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.