Key West

We drove down to Key West yesterday, about an hour and a half south if us. It's definitely a major tourist destination. We parked the car and walked around, it was a very hot day, about 30! We stopped for lunch at the "half shell raw bar" on the marina. We basically were walking around trying to choose a restaurant, were in front of this place and asked a customer coming out how was it? He said great! Very good! So that made our decision easy. The place had a large bar area and more of a local vibe. The restaurant is large and open with picnic table seating. We sat by a window on the marina and watched huge tarpon swimming by, a parrot fish, all kinds of other fish. Reading some material at our table we discovered it is also a fish market that supplies the keys, a family run business for many years. Looks like we lucked out again! They had a very extensive menu. I chose the crab cakes, instead of the sandwhich they had listed I asked for them on their own with some greens. Rog had the fish and chips, hog fish was the servers suggestion so he went for that. We'd never eaten hog fish? Turns out it's terrific, a white flaky fish, battered lightly and not your typical one or two fillets, little pieces. Of course we sampled each other's dishes, both were super good! Rog had a rum runnner, and I had a mango daquari, our new favourites. We then strolled around town, checked out a couple of awesome galleries, one featuring a variety of artists, including local and Cuban talent. We told the curator of our experience with the refugees landing on our beach and she had tears in her eyes. Rog showed her some pictures he'd taken with his phone and she loved them. Said they were amazing shots! Another gallery, the "Millionaire Gallery" was very interesting and featured collections of memorabilia and photography of actors, athletes, and some absolutely stunning photography of landscapes by Jeff Mitchum, who apprenticed under Ansel Adams. We were mesmerized by his work! There are tons of shops on Duval street, clothing, jewellery, ice cream shops, etc. We loved the charming old homes and inns. We walked over to the southern most point. We were tempted to stay the night, walked past an inn named "the Merlin"! So we inquired about rates but they were full so we decided to head back. We may go return once more while we're here? The town is cozy and I'm sure there's quite a night life happening there. Here's a few shots.

Old bridge on the way to Key West

 Super aqua water...

 Interesting bar...fitting sign

Caught the very last moment of the sun setting. Below, one of those huge tarpon that were swimming around the marina, a fisherman told us they are coming down through here for the next 3 months and make a good meal for the baracuda who are waiting for them. As for us, only sport fishing as they give you a big fight! Not good for eating. Interesting, always learning new things!