Key West Quest

The ride from Key Largo to Key West takes about 2 hours, but we all felt it was something we wanted to do. It was more than worth it, with ocean and bay vistas much of the way.

We stopped at the Parrotdise Waterfront Bar and Grill in Little Torch Key for lunch. Nobody had the featured wine (see sign); we opted instead for a round of Key West Sunset Ale. We learned from the owner that lower keys people regard anyplace north of the Seven Mile Bridge as the mainland.

We found a parking space not far from the madding crowd at Mallory Square, the center of Key West's tourist area.

The downtown area is full of colorful shops, restaurants, and sidewalk bars. One of Key West's mottoes is "a small town with a big drinking problem." The three huge cruise ships in port added to the throng.

As Kathy and I passed Irish Kevin's, the entertainer spotted us from the stage. "Hey, Michael McDonald," he bellowed, "bring her in here and we'll get her good and shitfaced." That's why everyone is looking at us.

We were apparently being stalked by pirates. Avast, ye scurvy knaves!

Another obligatory stop: the southernmost point. You can practically smell the cigars across the strait.