Jet Skiing around Key West

Today we rode jet skis all the way around Key West and then some. This was not one of those easy riding, watch your speed kind of tours it was much more of a high energy thrill-seeking adventure! First, we played in the gulf waters to get to know our sea doo personal watercrafts; maybe I took a turn too sharp when I flipped and flew into the water - loving every second of it!  Then we started the 28 mile tour around the island at pretty fast speeds, on the gulf side it was swift and fun but when we got to the open ocean it became really exciting, we were way off-shore in the deep ocean and the wave were wild and huge!

Key West... Cool Island Vibe

We came to Key West for some relaxing, kicked-back beach time and we are getting plenty of that. But one thing we didn't know about Key West is it's ultra cool island vibe, this place feels like no other; you are in a constant state of 'laid-back chill'. I don't know if I've ever been more relaxed on a vacation before, we are truly living on 'island time' here.

Walking along the beaches (our favorite is on Boca Chica) and snorkeling in the turquoise colored waters; strolling along the cottage lined streets and visiting many restaurants and bars to enjoy cool drinks and good eats. We are loving the 'no worries, laid-back' culture.

And at the end of each day we enjoy a wonderful sunset.

Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea

We plan to visit a few different churches here on Key West.

Today we went to the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, the church and people are lovely and their grounds are interesting and beautiful.

We prayed in the historic Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and visited the stations in the lush Station of the Cross Garden. We walked the rosary path - they designed a wonderful large rosary made from paver stones on the lawn.

Lobster Fest

The Lobster Fest marks the beginning of Key West lobster season for fishing.













We,lobster lovers, celebrated everything lobster with concerts, great food, and a big summertime party. The restaurants were cooking up tons of lobster: lobster tacos, lobster rolls, lobster mac 'n cheese, and our favorite - lobster on a stick!

Boca Chica

We went to the Naval Air Station Boca Chica Field to go to the beach by the marina. This place is wonderful for swimming, snorkeling and paddle boarding! We saw barracuda and eel.

We stopped by The Stoned Crab for dinner. John had the crab cakes which were very good and I wanted to try a Florida lobster so I ordered the boil pot with FL lobster, crabs and shrimp - it was all delicious - I like FL lobsters.  The best part of dinner was an engaging conversation we had with the couple at the next table - they flew in from Washington state for a 3 day get-a-way and they could not get over the amazing island vibe of Key West. There is a certain laid-back and happy feeling here - we love it!

Key West: Southern Most Point

After a swim in the gulf, we went to the Southern Most Point and walked around.  

 

 

We ended the day with some good Mexican food at Chico's.

Full-Hookup

A full service RV spot opened, so after swimming in the gulf we moved the

coach. The view from the new location does not come close to the amazing water views from the dry-camping lot but later that day a couple of RVs moved out and the view got much better. This new lot has plenty of trees and is cool in the afternoon, we setup a few chairs and became acquainted with the friendly neighbors.