ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART FIVE

ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHTED!!


APRIL 15





Well, we find ourselves in Key West, the most southern United States town. I call it a town, a very compact town, because there are NO high rises or anything else that even small cities have. It's a very unique and interesting place. There is something missing from the last time I was here as a *wee lass*, the wild parakeets and small parrots. All gone. We're are in Key West today to mainly find the airport as we have a flight to catch tomorrow.



We find the airport. Well, it would be really, really hard to get lost as US1 turning into Truman Ave which runs down the middle of town. The other *major* streets Eaton St., South St., Reynolds St., Flagler St., and Atlantic Blvd. All these streets run into Duval St. called the longest main street in the world running coast to coast, because it runs from the Bayside (the Gulf of Mexico) to the Oceanside (the Atlantic Ocean). So, you would basically just go around the island one more time more time to find the place you want or find a place to park. Parking is a really big problem in Key West. The best thing to do is park in a lot and walk everywhere or rent scooters, little car-like scooters, electric cars or bikes.




We're driving around and people are still gawking at us. I come to realize that it's our car, the black Mustang Shelby GT convertible. It seems that no one has ever seen one of these cars before. Everywhere we go we are turning heads, people commenting on the car, looking inside to see WHO IMPORTANT could possibly be in town. It was really funny. Its just something we will have to get used too. (HEEHEE!) I know, it'll be tough. I should have gone out and bought some fake bling-bling, a wig and other * celebrity cammo*. Well, we were wearing sunglasses. What was funny, there were plenty of convertible Vettes, Jags, Mercedes, Porches and I even saw a Lamborghini.



The airport, like any small town airport, only this small town airport flies to exotic places like The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Haiti, etc. We are there to find the Seaplanes of Key West office. Find it and go in, only to find out that the flight we are inquiring about for tomorrow is today and it left without us and we are now *no shows* and they've been trying to get ahold of us since early this morning........ I look at my paperwork........oh man, it does say APRIL 15, oooopps, today is the 15th. I had left my cell phone back at the cottage because I had failed to charge it up during the night. *I've left 3 messages on your cell phone and two with the desk on Conch Key.* GEEZ! What a screw up!! I don't know how I lost a day. Jet lag, maybe? After paying out close to $500, we missed our flight and could possibly not get our money back and miss the coolest trip on a plane ever. I inquire about getting on a flight the next day. *I'll have to see, but I think we can get you guys on. Call before you start down here in the morning.* With that taking care of it's.......


Time to go see some sights and cruise around Key West, since we are somewhat of an attention getter. Was kinda cool, actually. We head for Whitehead Street.



Part Six will be our sight seeing trip for the 15th.

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART FOUR

ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE, NO DOWNLOADING PLEASE!




APRIL 15





Get up this morning to find it cloudy, the clouds usually burn off by mid morning, windy and fairly cold. We still braved the day with our shorts and t-shirts. *It'll warm up.* Off we go. Top UP on the Shelby GT. Leaving the Marathon area we drive over the Seven Mile Bridge, which was in the movie *True Lies* starring Gov. Arnie and Jamie Lee Curtis. Nothing on either side but beautiful bluish green water and a scattering of islands here and there.

Speed limit over the US1 is 45 or 55 (short spots) miles per hour. Takes you some time to go from point A to point B.



Today we head west (by compass heading) for Big Pine Key and the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuse. As you enter Big Pine Key there are warnings everywhere about the deer and the speed limit reduces down. Looks like newly placed fencing up on the sides of the road to keep the little deer in or out, depends on how you look at things. We find the turn off to the park, but it leads us into a strip mall. Huh? Just following the sign........drive through the parking lot looking for the *office* for the park. Buzz around a couple of times, don't see anything, library, clothing store, grocery store, laundry mat, but where is the *office*? We exit the parking lot and find the sign again, yep, it's in here somewhere. We aren't the only ones having problems finding it. It seems we are part of a small parade. We finally find the *office* and listen to the volunteer lay out the map for us. I notice that there a chickens all over this parking lot. Off we go what seems to be a residential road.



First stop is a freshwater rock quarry called the Blue Hole. The words *rock quarry* makes my mind think of Fred Flintsone, he worked in a rock quarry. What did they *quarry* out of here? Limestone. The Blue Hole is the only one of its kind in the entire Keys. It's inhabited by a pair of alligators, which we saw one, turtles, which we saw none, no birds, it was pretty disappointing. The only thing there in abundance is poisonwood. This stuff grows into trees and is something like poison ivy. Looks nothing like poison ivy though. I was afraid to touch anything green. The wind was blowing so hard and it was cold, we didn't stay long and I didn't take any photos either. Down the road alittle bit is the Jack C. Watson Nature Trail. We braved the elements and walked this trail. The trail winds around and makes a big loop through all kinds of palm trees, slash pine, which looked like a fire had gone through sometime back and burnt it all. The slash pine was just dead trees. Poisonwood everywhere here too. I had my camera out already to take some pics of the little deer, but didn't see any. Didn't see any creatures but a vulture and one little butterfly. It would have been exciting to come across a Eastern diamondback, but they were hiding too. So, we were disappointed, but that's nature. The palms and undergrowth was pretty thick, so the deer could've been there and we just didn't see them. We decide to head into Key West to spy out the town and see where the airport was for the next day.


We finally get to the town of Key West. Time for lunch. I'm noticing something very strange happening. People are looking at us. We find a place to eat. Pull up into the parking space and three guys are gawking at us. What's up?


Stay tuned for part five, our first day in Key West.

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART THREE

ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE SO NO DONWLOADING PLEASE!

APRIL 14

We went to the Everglades today. A dream that I've had for a long time.

Some background........With an 1.5 million acers, this protected section of Florida's Everglades covers the southwestern end of the state and a vast section of shallow Florida Bay dotted with tiny keys. There is no other park like it in the world. Geologically and climatically unique, the Everglades is a 50 mile wide subtropical *river of grass* flowing almost imperceptibly from Lake Okeechobee to the sea. To fully appreciate it, one needs to spend time there, for it does not overwhelm with spectacular scenery. Rather, its gentle waving grass dotted with stunted bald cypress, its clear ponds, its hardwood hammocks and pinelands are home to plants and animal life native to both the Caribbean Islands and the temperate Untied States. ( Hidden Florida Keys & Everglades by Candase Leslie and Ann Boese, pg. 75)

Up early morning, hopped in the Shelby GT and headed up the Keys toward Miami. At 344 St. we make a left hand turn heading for Florida City. Florida City is a rich farm land area. We saw migrate workers picking tomatoes, green beans, summer squash and peppers, just to name a few. We also saw orchards of mangoes, papayas and avocados.

Entering the park by the main park area, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Looked around at all the exhibits and paid our $10 at the gate. We are on our way to the 38 mile road through the Everglades.

First stop, Royal Palm, which contains two trails different as night and day, even though they are just feet from each other. The Anhinga Trail is a 1/4 mile loop boardwalk trail that winds through saw grass where we saw tons of alligators ( it was mating season), fish, like the Florida gar, largemouth bass, bluegill and unfortunately non-native fish like the Mayan cichlids, tiger and common oscers (also cichlids), which have impacted the native fish in a bad way. The trail is named after a big bird. We saw one sitting on a nest in a tree. I couldn't get a clean shot of it. We hung out here for awhile watching the male gators * posturing* for the affection of the only female I saw. The sound the males were making was interesting, a kind of hissing grunt. We were surrounded by males. Thank goodness we were up on that boardwalk trail.

Just across the way was the Gumbo Limbo ( I love saying this) Trail. This is a 1/2 mile loop that winds through a jungle like tropical hardwood hammock reshaped by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Along with the Gumbo Limbo trees, which the native Indians call *peeling man*. The trees are red in color with peeling bark. They used these trees to make canoes and in cooking gumbo. We also saw a variety of ferns, some as tall as me, air plants, royal palms. The strangest and interesting of all was the strangling fig. It starts out on a host tree and eventually takes it over and nothing is left of the host tree. It had long twisted roots, that go everywhere. This place is a thick jungle. I wondered as I walked along the path at what the first humans must have thought and how they even dared to enter this place. With the thick forest, alligators, panthers, and other dangerous critters.



Back in the car we drive to Pa-hay-okee (American Indian word meaning *grassy sea*) Overlook. Elevation at this point was 4 feet above sea level, we were actually going up hill. This 1/4 mile boardwalk trail takes you through dwarf cypress trees and the slash pine, to an observation deck overlooking the 8 mile wide *sea of grass.*

We were a little late to see the migrating birds. Did see one white heron in the distance. The only birds I saw was these guys. I think they were crows.

Next we go to the Mahogany Hammock. The 1/2 mile boardwalk trail crosses the Glades and loops through a subtropic tree island with massive mahogany trees, including one said to be the largest in the United States. I think we saw this tree. We talked under a monster tree, with all sorts of air plants hanging off it. We didn't see any critters. The trees and jungle enviorment certainly was impressive.

Our next stop was at West Lake were we ate our lunch. After lunch, we walked the 1/2 mile boardwalk trial through the thickest forest yet. Without the boardwalk it would have been totally impossible to travel through here. This forest was made up of the white mangrove, the black mangrove, red mangrove and the buttonwoood mangrove. Each mangrove has it's own characteristics. The lake was experiencing an algae bloom, so we weren't able to see anything in the water. Plenty of osprey flying around though. There are osprey everywhere in the Glades.

The last stop was Flamingo. Flamingo has all but been destroyed by hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Not much is left but the campground. Didn't see much here. Quite a few osprey and their nests.

Going to Big Pine Key tomorrow to the Key Deer Native Wildlife refuse to see little deer the size of dogs. Should be pretty cute.

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART TWO

ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE, SO NO DOWNLOADING PLEASE!










APRIL 13

Some background......The Marathon area is located in the middle of the Keys. One reason why I picked to stay in this area. The area takes in Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, Fat Deer Key and the largest Vaca Key, which was named by the Spanish because of the abundant population of manatees (sea cows). Vaca is Spanish for cow. To get to the Marathon area you cross Long Key Bridge. This is the first place you get the sense of driving into the sea. With the blue sea melding into the blue water the horizon seems to go on forever. It's a sight to behold. I would have to say, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

After going into Marathon for groceries, coming back to the cottage and making something to eat, we were off to the Dolphin Research Center located on Grassy Key. The Center was founded in 1940, as a marine educational facility. The Center is the oldest dolphin facility in the Keys. Swimming with the dolphins is a concept that originally started here over 35 years ago.

We didn't swim with the dolphins, but we went to all the educational demonstrations. It was pretty interesting. We also found out that Flipper from the old TV show, his daughter and three grandsons call The Center their home. In fact, the TV show was filmed not far from there.

The Center also has the oldest dolphin at 40 years old. They only live to be 20 years old in the wild and shorter in *captivity*.

We got to see the trainers give medical attention called *extra watering*. This involved putting a short tube down the dolphin's throat via the mouth and giving it a mixture of water and vitamins. They do this because even though the dolphin drinks water, they need extra water at times to remain healthy. If the dolphin needs medicine, its given at this time too.

After spending time with the dolphins, we headed back to the cottage for some relaxation. With only getting four hours of sleep, a nap was involved. Later, we did some kayaking from our private beach, took in a sunset, BBQ'd and met some of the other guests.

Tomorrow the Everglades.

Looking out to the Atlantic Ocean from the private beach.

Duck Key in the distance. Another shot from the private beach.

Top down, the convertible top that is, crusin' US1.

Ibis in the pool.

My first underwater shot. I have no idea what this thing is. It was like *breathing* on the bottom side.

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE PART ONE

ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE, SO NO DOWNLOADING PLEASE!!

THE FLORIDA KEYS

Some background......the Florida Keys are connected by 43 bridges. Mile one starts at the southern most part of the US in Key West and works up to Miami. A lot of the direction to things, direct you to Mile Marker whatever and the north, south, east and west directions are by compass heading not land orientation. The famous Seven Mile Bridge that connects Marathon Key to Big Pine Key was in the movie True Lies which starred Gov. Arnie and Jamie Lee Curtis (one of my favorite movies).

The long awaited adventure finally arrived on April 12. After nine months of planning, the dream trip was a go. Or was it? American Airlines had taken tons of their flights down due to the FAA inspections. Lots of travelers were stranded in places they didn't really want to be. No way to get home or to destinations. I was feeling the uncertainty of maybe having to cancel the trip. Since I had booked the flight so far in advance, the flights had been changed many times. Now with all the canceled flights the trip had suddenly become *iffy.* I was checking their web site for any information I could. Only a trip to the airport was the only way of knowing for sure. Would we be bumped for passengers who had been stranded? Would we get stranded in Dallas? How long are the check in lines?

Bags packed, we went early to the airport, only to find the curb side check in looking like a ghost town. Got to terminal three and decided to sit in the lobby for a bit before going through the security. What does one do with time on their hands at an airport? Eat of course. Pizza.

Finally, on the plane headed for Dallas. We only had 40 minutes between flights. It was a good thing we ate. Our plane arrived a little late, the 40 minutes was getting cut down slowly with another 10 minutes before we got off the plane. Geez, we have to go clear across the universe to get the flight to Miami. We barely made it. A fast pit stop and on the plane.

Arrived in Miami at 10:45 PM. Got to the Hertz rental, only to find the Mustang convertible that was reserved for 9 months wasn't available. They offered us a upgrade we could not refuse. A 2007 Mustang Shelby GT special edition. WOW!!!!! How cool was that?! We would only find out just how cool later.

We arrived at our place to stay at 2:30 AM. We stayed on Conch Key. Conch Key is a tiny key almost to Marathon Key. We were staying on an island connected to US 1 (aka S. Dixie Highway) The place we had chosen to stay was an old fishing camp converted into cottages. We wanted something with a kitchen. The cottages are typical island style with brightly painted walls. No, they weren't the Hilton, but we wanted something in a more private setting and smaller setting. The service was very personalized.

It was time to go to bed. Stay tuned for part two. Good night. Got a big day tomorrow.

SPRING IS HERE

It feels like Spring has arrived here in the Valley of the Sun. It's supposed to be in the 70's all week for a high. The birds are making nests, the wildflowers are starting to bloom. The desert is a beautiful carpet of green. Something we haven't seen in recent years. Thanks to all the rain we got this winter, things are quite pretty around the desert. :-) Enjoy while we can, the 115's will be upon us before we know it.

This image is mine and is copyrighted, so no unauthorized downloading, please. THANKS!

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

Fox network debuted the new reality TV/game show Wednesday night after American Idol. Hyped as the most controversial show on TV. I found it boring. I mean, who really cares if someone sleeps with their date on the first date? Not me. Big deal!!

I'll explain the show. First, I only watched it because I was curious as to all the hype and it did come on after AI which I watched. Now, for how this lame show works. The contestants answer 21 questions to win $500,000. The constants have before the show answered 50 questions hooked up to a lie detector. I'm assuming they had to do extensive questionnaires or write an essay or have questions submitted by family or friends, because the questions are highly personal. The constant has no clue as to how they did on the lie detector exam. The constant comes out on stage, is seated in a very nice chair and with a few family members and friends seated where everyone can see each other, the questions begin. The host, Mark L. Walburg, explains that in order to win the grand prize all questions must be answered truthfully. They can stop at any time, but if a question has been asked they have to answer the question. If the constant feels like maybe they answered the question wrong during the lie detector part, they can change their answer. Also, the family member or friend can push a huge button in front of them if they don't want to hear the answer, but another question will be asked. That question maybe worse than the previous question so, 50/50 gamble.

The person gets all comfy. Nice chit-chat about the person's job, family, etc. To win the first round for $10,000 the constant must answer 6 questions. Each question gets a little harder and more personal. The show tries to build suspense by delaying the answer by what seemed like way too long, before the sexy woman's voice with the lie detectors answer. I was like, OK get on with it it's only a question about hair club for men......geez.

These people are basically making fools of themselves in front of family, friends, studio audience and the rest of whoever is watching for a few bucks. Who really cares, but the guy's wife, if he sleeps around or has delayed having children with her because he doesn't know if the marriage will last? I certainly don't care!!!! Do we really need to hear all this crap?

I guess the show is cloned from the same type of shows in Colombia, Germany and several other countries. No big winning though. The good old USA has the biggest pot. Colombia's show was recently canceled when a woman reveled she had hired to have her husband killed. OOPS! Too much information. :-) Maybe a good way for the cops to catch *would be* criminals.

So, my moment of truth is this........have you ever stole candy from a grocery store?