DAYS 178-209 KEY WEST; STOCK ISLAND VILLAGE MARINA

December 14 (day early)

Jewfish Basin to Stock Island Marina: 8.9mph; 29.1 miles; 3:16 hours

We made a our reservation in March of 2021 for Stock Island: December 15 - January 15.

I knew the marina had bought the hotel which is better than the reverse. You gotta know how to run a marina. The Perry Hotel has two heated pools with attached bars, a restaurant, and a free daily shuttle to the A&B Marina in downtown Key West. From the shuttle's drop off spot, it's a quick walk over to Duval Street. The marina provides clean old school style showers/bathrooms, four sets of washer/dryers, a book exchange, captain’s lounge with excellent internet connection, and a weekly pump out. 

We were fortunate to have a lot of friends visiting in Key West during the same time period; The Zielinskis, Rick, Troy, the Zorichs, new friends Jody & Jim, and the occasional Looper folk were all accounted for. There is always something to do and someone to do it with in Key West. JZ lent us his scooter which was a real blessing. 

The best adventure of all was Charter Fishing on Outer Limits with Captain Jay Miller and first mate Kai. We were with the Zielinskis, Rick and Troy and caught a boatload of fish. I caught six! If I had smiled any more, my head would have flipped over! I caught: 2 mutton (one named Molly), 2 Mangrove Snappers, a Ciro Mackerel, and a yellow tail. Kristine and Jimmy had a fish-off with King Mackerel - in the end, Kristine’s fish bled out and Jim had the bigger fish by a 1/10 of a pound. I can’t wait to go fishing again!

I was able to take part in the Key West Literary Seminar titled Desire. All the free teacher spots were taken, so I volunteered to work before and during the event. Before the seminar, I worked behind the scenes putting materials together for the guest speakers and participants. During the seminar, I worked two shifts and heard every word of the seminar. I enjoyed listening to the conversations between Judy Blume & Jami Attenberg and Jericho Brown & Elieen Myles.  

We went to almost every little bar and restaurant and did most every tourist-like activity here but here are some places that stood out:

Game Day: Go to the Sandbar to watch a game; Richie will always be our bartender - cold beer and tasty ‘game food’. Get there an hour before the games start to claim your ground - even if your team is playing in the afternoon. The place is popular. I found herds of Buffalo fans - GO BILLS! 

The Show: The Bourbon Street Pub is lively and has the stiletto hanging in the front (be there on New Years Eve - too much fun); The Bourbon Bar is across the street and a hoot and the nicest people work there. There is one little bar I found years ago called One Saloon ... I will never forget.

Nails: Nailtini is a small space on Duval Street and you need to make a reservation online. Be absolutely clear about what you need them to do and make sure you get your money’s worth.

Pizza: Angelina’s @ 208 Duval Street - there isn’t a better pie on the island.

Fancy Food: Reservations ONLY: Sunset Key; Loloa’s Bistro

Fishing: Outer Limits Charter then take some of your fish to the Boat House and the chef will make a meal for you with two sides for under $20

History: Truman’s White House, that was cool and a little frightening when I realized I have the same decorative style as someone from the 1940’s. Hemmingway’s House, you’re really there to see the cats. 

Key West Aquarium: This is a small place with some pretty cool creatures.

Ghosts & Graveyards: OK, really hokey but fun stories. 

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: In a few years, no one will remember how he really behaved when he was alive; they will only know the history he wrote himself.