KEY WEST Day 3 part 1

KEY WEST Day 3

My internal clock did not fail me this morning, my eyes opened 30 minutes prior to the sunrise! As I moved quietly around the room gathering my stuff I noticed my wife beginning to wake up. I whispered "going to watch the sunrise if you wanna go?" and without saying a word she gently pulled the comforter up to her chin and closed her eyes.....woe is me, I guess I'll be "that guy" again standing awkwardly alone at the end of the pier while others are....stand by.... she catches me at the bottom of the stairs and says "I'm going hang on!". Hahaaa "PEIR" pressure!

I wanted to search out a different vantage point for this sunrise, so instead of Duval St we chose to walk down Simonton St. There's awesome architecture and beautiful landscaping around every corner in Old Town.



We walked as far as we could down Simonton and ended up right next to The Reach, a nice looking Waldorf Astoria Resort. Here we would find a nice short sea wall with nobody else around. The sunrise was on time, however it wasn't quite as vibrant of a show this morning, but even without its orange glow it was just as majestic.



On our walk down we noticed a nice little coffee shop was open so we headed back that way. The aroma of fresh bacon and eggs filled the air around the Conch and the Cuban Cafe. Our daughter wasn't with us so we opted for just a "Cuban coffee". We sat there a bit watching the town come alive. And did I mention that was one helluva good cup of joe with brown sugar!






We walked over to and back up Duval St to retrieve our sleeping daughter from the condo, by the way she's doing great in her freshman year, she deserves to sleep in! As soon as she was ready we were heading baaack down Duval to take the obligatory picture in front of the Southern Most Point and more importantly pick a place to eat breakfast. We checked out the breakfast menu at the Southern Most Cafe but just weren't ready to eat yet, their little beach looks like a nice place for drinks! For my retirement job I want to rake the sea grass from their beach!



As we departed the Southern Most Beach Cafe and rounded the corner near the Southern Most House we discovered that the Southern Most Point was very popular this morning so we shifted gears and headed North. That photo can wait! I had remembered someone on TTOL recommending a restaurant called Blue Heaven, that would now be our destination. We enjoyed a quiet morning stroll checking out all of the interesting "stuff" the side streets had hidden away, including The Ernest Hemingway Home.



I think it was around 10am by the time we located the Blue Heaven. Very cool atmosphere!



The hostess told us it would be about a 20-30 minute wait for an outside table so we grabbed a couple very good Bloody Mary's from the bar and wandered around this wonderfully eclectic restaurant. They had everything from local artwork to free range roosters in trees to a local dog saving a bar stool for his owner and a fine duet jamming it up a bit on stage.











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Blue Heaven's atmosphere/vibe was awesome and the service and food were great as well! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend the Blue Heaven, but keep in mind...when we were walking out at about 11:30 I heard someone say it was now an hour and 20 minute wait for outside seating, we apparently beat the crowds!

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After our delicious breakfast we set our bearings for Fort Zachary Taylor to explore a little history...

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And then we discovered a nice little beach....................

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We packed a lot into this day and I took a lot of photo's, therefore If you don't mind, I would like to take a break and continue with part 2 of Day 3 tomorrow.....good night! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Beerman...
Blue Heaven?? Me? Yup! There five weeks ago, and next four weeks to come.
What you eat? Best pancakes almost ever, or eggs something with lobster?

Green Parrot sighting?
Keep it coming...

Very cool pictures, but I was looking for the picture of the dog on the bar stool?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

I really am enjoying your daily trip reports and your photos. Thanks for taking the time and sharing. Looking forward to Part 2.

I have one, will post it tonight! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Great!! Looking forward to 'the rest of the story'! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

That place where you had the cuban coffee? with the tables on the veranda on Simonton is great.
Wonderful pics.
Irina

Where exactly is that nice little beach?? (last pic). Can't wait for the rest of your report. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Fort Zachary Taylor park I think.
Sometimes it's rocky........
irina

Here she is! when her owner took a walk she simply moved from the steps to save his stool, I truly believe that is a smile on her face, she was a friendly pup!

Ah, very cool pic! She sort of looks like my Jules!!

Thanks for the report and pictures. I was there last year and it was nice to see some of the places I have been to.
Delray

Is there a part 2????

LBI2SXM, just posted a part 2 and there will be a part 2b shortly <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />