After our awesome adventure in the Dry Tortugas, we were ready to head into civilization. Well, not really, but it was time to head on to Key West where we would stay in a marina for a couple days over the 4th of July holiday. We left early again knowing it would take us about 10 hours to get there and the cruise was mostly uneventful. We arrived in Key West around 5pm and found our slip in Key West Bight marina. The marina was the cheapest in the area (at $2.20/ft even on a holiday weekend). We liked the location and cost but we knew from reading reviews that the laundry and bathroom facilities weren’t the best which was ok for us since we didn’t plan to use them during our stay. As soon as my feet hit the dock, I headed in the direction of the Apple/Mac store to drop off my laptop for repair before they closed. It was a quick 1.25 miles there and back and once I returned, Randy, Corey and I headed out for some drinks and dinner.
The next morning, we slept in some and then headed for the Key West Aquarium. We had been before with Corey and decided to go again since it’s really great and interactive. After the aquarium, we stopped for lunch at a cuban restaurant by Mallory Square (near the aquarium). After and excellent lunch, we went back to the boat to get changed for the pool. Next to the marina, is Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant at Conch Harbor Marina. We had heard anyone could use the pool if you order a couple drinks or food. So we took Corey to the pool to cool off and burn off some energy. After a storm chased us out of the pool, we headed back to boat to relax and get some showers before heading to Margaritaville for dinner.
Friday (July 4th) morning Randy did some work on the boat (checking oil and fuel, etc). After that we decided to do a jet ski tour around Key West. Most of the excursions were dive/snorkeling or sunset cruises and since we can already do all that, we thought the jet ski tour might be cool. Randy had also been promising Corey a jet ski ride since he was 5 years old and just never had a chance so this was the perfect opportunity. We had a long walk to the other end of Duval Street to get there but it was worth it! Corey rode with Randy and I rode by myself and we followed a group around the island. I loved it since I hadn’t ridden a jet ski for over 10 years and the water was crystal clear.
It was hot and sunny that day so after our ride we headed back down Duval and stopped at Margaritaville (one of our favorite restaurants) for lunch. Post lunch, we headed back to the boat to relax until time for 4th of July fireworks. One of the boats we met while at the Dry Tortugas, Ocean Drive, happened to be two slips from us at Key West Bight. We met up with Kevin and Nicole a couple of times during our stay and ended up walking to the fireworks later that evening. The fireworks were to be held on the White Street Pier (on the opposite end of Duval Street (it was a day for walking!) and after much delay, they started around 9:45. They were excellent as to be expected. We headed back home to the boat exhausted and ready to head on to our next destination in the morning.
