I went for a run this morning down to the beach towards the White Street Pier and got the most amazing photo of the sun peeking through the clouds… since I missed sunset last night, it was the answer to my need for a sky pic! Also caught the local chickens/roosters along the route, which pretty much rule Key West. After a shower and quick breakfast we left our “garden apartment” (picture here), and got on the road fairly early as we were driving the full length of the Keys today and hoped to stop midway at one of the State Parks along the way. The day was warmer but cloudy and still a bit windy so it was a good day to drive.
We have been trying various Key Lime Pies as we travel, trying to find the truth in advertising among those claiming “the best”. So far it’s Sandy’s — a Cuban sandwich shop next to the laundromat leading the polls.
A stop in Curry Hammock State Park just past Marathon wasn’t as we had hoped for a walking trail, but the wind was up and there were a dozen kite surfers out on the water. They went so fast, and then would fly in the air as they turned around to go the other direction like ballerinas leaping. Not a sport that I would try — too extreme for me — but great as a viewer.
I will admit that when I heard our next stop after leaving Key West would be Homestead all I could think about was Hurricane Andrew, which devasted much of south Florida in 1992, but really did the most damage to Homestead. My memories of the media at the time was that this area had quite a few mobile homes, since it seems that the media always focusses on trail er parks when storms come in since they tend to take the most damage, so make for really good photo ops. Anyway, I did wonder if we were in for another mobile home experience. The good news is no. But this place is another example of an interesting airbnb.
Our hosts, Natalie and Jeff have about an acre and half and can have as many as 28 guests at one time. We are in the main house, in a typical bedroom, but there’s a pool house with two bedrooms/living room/kitchen etc, as well as 4-5 airstream trailers out back with various configurations. We met other airbnb guests — a couple from Boston travelling around FL for 5 weeks and a Canadian father and son on their way to the Keys. We cooked dinner in the communal kitchen and had a vigorous conversation with the Canadians. Natalie and Jeff joined the conversation at some point, which is how we learned about how they turned this condemned property to what it is today, after divorces and kids who didn’t care and ex’s who took everything, etc. I forgot to mention the rabbits — a hundred maybe — sounds like they are sold for slaughter at some point. And there are chickens too — fresh eggs to go with the amazing breakfast spread they provide. And then there’s Clinton, an 83 year old man from Trinidad who is being cared for here — he has Alzheimers — but his son is a famous somebody in LA. Can’t really make this stuff up. Anyway, a nice room for the night, a good breakfast in the AM and then through the Everglades to the Gulf Coast.
key west garden apartment
homestead compound — main house
Ok…two thoughts. Actually, one challenge/question, the other an observation and a request for clarity…
Knowing you… “vigorous conversation”? Oh do tell!!!!!
And…since you’re detouring to some adventure in the lower hemisphere, how are you getting me a key lime pie?
We discussed the influx of immigrants into Europe vs. the U.S. — most of those into EU are from the Arabian peninsula and likely to be of the Muslim faith. It is changing the character of some towns in EU. No judgement, just fact. Became an interesting conversation — as it always does when you’re not talking to Americans.
And sorry on the Key Lime Pie — think we’ve left that district!
xo