Worth every damn bit of sacrifice to get a Cheeseburger in Paradise....

As an afterthought, I forgot to add this beautiful peacock who was doing everything in his power to wow a 7 year old female.....no luck....I think she may have had a headache.

And here we are in Key West. While we were waiting for the trolley, Ruthie found her a new man....

On the trolley with Jim and Carolyn.....

I love the colors and painted buildings.....this is a grocery store!!

Where it all started for Jimmy Buffet. This is his recording studio, not very impressive but there was some great music recorded here. Both Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney record here as well.

We planned to eat here at Blue Heaven.....the restaurant where you sit outside and watch the chickens run around the plaza. Unfortunately there was almost an hour wait. We were way too hungry and didn't want to waste an hour just sitting and waiting. We did at least get a chance to check it out.

I loved this sign...

The oldest church in Key West....the window at the top is referred to as "The Eye of God".


The very beautiful Casa Marina....built by Flagler after the completion of his train route.

Gene and Ruth having a little fun being "tourists'!!

Posing at the famous Southernmost point in the continental US.

After a full day of sightseeing, we went to Mallory Square where sunset is celebrated every evening....even when the weather is lousy!

Mama and babies cruising the square.

All kinds of weirdos entertaining. A Houdini "wannabe". He actually was very good!

I had to drop a dollar in this guys bucket. I loved his honesty....the sign reads "donate here so I don't have to get a real job".

A couple of wild cats roaming around. We had to check the number of toes to see if they were any of the Hemingway 6 toed cats. I guess however, they are all kept in his home. There are about 50 of them, according to the tour guide.

Jugglers and tightrope walkers....

Fire juggling acrobats.....

And finally the long awaited sunset........

On our way out we saw this cool statue....which was alive. This guy was SO good he didn't move a muscle.

We went back to the motel after sunset and after reading about 2 pages in my book, I passed out. We were at breakfast at 7:00 the next morning and back on the bus for a trip to the Gator park and an air boat ride. As most of you know, Salt delivered the mail to Grindstone for over 25 years using an air boat during the winter. I of course rode back and forth to town the 16 winters I lived on the island. I have to tell you, it sure is a lot more fun riding in one in 80 degree weather as opposed to sometimes as cold as -20.

Our driver was quite the character; a Florida cracker raised in the Everglades.

The driver was a skilled driver and a great guide. We saw quite a bit of wildlife, starting with this American egret.

This was 'Scarface"....one of the largest alligators we saw.

Can you spot the Iguana in the tree.....he was a big one.

A little gator wrestling....

A 6 month old baby....

Susie couldn't resist this photo op!!!

And here is the picture I promised Emma....Poppy holding "Louis"

This takes me through Friday afternoon. Since the weather is going to be extremely cold tomorrow, we have changed the day of our visit to the Strawberry Festival. Therefore, because I will have a relatively quiet day tomorrow, I will try to finish blogging through this evening (Sunday).