Seeing the Keys with Family

Key Largo on the way down.

I suppose the time comes in ones life when they host family at their place. The opportunity to deal with the stress and planning that goes into the process. It adds a whole new appreciation to the effort our parents have put in for years. Even with all that said, it was a wonderful week. I was able to show them my new place, the local area, beaches and a beautiful trip to the keys. It was also nice to have my interior designer available to decorate the house, and of course they had to check on the dog.

It is safe to say that my house needed a women’s touch. The only other living thing in my life here is Hobie, and he really does not care what house looks like. Only that he has a yard, food and a toy being thrown for him. I was lacking some furniture that really tied the house together, like a dresser for clothes. I got some Christmas decorations as well. It feels a little more like a home.

 As for the local area, I showed my folks around the downtown, the beach, dog park, and dog beach. As always the diversity of the downtown is wonderful. We had a very nice dinner and I finally was able to treat them to dinner after three years of having a good job. Hollywood beach was enjoyed on bikes, as we were able to ride the entire boardwalk. Not too much of a workout, but a very comfortable way to take in the sights and sounds. The beach here, like much of florida is unbroken running down the coast. I am not one that really lounges on the beach, but I do enjoy my runs down there. Dinner around sunset is nothing short of spectacular, but the most memorable part is probably the “Cacoon” band. If you have ever seen the movie, you would see why the elderly having a good time to a live band fits the description. I found it just as amusing that my dad was trying to leave, while my mom just wanted to watch. She did not understand the signal that he wanted to go.

Hobie and Party Girl at the dog beach.

 After our night out with friends and the dogs, I had the opportunity to show my parents Hobie’s new lake, which just happens to be the ocean. Party Girl and Lee joined us there, and both dogs had a ball, or should I say “Kong”? Hobie enjoyed retrieving the kong from the waves as he always does. My folk enjoyed a walk on the beach and observing the other dogs. Party Girl chased Hobie around like he was the ball. Either way, they both got a good run. After a wonderful dinner that night with some old friends my parents had not seen in at least seven years, we were going to make out to the Keys.

The sun setting to the west.

Key Largo

Neither myself or my folks had ever seen the keys. A friend was kind enough to lend his house for our short excursion. We had heard from songs, and people that had visited that they were gorgeous. I have to agree that they are gorgeous, but different than I expected them to be. It is an area forged from rock and coral. Canals cut into both to provide waterways. Many places the water is no deeper than six feet, oftentimes just a foot to two deep. The water moves rapidly with the tide. I saw a small shark swimming against the current in a foot of water. The ground is like a fossil field of shells and coral. With the gradual slopes going into the natural areas, upside Down Jellyfish are seen basking in the shallow water. The Infinitely expansive landscape of water and tangled mangroves can be seen for as far as the eye can see.

The Pelicans of the Keys.

 

The Giant Lobser.

 The trip down is spotted with small seafood restaurants, dive shops, fishing charters and tourist traps. I have to admit we fell into a few, but they were highly recommended. How can you resist a giant lobster? What about feeding the tarpin and have them nearly swallow your entire arm for a fish? Don’t forget the bird’s, they know when food is coming. There is a beauty to it, as many areas have. Similar elements combined in a unique way to create something spectacular and reverent. The pictures always show the beach with a sunset. The Keys are a perfect place to have a few drinks, fish and relax in the sun. You may not be on a beach, but you will be in the sun.

Hobie Jumping in to the Canal!

The canal to the reef and ocean.

Our humble abode for the stay.

 Key West is what many people know of the Keys. Here is where you find those famous beaches and the lowest tip of the Continental United States. From here, Cuba is only 90 miles away. You also find the famous party scene, several famous bars and a very interesting history if you care to take a tour or just walk around. I suppose you could say there was some interesting artwork as well. There is a beautiful butterfly exhibit that leaves you with a profound sense of awe, a multitude of historical buildings and the location of a republic that went to war with the US throwing bread at the Navy ships off the coast. They then applied for foreign aid when they unexpectedly lost the battle in ten minutes. It is a unique place to say the least. Well worth visiting if you ever have the chance.

The Sun setting off Key West.

In all honesty, the trip was memorable because family was here. Whether we were exploring the keys, setting ups a Christmas Tree, getting some furniture for the house or just walking around Hollywood. I look forward to the next time, until then enjoy every moment.

They called this "Rooster in Drag"