Bob dropped by this morning and asked if we wanted to go with he and Lynn to the flea market at Big Pine Key. Obviously we are always open for new adventures.
And what a fun day. We ended up purchasing several "must have" things (that we don't need).
Then off to a great lunch a "No Name Pub". It is really off the beaten track, but with the trusty GPS, we found it. A great treat!
We had heard several people mention the "Navigator" at Boca Chita Naval Station a few miles North of our campground. On the way back from Big Pine Key, we dropped by it. A beautiful setting for a restaurant/beach/party place. We'll go back next week.
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| Bob and Lynn Hector from Havelock. |
The spot behind us came available today, and it is closer to the water, plus we can turn the coach around and face the water, so we moved 50 feet. The view is pretty doggone good.
This afternoon I went on a 15 mile bike ride around the area with a group of fellow campers. It's been a while since I've ridden that far, and my butt is sore.
A neighbor brought over some fresh fish they had caught, so tonight we invited Bob and Lynn over to have some of Clara's delicious chowder.
The wind has picked up again and it's supposed to be windy a good part of the week. That might cut down on the swimming in the Gulf.
Monday, March 7
It was nice to wake up this morning and look out at the Gulf. This is probably one of the best sites in the entire park - just wish we had electric hook up. But, we've adjusted to "dry" camping rather well. We just have to remember to keep the little Honda generator in fuel. It's a great machine and doing it's job magnificently. I've learned more about the motorhome electric system these past few weeks than I ever knew.
This afternoon we went downtown to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. We have heard some great comments about it and had been waiting for a good day to go - and today was it. I never thought I would enjoy spending 2 hours watching butterflys, but I certainly did - and enjoyed every minute.
They claim to have over 50 butterfly species and 20 bird species in the enclosed habitat.
And the birds
After the Conservatory, we went to Blue Heaven for drinks and dinner. A great afternoon and evening.
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| Clara enjoys hanging out with some of the locals |
Tuesday, March 8
It is windy, but at least its not blowing on shore from the Gulf. Supposedly, the next couple of days are going to be windy - up to 30 mph. No swimming in the Gulf.
We met Lynn and Bob downtown for Happy Hour, trying out a couple of restaurant/bars. A pleasant, warm day.
Wednesday, March 9
No special plans for the day. We're just relaxing and enjoying the warm tropical breezes (which are quite strong still).
This afternoon, some guys started setting up for kite surfing (at least that's what I think it's called) on the beach in front of the motor home. Shortly, a lot of the neighbors were sitting around watching these guys get ready and heading out on the water. They provided an afternoons entertainment for all.
As they neared the end of the day, one young fellow comes over and asks if he can sit in the shade for a while. Come to find out that he and his father are from Charlotte. He's a senior in high school and his father is a retired Air Force pilot now flying for UPS. We enjoy talking to both he and his father, plus his fathers friend, an Air Force instructor pilot.
A nice afternoon's entertainment.
This evening we had dinner at the Sunset lounge just around the corner here on base.
Thursday, March 10
We're getting very comfortable lazing around the house and not doing anything. Today, the guys showed up again kite surfing and put on an all afternoon performance.
We had lunch at the Navigator Lounge at Boca Chita. We had actually gone to get Clara's military ID card renewed, but found that she needs two forms of picture ID and she had only one. We'll have the second one tomorrow, which gives us another excuse to go back to the Navigator Lounge.
Friday, March 11
This morning we went back to Boca Chita and got Clara's new military ID card. While there, we went to the on-base marina and stopped by to see some acquaintances from Beaufort who live the winter on their sailboat here.
We stopped at the end of the runway and watched a few planes landing. There are a lot of planes from foreign nations that come here for training.
On the way back we stopped at Hogfish Grill (which had come highly recommended) - and it was excellent. It's on Stock Island, which is what is the commercial fishing district.
This evening, Bob and Lynn came over and we had dinner outside. Surprisingly, we haven't done this in a while.
We'll be leaving here Tuesday morning and slowly heading North.
