside and out.

Past The Stone House, the path became more rocky and wet. My leather flip flops are not appropriate footwear for water, so I turned back. I did however, notice a couple people taking advantage of the designated "clothing optional" area. Next time, I will wear my water shoes and explore farther down the coast. Hummmm... I have always wanted no tan lines....

GATOR'S TOY

Gator's favorite toy is a coconut, and there is no shortage around here. The cut-out collects them with every flood tide. Gator's first stop when he goes outside, is the cut-out. When he sees a coconut, he looks at me. Yes, he has me trained... I go down and get them for him. He will spend days chewing on the outer husk until he has it peeled.

The other day, I was outside trying to work on Scoot-Scoot (no, I haven't totally abandoned Scoot-Scoot). Gator got down to the fruit, and had it cracked. I took it away from him before he totally destroyed it, so I could finally see a fresh Florida coconut. With the help of a screw driver, I pried it in two. I tasted the milk... tasted a lot like wter to me. Not much flavor. I let Gator have the rest of it, and he seemed to enjoy it.

It's too bad that I don't like coconut, because I would have an unending supply of fresh coconut. When I go back home for Christmas, I will take a couple for the family. Gator's job is to shuck them for me. He will gladly do it.