No-one Mentioned The Chickens

So we had the most wonderful drive down to Key West, it's a modern Wonder of the World the way the roads and bridges have been built to link 130 miles of Islands. We almost made Key West several years ago, when we were supposed to call in there on our SimpleMan cruise out of Miami, however Hurricane Sandy put a stop to that and so, we've got here at last.
The accommodation was in a simple old wooden town house and we had an out side floor level veranda where we could watch the world go by, just 20 feet off Duval Street.

Our place and veranda.

On our third evening sitting enjoying the late evening coolness, we watch a guy in a pick up truck try and park his vehicle in a space that you could fit a bus into. He reversed backwards and forwards eight times, during which time Jake said he must be drunk. Once the truck came to a standstill, he opened the door and fell out! I couldn't have walked in that state let alone drive! His wife, who was in the truck with him, seems oblivious to this fact, maybe she was just as bad!

Duval street is Key West's version of Bourbon, Beale and Broadway and is home to most of the towns bars, eateries and galleries. It's a mile long and was wonderfully kept. Lot of pride in this town, appearance is important.

Duval Street in daytime (quiet)

By now we are old hands at this and can pace the days and nights pretty well. One thing we still can't get used to is the humidity. It was so bad here, oppressive even. We were drained of energy just through the loss of perspiration, water became the drink of the day! Wouldn't think I'd ever say that, but needs must.

The art galleries are just wonderful and there are some wealthy individuals living a Bohemian lifestyle in these here parts. But again, everyone was so friendly and made our stay so nice.

We were lucky to catch this guy on stage. His name is Ronnie Johnson and he hails from South Carolina. In fact he owns a very good restaurant in Charleston, but loves playing and singing, so he 

comes to the Keys with his wife every year and does just that. He is a class act and is reminiscent of 

Harry Chapin and Gordon Lightfoot. 

We also went to the most amazing butterfly conservatory on Duval Street. It was awe inspiring to walk through this wonderful glass building with thousands of butterflies just winging about. Total relaxation and not to be missed.

It's a town rich in recent history and lovely Southern architecture, with some of the oddest people you will meet. 

The original SpongeBob

Her Maj, getting the messages in.

Sometimes you feel quite small!

You have to be this big to get in here!

How we should have arrived several years ago.

The old cinema.

So that leads me on to the chickens. When we read all about Key West and the things to do and see, the one thing we never came across was the fact that the Key West Rooster and all their lady friends and chicklings are a protected 'wild' species. So the town is full of these buggers

Who just waltz around the place as though they own it, which in fact they probably do. Wherever you go, bars, restaurants along the streets and paths, there are bloody chickens everywhere. And at dawn!!!! Let's just say, the cocks crow loudly.

We have a wonderful three days in Key West and we both feel we have 'unfinished business' there, so it could well pop up again somewhere down the road.