Key West...

Key West. Founded by Henry Flagler, the billionaire lunatic of Standard Oil and Railroad fame. Wandered the east coast of Florida, built a hotel, connected his railroad, founded a city, and made millions. The hotel in Key West is (still) the Casa Marina. My wife & I honeymooned there 27 years ago. When I first started goin with my dad in the 60's, lobbies were $5, all you can eat. Now they're $32 for 1 skinny tail. Bikers hung out at Sloppy Joes. Military was everywhere. Caught a 27-pound kingfish off Sand Key Light one year. Everyone gathered at Mallory Square to celebrate sunset.

Well, Lobbies (though fewer) are still around. Cuban food has moved in, and Mojitos are pushing Bloody Marys. Sloppy Joes is there, though the bikers have moved on. Flagler's gone, but the Casa Marina just got a face lift. Kingfish are in short supply but I don't fish no more, anyhow. Now I watch fish through my mask. Military has a smaller footprint, but don't look too close. I wouldn't want to be Castro... Of course Mallory Square sunsets are forever.

Hope you like the pics.

Mangroves...

So what are mangroves anyway? Well, mangroves are living plants where the continuum of sky, water, shore, roots, and underwater intersect. Mangroves are where new life begins, is nurtured, and sometimes ends. As a third-generation native Floridian, I think I'll wander Florida's back roads (and some front roads as well), and report back in pictures. Let's see if Florida still has the nutrients of the soul in her roots that have made her justly famous. Feel free to comment on your own favorite places, share your stories, comment on mine, or add your own pics as well. Should be fun...

I'll try and add a new set of back roads each week and in the coming weeks I plan to wander my own neighborhood (staycate & vacate...), visit Blue Springs south of Jacksonville, see Key West like a native, and check the critters of Flamingo. Hope you'll join me for the ride.