Key West

We have good friends, Demaris and Kelly, who are snowbirds from Erie each year.  We were stationed with them in Okinawa, our first tour, and stayed in touch since.  Kelly retired from the Army and they have the time to come down and enjoy the warmth.  It's always great to see them and they know the Key West area and make great tour guides and hosts.  They also arranged a room at the Navy billeting so we could have a less rushed visit.  Perfect!!!

We are not go-just-to-drink people so we didn't actually go inside but we did walk by so I took a picture.

I can't believe I got a shot of an almost empty street.  It was just off the main drag.
We have found the best way to explore Key West is by foot or bike.  Drivers are crazy!

The old customs house. A gorgeous example of architecture and craftsmanship from the early
20th century.  The iconic stature of the sailor kissing the nurse on VE Day is no longer here but
there is this funky metal creature.  Not a fair trade in my mind.

This gate really caught my eye.  The detailed filigree in wrought iron was inspiring
and a sign of the talent at work in the keys.

This is my kind of front porch.  Lovely and inviting and full of plants!

For whatever reason, chickens of all types are protected in Key West and roam at will
This mama had a fairly large brood wandering the restaurant where we had lunch.

The adventurous chicks were trying to wander away from mom but she got them
back in line.

I love all the blooming plants in the keys even though it's still January!

A close-up of the blooms.  They were the size of saucers.

This is how cruisers wait on the bus!  Stay in the shade and find a seat.

The bikes ready to load.  We put one inside and the other outside if possible.  We know a lot
of working folks get to and from the bus stops via bike and don't want to hog all the bike spots
on the front rack of the bus.