Road Trip - Day 22 - Key West

Day 22 - Key West

Para-Sailing - Swimming - Contortionists - Sunset

Mark at Marathon Beach

Waking up to clear skies increased the anticipation we were feeling about one of the major hilites of our road trip – Para-Sailing off the Keys!  We took a quick look at the beach in Marathon before heading south to Key West. Knowing that we would need to stop for a wi-fi connection (our hotel was not one of our favourite places for various reasons!!!), we left quite early as we had booked for the 1:00 p.m. event and needed to be there at least ½ an hour ahead of time.

Alan waiting for the Para-Sailing Team

The harbour, from which the boat leaves, is surrounded by luxurious hotels, restaurants, and up-market boutiques, dotted with ads for the various water activities available. Even though we were eager to get going, the environment was pleasant enough to allay any impatience!

Our captain and his assistant explained how to put on the safety harness and the procedure for ‘take-off’ and ‘landing’ on the back of the boat. It was so easy and it just seemed that we were gently whisked up into the air. The experience was both exhilarating and peaceful with views of the coast line and the expanse of the ocean as it spread out before us.

Ready to go

First 'Dip'

Second 'Dip'

Terrific view from up there!

We were ‘dipped’ three times (two more times than the other three parasailers) and felt that we were up there for longer than the ten minutes that had been allotted to us. It is definitely an experience we would recommend and we’re certainly going to repeat it in the not-too-distant future.

Upon our return, we made our way to the Southernmost Point on the Continental U.S. Typically, there were signs up claiming to be ‘The Southernmost Hotel’, ‘The Southernmost Guest House’, ‘The Southernmost House’ etc. etc. It was kind of interesting to be just 90 miles from Cuba.

Just 90 miles to Cuba

After pics were dutifully taken, we took a swim in the ‘Southernmost Beach’ where the water was warmer than the cool air around us.

There were a few others who were also swimming, but we stayed in the longest – probably because it was too cold for people from warmer climates. Crazy Canucks!!

One of the things we have noticed is that there are roosters roaming everywhere in the town – not sure why – but you can hear them crowing all day long!

Roosters crowing everywhere!

We spent the afternoon strolling around Duval Street and its surroundings, stopping for a slice of Key Lime pie – a must when you are visiting here! Ernest Hemingway had a home here, and frequented the saloon round the corner. (Of note, the place where we parked had a sign to say that he had passed out in this spot!!!)

We had found out that every evening, people gather in Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration - where street performers and musicians display their skills and talents. We watched a young man and his wife put on a show that was not only unique in some of the stunts/moves that they made, but that was thoroughly entertaining – thanks to his superb humour and great timing. He had the crowd eating out of his hand. He is an acrobat, and his wife is a contortionist. This combination is what made them unique.

Acrobat and Contortionist - very entertaining!

One man steel band!

I don’t think we’ve ever taken so many pictures of a sunset as we did here! Out of the 80 or so that we snapped, we have included the one we thought was best.

We kept wondering why they were called ‘Keys’ and not Islands. According to Wikipedia, "Key" is derived from the Spanish ‘Cayo’, meaning small island. Mystery solved – thanks, once more, to Google! Actually, the Wikipedia site is good for reading about the history of the keys.

From here, we start heading northwards – moving towards cooler temperatures and eventually back into the snowy areas. We’re gonna make the most of good weather while we can.

Happy, Fit, & Free !