Key West 2

I started the morning with a visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy . This is a magical place filled with butterflies and birds. You can just see the smiles on everyone’s face when they enter. Not only is the air filled with butterflies, they land on people as they go through. There is a fan and mirror as you leave to make sure you are not taking any new pets home with you. I spent a good hour and a half there and was better for it. 

I then walked over to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park . This area comprises both the Fort, named for the President, as well as the best beach on the Key. The main role of Fort Taylor during the Civil War was to serve as headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron. The cannons at the fort had a range of three miles, which provided sufficient deterrent to the Confederate navy to prevent them from capturing the fortress or the island of Key West. Fort Taylor remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War.

For my photography friends, old forts are interesting both because of their historical significance - and - because they are a rich source of abstracts. I was able to capture both some interesting architectural shots, as well as pure abstracts.

I walked down to the beach to rest in the shade for a few minutes before walking back to town. This beach boasts not only chairs and umbrella, but hammocks. I was rather sorry that I did not have more time to spend there.

I walked down to the original Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront on the old wharf for a much needed iced Cuban Coffee. I drank it looking out over the water and was then ready to head over to the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery . It was a bit early in the day to start drinking, especially in the heat. But I took the short tour and had a small taste. Most others in my group apparently had no such limitations. I then headed back to my room to download, process and rest.

In the evening, I walked to the Southernmost Beach Cafe for Conch fritters and a glass of wine before making a last attempt at a Key West Sunset. I thought it might actually happen as there were some nice puffy clouds in the sky. But again, it fizzled. So much for the famed Key West sunsets.

Tomorrow I say goodbye to Key West and drive up to Miami for a couple of days.