- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
Monday 13th August Key West aka Mama said thered be days like this
Although I was awake at 5, I decided that both boys needed to catch up so let them both sleep in. Meanwhile, I took up residence in the bathroom and wrote up my notes from the day before. Today we were going to Key West and, even more exciting, we had plans to meet up with another DISer, Karin (dizneeat), and her brother Tom. Karin and I have been friends for a couple of years now, since I started reading her wonderful trip reports and food reviews on the DIS. I happened to mention, on one of her reviews, that I loved a particular brand of biscuit served to them on one of their flights. Next thing, Karin had kindly offered to send me some in the post. Imagine my surprise when a HUGE box of Austrian goodies showed up on my doorstep. To say that she was a very popular lady in our household was an understatement
To our delight, Karin and Tom were going to be staying in Key West and were arriving on the same day wed planned to visit so it would have been a crime not to try and get together. Discussions were held and plans were made to meet for dinner at Turtle Kraals in Key West. Fate tried its best to conspire against us that day and, it appeared that maybe we wouldnt get to meet at all. So, did we get to meet? Stay tuned and find out
Back in the room, it was after 8am and I decided that the boys needed to be up. I was already showered and ready before the boys surfaced so I popped down to the Starbucks concession in the hotel lobby and grabbed a tea for Gary and a couple of cinnamon rolls for breakfast ($12.03).
Yummy, cinnamony goodness
We really wanted to be in Key West by 10 but we werent ready to leave until gone 9. This probably should have been the first sign that things werent going to go according to plan today. Given that this was supposed to be the laid back part of the holiday, though, I tried my best not to get too uptight about it. I had decided to minimise what I was carrying today so left the camera case back in the room and just put the camera into my bag. Soon, we were on the road. We drove down the overseas highway, taking in the sights and snapping pictures along the way. Driving across seven-mile bridge was just unbelievable and I still cant get over how breathtakingly beautiful the view is.
Its just a road, why is it so damn pretty?
It was quite odd to see the old Flagler railway by the side of the road, in the middle of the ocean.
Oops, where did the track go?
I had just turned the camera on to take some more pictures and the low battery light came on. No prizes for guessing where the spare battery was
We arrived in Key West and easily found the car park at Key West Bight. Thank goodness for Copilot, I suspect we would never have found it without. It cost $16.25 for all-day parking (makes Disney parking prices look cheap), however it was very close to where we were meeting Karin and Tom so it suited our needs. Plus, it saved us having to drive all over Key West looking for a metered (or free) space.
I wasnt too worried that we were behind schedule as there were only two things I definitely wanted to do today visit Hemingways House and have our picture taken at Southernmost Point. I had originally planned for us to go to Southernmost Point early, before it got too hot or crowded, however since it was already 11.15, it was obvious that wasnt going to happen so we decided to save it for later. We had pre-purchased tickets for the Old Town Trolley but, although there was a trolley stop right next to the car park, there was nowhere to exchange our vouchers. We decided to walk to Mallory Square and exchange our vouchers there. That way we could also start the tour from the beginning. We walked past Turtle Kraals and around the harbour.
Oops, someone smashed the car
Turtle Kraals
Which way then dear?
We passed stop 3, where I exchanged our vouchers and bought tickets to Hemingway House ($30). Gary went to buy a couple of bottles of water, although I have no idea how much they cost since he wasnt very good at keeping receipts for things he paid for. In fact, the only time there are no costs in this trip report will be when Gary bought them and I wasnt there to get the receipt.
Look at me!
We were going to just jump on the trolley at Stop 3 but Daniel and I both needed a comfort break. Since there were no public restrooms nearby, we decided to continue on to Mallory Square and use the restrooms in the shopping mall there. Outside, we waited at the trolley stop.
Custom House, Mallory Square
It was really hot and we were all just a bit fed up by now. We were even more fed up when an Old Town Trolley turned up and went sailing past without even stopping. When the second one passed, I marched across to the booth to find out why, only to be told that the Old Town Trolleys left from a different stop to all the others, outside the Key West Aquarium. Eventually we found the right place and discovered that the next trolley left at noon, giving us just enough time for a quick refreshment break.
Key Lime Pie on a stick!
We also got an orange slushy drink no idea of the cost (you know why). The key lime pie on a stick was delicious but very messy. We just shared one, which was more than enough, although Daniel kept moaning that he wanted one to himself.
We caught the 12 oclock trolley but it was barely 5 minutes before we were at stop 5, the stop for Hemingway House, so we disembarked there. We got our tickets and entered the grounds of the house.
The house was really beautiful, as was the garden. Gary pointed out that, had I ever got round to writing that novel Id always wanted to write, we could be living in a house like this.
Who lives in a house like this?
There was a guided tour leaving in just under 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that, rather than look around ourselves. Meanwhile, Daniel asked if he could wander round the grounds and garden while we were waiting. I suspected he wanted to try and find some of the famous polydactyl (6-toed) cats so we agreed he could wander round by himself as long as he stay out of trouble.
Cats with thumbs
The tour started and our guide led us from room to room, telling us a little about Ernest Hemingway as we went. At one point, he asked where we were from and then made a joke about being disappointed that Piccadilly Circus isnt?!? He repeated it three times but it still wasnt funny.
Inside the house of Hemingway
After wed finished touring upstairs, we were walking around the upstairs patio area when I spotted Daniel down in the garden. He appeared to be limping or walking funny. I quickly went down and asked him what was wrong. It was then that I noticed he was soaking wet. It appeared that, while exploring, he had managed to slip and fall into a small stream at the bottom of the garden. Not only was he soaking wet but he was filthy too. To say I was fuming would be an understatement. I was so ashamed but angry at myself too for not having kept a closer eye on him. I felt like such a bad parent at that point, I can tell you. The biggest problem was that, as Ive mentioned before, Daniel suffers from heat rash and we had discovered previously that the combination of being hot and wet was a sure-fire way to bring it on. I was really annoyed that he had more or less ruined the day. There was no way that we could continue with the tour now and it looked as though we may well have to cut our day in Key West short too. I was all for abandoning our remaining plans and heading back to the hotel; however Gary suggested that we catch the trolley back to Mallory Square and try to buy him some clean clothes. Of course, by this point, Daniel was upset at the thought that he had ruined our day out. There were tears and recriminations all round.
The trolley arrived as we reached the stop and we jumped on. Since we were only at stop 5, we had to stay on until the trolley arrived back at the beginning, back at Mallory Square. However, it was so warm that, by the time, we arrived at the stop for the Southernmost Point, Daniel was only damp so we decided to at least try and get our picture. It did make us laugh that the trolley driver was talking about the boo-ey and we couldnt figure out what she meant until we realised she meant the buoy
We were dropped off right by the Southernmost Hotel on the Beach, which I knew is where Karin and Tom were staying. I did have a quick look to see if I could spot them on any of the balconies but no luck. It looked lovely and I think I would like to stay here if we ever came back to Key West.
Southernmost Hotel on the Beach
We joined a small line of people waiting for pictures and fairly soon it was our turn. Of course, typically, it was at this point that my camera finally gave up the ghost. Luckily, I had my mobile phone with me in case Karin and Tom needed to get in touch. Although the camera on my phone isnt great, it would have to do. A nice family waiting in line behind us agreed to take our picture and we returned the favour for them.
Could we BE any further south?
Continued in the next post
Although I was awake at 5, I decided that both boys needed to catch up so let them both sleep in. Meanwhile, I took up residence in the bathroom and wrote up my notes from the day before. Today we were going to Key West and, even more exciting, we had plans to meet up with another DISer, Karin (dizneeat), and her brother Tom. Karin and I have been friends for a couple of years now, since I started reading her wonderful trip reports and food reviews on the DIS. I happened to mention, on one of her reviews, that I loved a particular brand of biscuit served to them on one of their flights. Next thing, Karin had kindly offered to send me some in the post. Imagine my surprise when a HUGE box of Austrian goodies showed up on my doorstep. To say that she was a very popular lady in our household was an understatement
To our delight, Karin and Tom were going to be staying in Key West and were arriving on the same day wed planned to visit so it would have been a crime not to try and get together. Discussions were held and plans were made to meet for dinner at Turtle Kraals in Key West. Fate tried its best to conspire against us that day and, it appeared that maybe we wouldnt get to meet at all. So, did we get to meet? Stay tuned and find out
Back in the room, it was after 8am and I decided that the boys needed to be up. I was already showered and ready before the boys surfaced so I popped down to the Starbucks concession in the hotel lobby and grabbed a tea for Gary and a couple of cinnamon rolls for breakfast ($12.03).
Yummy, cinnamony goodness
We really wanted to be in Key West by 10 but we werent ready to leave until gone 9. This probably should have been the first sign that things werent going to go according to plan today. Given that this was supposed to be the laid back part of the holiday, though, I tried my best not to get too uptight about it. I had decided to minimise what I was carrying today so left the camera case back in the room and just put the camera into my bag. Soon, we were on the road. We drove down the overseas highway, taking in the sights and snapping pictures along the way. Driving across seven-mile bridge was just unbelievable and I still cant get over how breathtakingly beautiful the view is.
Its just a road, why is it so damn pretty?
It was quite odd to see the old Flagler railway by the side of the road, in the middle of the ocean.
Oops, where did the track go?
I had just turned the camera on to take some more pictures and the low battery light came on. No prizes for guessing where the spare battery was
We arrived in Key West and easily found the car park at Key West Bight. Thank goodness for Copilot, I suspect we would never have found it without. It cost $16.25 for all-day parking (makes Disney parking prices look cheap), however it was very close to where we were meeting Karin and Tom so it suited our needs. Plus, it saved us having to drive all over Key West looking for a metered (or free) space.
I wasnt too worried that we were behind schedule as there were only two things I definitely wanted to do today visit Hemingways House and have our picture taken at Southernmost Point. I had originally planned for us to go to Southernmost Point early, before it got too hot or crowded, however since it was already 11.15, it was obvious that wasnt going to happen so we decided to save it for later. We had pre-purchased tickets for the Old Town Trolley but, although there was a trolley stop right next to the car park, there was nowhere to exchange our vouchers. We decided to walk to Mallory Square and exchange our vouchers there. That way we could also start the tour from the beginning. We walked past Turtle Kraals and around the harbour.
Oops, someone smashed the car
Turtle Kraals
Which way then dear?
We passed stop 3, where I exchanged our vouchers and bought tickets to Hemingway House ($30). Gary went to buy a couple of bottles of water, although I have no idea how much they cost since he wasnt very good at keeping receipts for things he paid for. In fact, the only time there are no costs in this trip report will be when Gary bought them and I wasnt there to get the receipt.
Look at me!
We were going to just jump on the trolley at Stop 3 but Daniel and I both needed a comfort break. Since there were no public restrooms nearby, we decided to continue on to Mallory Square and use the restrooms in the shopping mall there. Outside, we waited at the trolley stop.
Custom House, Mallory Square
It was really hot and we were all just a bit fed up by now. We were even more fed up when an Old Town Trolley turned up and went sailing past without even stopping. When the second one passed, I marched across to the booth to find out why, only to be told that the Old Town Trolleys left from a different stop to all the others, outside the Key West Aquarium. Eventually we found the right place and discovered that the next trolley left at noon, giving us just enough time for a quick refreshment break.
Key Lime Pie on a stick!
We also got an orange slushy drink no idea of the cost (you know why). The key lime pie on a stick was delicious but very messy. We just shared one, which was more than enough, although Daniel kept moaning that he wanted one to himself.
We caught the 12 oclock trolley but it was barely 5 minutes before we were at stop 5, the stop for Hemingway House, so we disembarked there. We got our tickets and entered the grounds of the house.
The house was really beautiful, as was the garden. Gary pointed out that, had I ever got round to writing that novel Id always wanted to write, we could be living in a house like this.
Who lives in a house like this?
There was a guided tour leaving in just under 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that, rather than look around ourselves. Meanwhile, Daniel asked if he could wander round the grounds and garden while we were waiting. I suspected he wanted to try and find some of the famous polydactyl (6-toed) cats so we agreed he could wander round by himself as long as he stay out of trouble.
Cats with thumbs
The tour started and our guide led us from room to room, telling us a little about Ernest Hemingway as we went. At one point, he asked where we were from and then made a joke about being disappointed that Piccadilly Circus isnt?!? He repeated it three times but it still wasnt funny.
Inside the house of Hemingway
After wed finished touring upstairs, we were walking around the upstairs patio area when I spotted Daniel down in the garden. He appeared to be limping or walking funny. I quickly went down and asked him what was wrong. It was then that I noticed he was soaking wet. It appeared that, while exploring, he had managed to slip and fall into a small stream at the bottom of the garden. Not only was he soaking wet but he was filthy too. To say I was fuming would be an understatement. I was so ashamed but angry at myself too for not having kept a closer eye on him. I felt like such a bad parent at that point, I can tell you. The biggest problem was that, as Ive mentioned before, Daniel suffers from heat rash and we had discovered previously that the combination of being hot and wet was a sure-fire way to bring it on. I was really annoyed that he had more or less ruined the day. There was no way that we could continue with the tour now and it looked as though we may well have to cut our day in Key West short too. I was all for abandoning our remaining plans and heading back to the hotel; however Gary suggested that we catch the trolley back to Mallory Square and try to buy him some clean clothes. Of course, by this point, Daniel was upset at the thought that he had ruined our day out. There were tears and recriminations all round.
The trolley arrived as we reached the stop and we jumped on. Since we were only at stop 5, we had to stay on until the trolley arrived back at the beginning, back at Mallory Square. However, it was so warm that, by the time, we arrived at the stop for the Southernmost Point, Daniel was only damp so we decided to at least try and get our picture. It did make us laugh that the trolley driver was talking about the boo-ey and we couldnt figure out what she meant until we realised she meant the buoy
We were dropped off right by the Southernmost Hotel on the Beach, which I knew is where Karin and Tom were staying. I did have a quick look to see if I could spot them on any of the balconies but no luck. It looked lovely and I think I would like to stay here if we ever came back to Key West.
Southernmost Hotel on the Beach
We joined a small line of people waiting for pictures and fairly soon it was our turn. Of course, typically, it was at this point that my camera finally gave up the ghost. Luckily, I had my mobile phone with me in case Karin and Tom needed to get in touch. Although the camera on my phone isnt great, it would have to do. A nice family waiting in line behind us agreed to take our picture and we returned the favour for them.
Could we BE any further south?
Continued in the next post
Oh, I hope you get to enjoy a piece of key lime pie on a stick very soon. It might not be the same but close enough, surely 
