Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway wrote many of his novels in Key West. His habit was to write from 6 am (not matter how wild the night before) and wrote 500 words a day. He would walk to his writing studio over a bridge that went from the balcony outside his bedroom. This is a snap shot of his studio, although other sources have said that he preferred writing standing up at a bookcase in a corner of his bedroom. The bookcase was not to be seen.

Hemingway writing studio

Touring his home is a wonderful way to make the writer come alive. The tour leaders have some very entertaining stories about the “goings-on” in the house.

Another tour worth taking is of the Audubon House. The house and gardens have been restored as a step back in time to the world of a wealthy maritime pilot and salvager, Captain John Huling. He built the house in the 1840’s as a residence for his family, members of whom lived there for more than a century. It was the first house restored in Key West starting in about 1958 and sparked the Key West restoration movement.

Visit the house and it’s furnishings to see how a wealthy family lived in the era when frequent shipwrecks on the offshore reef created a flourishing ship wrecking industry. It is called the Audubon house because it was originally thought that Audubon himself stayed there while visiting to work on the 22 local birds represented in his book “Birds of North America”. The rumor turned out to be untrue although Audubon’s painting of the white-crowned pigeon features a Geiger tree like the one found in the home’s front yard. The gardens themselves are worth a visit with many rare and unusual tropical plants.

Heliconia – Lobster Claw

New fronds of the Flame Thrower Palm are bright red, turning to green in a few days.

Flame Thrower Palm

The beach on the other side of the island is gloreous, but without much shade on a hot day.

Higgs Beach

A sunset cruise should be a requirement.

Sunset Cruise

Sunset

There is lots more to do including snorkling, visiting old forts and historical sites. Key West was the only southern city to remain in Union hands during the Civil War.

And lastly, no visit to Key West is complete without Key Lime Pie. This one voted the best on the Island, Mile High Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven.

Mile High Key Lime Pie

On our way back home to Northern California.

Silver Airways

Thank you for visiting.

Welcome to Key West

In many ways Key West feels like another country. It is only 90 miles from Cuba and has a distinct Caribbean feel to it. The original settlers were Spanish, and it has that element as well. Finally, the party atmosphere on some streets reminded me of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Music is everywhere, this time more “Jimmy Buffett” style. Key West has a rich history, it’s been home to famous writers (Hemingway), adventurers, and pirates. At one time it was the richest per capita place in the US due to the successful salvage operations. They estimated at least one ship wreck a week, or at least a ship that had to be towed off the reefs for the outrageous price of 50% of the cargo. It was a very lucrative business.

The island is only 4 miles long by 2 miles wide, easily navigated by bicycle. We found lots to do from beach relaxing, exploring ruins, nature conservatories, botanical gardens, sunset cruises, fishing, snorkeling, exploring art galleries, restaurant hoping, and people watching. Duval Street definitely has a party atmosphere.

The hope is that travel restrictions between the US and Cuba are loosened. If that happens it is anticipated that ferry service could start between the Keys and Havana later this year.

Here are a few pictures from our Key West Adventure.

One of our most interesting visits was to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Now, I’ve been to butterfly conservatories before. But never have I seen the variety and number of butterflies I saw in Key West. Here are some examples.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

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There was even a pair of lovesick flamingos in full plumage.

And the food, excellent seafood in settings that are not much more than shacks. Most everywhere is very informal, shorts, sandals and T-shirts.

Chickens have the run of the place and the roosters will wake you at all hours, not just dawn. They are protected and navigate the crowded streets freely, a line of chicks in tow.