Grab brochures, many have coupons to different things to do
Gumbo Limbo – it’s one of the largest and known as the tourist tree because it is always red and peeling
Fruits – coconut, mango, papaya and key lime
Fansty Fest – you may or may not want to be in the area for this annual event, so look into the dates (usually in October)
Hemingway Days Fest – usually in July www.heningwaydays.com you can tour his Key West home or just walk by and see the many 6 toed cats!
KW Parking - When in KW you have very limited parking - resident only spaces are clearly marked and they will call to have you towed in a heartbeat.
Sunset Celebrations - Take some $1.00 bills with you for tips
Dress is simple and bring flip flops
Monday, April 13, 2009
Key West
Key West
When going with adults only I prefer to be as close to Duval Street as possible, we don’t drive once we arrive. Renting bikes is an easy way to go and both bed & breakfast type places we stayed at had them.
Angelina House – was a bordello and gambling house years ago. Rooms are nice & neat, owners are great and you feel so far from the craziness of Duval Street. We stayed here with another couple, I wouldn’t bring kids here. http://www.angelinaguesthouse.com/
Nassau House – this place was so tropical and felt like being in the Keys. Each room had a theme – we were in the Captains Quarters. The backyard felt worlds away from the closeness of the street, they made the most of a small ingound pool and had a happy hour daily. I do think the owners have changed since I was there which may make a difference. http://www.nassauhouse.com/
Shula’s on the Beach – all I can say is this food was so delicious…and expensive but what a great meal we had here with friends. While dining we saw 2 separate weddings going on. Worth it if you can spend the money. http://www.donshula.com/
Turtle Kraals – known mostly for it’s oyster bar, I have been here several times. Good food, not to high priced and right on the water near a turtle rescue – which always seemed to have a juvenile turtle getting rehab. http://www.turtlekraals.com/
Southernmost Point – you have to stop here to take that famous picture that says “90 miles to Cuba”.http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11310
Key West Lighthouse – (& keepers quarters museum) a great view, watch for wild chickens roaming around. We went up to the top and my legs were wobbly; the staircase was narrow and in the middle so you had no sides to make you feel more secure. http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=366
Ghost Tours – I cannot remember which one we went on but it met in a hotel lobby and was a walking tour. I think they are fun and you get to learn some history. Of course locals may make fun of you, which happened to us. The following night we spotted the walking tour and thought it would be fun to yell at them. Okay, so we were drinking, and on bikes, and I came up with the lame idea to yell “Beetlejuice”. Well our pack of bikes were speeding, at least I thought so, towards the ghost seekers, then I started the chorus of yells “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”, it wasn’t until I was done that I realized not only was I the only one yelling, I was the only one there. My crew stayed back for a good laugh. Did I mention I was wearing a black & white striped shirt, so I stuck out the rest of the night to those that saw me make a fool of myself. Moral of my story; drinking and biking do not mixJ.
Trolley Tours – (Conch Tour Train, Old Town Trolley)luckily most things are within walking distance but these are a nice break especially if it’s hot and again you get to learn a lot about the key and history. (Old Town Trolley is the same company I used in St. Augustine)
Also Bone Island Shuttle is a great way to get around, we did this when we were camping on Sugarloaf since driving and parking on Key West is limited. www.boneislandshuttle.com
If you are going to snorkel and kayak, look into packages. They may include something you didn’t plan on doing but save you $$ in the long run.
Dry Tortugas – National Park Ferry Yankee Freedom II http://www.yankeefreedom.com/– this is an all day thing, departing from Key West you take a long ride on a Caramaran for a day of snorkeling at the fort. I would love to do this one day. They have other ways to get to the Tortugas and even have camping trips. http://www.nps.gov/drto/
Sunset Celebration – plan to attend this daily event, unless of course the sun wasn’t out to begin with. The sun going down starts the party, so if you have kids be prepared to leave shortly after this or stay and see some crazy sights. The celebration takes place in Mallory Square complete with street acts like musicians, magic, painted people and animal acts.
Mallory Square – An area with an Island-Cuban feel. You can find unique gifts to purchase; shell warehouse, sea sponges, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum that has a 60’ lookout tower (I have never been), Key West Aquarium built in 1934 (has a touch tank, daily feedings and shows), Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in a Sunset / Stargazer cruise many go out here: Schooner Western Union
Mel Fisher Museum - go see sunken treasures from Spain’s Golden Galleonshttp://www.melfisher.com/
Southern Most House – built in 1896 with guided or on your own tours go to www.southernmosthouse.com
Little White House Museum – listed on the register of historic places (home to Harry S. Truman) We rode bikes past here but never went in.
When going with adults only I prefer to be as close to Duval Street as possible, we don’t drive once we arrive. Renting bikes is an easy way to go and both bed & breakfast type places we stayed at had them.
Angelina House – was a bordello and gambling house years ago. Rooms are nice & neat, owners are great and you feel so far from the craziness of Duval Street. We stayed here with another couple, I wouldn’t bring kids here. http://www.angelinaguesthouse.com/
Nassau House – this place was so tropical and felt like being in the Keys. Each room had a theme – we were in the Captains Quarters. The backyard felt worlds away from the closeness of the street, they made the most of a small ingound pool and had a happy hour daily. I do think the owners have changed since I was there which may make a difference. http://www.nassauhouse.com/
Shula’s on the Beach – all I can say is this food was so delicious…and expensive but what a great meal we had here with friends. While dining we saw 2 separate weddings going on. Worth it if you can spend the money. http://www.donshula.com/
Turtle Kraals – known mostly for it’s oyster bar, I have been here several times. Good food, not to high priced and right on the water near a turtle rescue – which always seemed to have a juvenile turtle getting rehab. http://www.turtlekraals.com/
Southernmost Point – you have to stop here to take that famous picture that says “90 miles to Cuba”.http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11310
Key West Lighthouse – (& keepers quarters museum) a great view, watch for wild chickens roaming around. We went up to the top and my legs were wobbly; the staircase was narrow and in the middle so you had no sides to make you feel more secure. http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=366
Ghost Tours – I cannot remember which one we went on but it met in a hotel lobby and was a walking tour. I think they are fun and you get to learn some history. Of course locals may make fun of you, which happened to us. The following night we spotted the walking tour and thought it would be fun to yell at them. Okay, so we were drinking, and on bikes, and I came up with the lame idea to yell “Beetlejuice”. Well our pack of bikes were speeding, at least I thought so, towards the ghost seekers, then I started the chorus of yells “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”, it wasn’t until I was done that I realized not only was I the only one yelling, I was the only one there. My crew stayed back for a good laugh. Did I mention I was wearing a black & white striped shirt, so I stuck out the rest of the night to those that saw me make a fool of myself. Moral of my story; drinking and biking do not mixJ.
Trolley Tours – (Conch Tour Train, Old Town Trolley)luckily most things are within walking distance but these are a nice break especially if it’s hot and again you get to learn a lot about the key and history. (Old Town Trolley is the same company I used in St. Augustine)
Also Bone Island Shuttle is a great way to get around, we did this when we were camping on Sugarloaf since driving and parking on Key West is limited. www.boneislandshuttle.com
If you are going to snorkel and kayak, look into packages. They may include something you didn’t plan on doing but save you $$ in the long run.
Dry Tortugas – National Park Ferry Yankee Freedom II http://www.yankeefreedom.com/– this is an all day thing, departing from Key West you take a long ride on a Caramaran for a day of snorkeling at the fort. I would love to do this one day. They have other ways to get to the Tortugas and even have camping trips. http://www.nps.gov/drto/
Sunset Celebration – plan to attend this daily event, unless of course the sun wasn’t out to begin with. The sun going down starts the party, so if you have kids be prepared to leave shortly after this or stay and see some crazy sights. The celebration takes place in Mallory Square complete with street acts like musicians, magic, painted people and animal acts.
Mallory Square – An area with an Island-Cuban feel. You can find unique gifts to purchase; shell warehouse, sea sponges, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum that has a 60’ lookout tower (I have never been), Key West Aquarium built in 1934 (has a touch tank, daily feedings and shows), Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in a Sunset / Stargazer cruise many go out here: Schooner Western Union
Mel Fisher Museum - go see sunken treasures from Spain’s Golden Galleonshttp://www.melfisher.com/
Southern Most House – built in 1896 with guided or on your own tours go to www.southernmosthouse.com
Little White House Museum – listed on the register of historic places (home to Harry S. Truman) We rode bikes past here but never went in.
Bahia Honda
Bahia Honda – 524 acres with a small island offshore SW, many things found here (due to the climate) are not found anywhere else in the continental US. You can walk the nature trail, and go to the higher point of the key to the old bridge to see what’s left of the Henry Flager Railroad, which was started in 1905, completed in 1912 and hit by a hurricane in 1935. They offer snorkeling trips, rent chairs/umbrellas, sell; snacks/drinks, and have camping. Go to www.floridastateparks.org or www.ReserveAmerica.com for more information.
The Keys
Florida Keys – The Keys is just an awesome place, I love it! I am about a 7 hour drive to Key West – the furthest south you can drive and mile marker “0”. At the tip of Florida as you enter the “Keys” your thinking “Yey, I’m in the Keys” but you still have a drive on the only road that will take you all the way to KW, and the speed comes to a slower tropical limit so you can soak in the view all the way. The water becomes a different shade of blue, so does the sky and all of a sudden you can relax.
Now you can visit the Keys with kids and without, and what a difference between the two. I have done both – I’m a mom, I have to.
My first trip to the Keys was an all girls get-a-way, what a way to be introduced to these islands. I have since been on vacations with the kids for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling, and with other couples solely to participate in the Duval Crawl.
The drive is like island hopping, your on one then here comes the next, you go over a 7 mile bridge (yeah, the one from True Lies the movie), one is known for the “Key Deer” a miniature version of the larger bucks you hunters are use to. Great places to stop all along the way. The Bass Pro Shop is huge, mom & pop shops with all kinds of key influenced knick knacks, and the one place you have to stop; mile marker 77.5 Robbie’s of Islamorada, they have been there since 1976. You can purchase some bait fish to feed the Tarpon – they swarm all over waiting for you to give them a free meal. It’s amazing, entertaining and a great photo op.
The Keys have many places to camp. John Pennekamp State Park (mm102.5) is a great place especially if you snorkel and like to dive. Is has approxiamately 190 sq miles of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. You can camp at Bahia Honda State Park (mm37)on Big Pine Key. We stayed on Sugarloaf Key a few years ago – a group of us rented RV’s and stayed at the campground. After looking around we realized we paid quite a bit and the place wasn’t bad but wasn’t great either. What was cool was being able to fish off the old bridge, which cars have no access to so you can roam around without worrying. The water is so clear you can see Parrot Fish and sharks below.
Snorkling - Looe Key (National Marine Sanctuary) is one of the best places to see marine life (named after a frigate that sank in 1744). We took a trip out of Bahia Honda (on Big Pine Key), which was one of the countries top beaches on the travel channel. The Key is 8 miles off shore.
When in the lower keys look up to see the white blimp known as “Fat Albert” which is used to keep an eye on the boat traffic below.
Now you can visit the Keys with kids and without, and what a difference between the two. I have done both – I’m a mom, I have to.
My first trip to the Keys was an all girls get-a-way, what a way to be introduced to these islands. I have since been on vacations with the kids for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling, and with other couples solely to participate in the Duval Crawl.
The drive is like island hopping, your on one then here comes the next, you go over a 7 mile bridge (yeah, the one from True Lies the movie), one is known for the “Key Deer” a miniature version of the larger bucks you hunters are use to. Great places to stop all along the way. The Bass Pro Shop is huge, mom & pop shops with all kinds of key influenced knick knacks, and the one place you have to stop; mile marker 77.5 Robbie’s of Islamorada, they have been there since 1976. You can purchase some bait fish to feed the Tarpon – they swarm all over waiting for you to give them a free meal. It’s amazing, entertaining and a great photo op.
The Keys have many places to camp. John Pennekamp State Park (mm102.5) is a great place especially if you snorkel and like to dive. Is has approxiamately 190 sq miles of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. You can camp at Bahia Honda State Park (mm37)on Big Pine Key. We stayed on Sugarloaf Key a few years ago – a group of us rented RV’s and stayed at the campground. After looking around we realized we paid quite a bit and the place wasn’t bad but wasn’t great either. What was cool was being able to fish off the old bridge, which cars have no access to so you can roam around without worrying. The water is so clear you can see Parrot Fish and sharks below.
Snorkling - Looe Key (National Marine Sanctuary) is one of the best places to see marine life (named after a frigate that sank in 1744). We took a trip out of Bahia Honda (on Big Pine Key), which was one of the countries top beaches on the travel channel. The Key is 8 miles off shore.
When in the lower keys look up to see the white blimp known as “Fat Albert” which is used to keep an eye on the boat traffic below.
Local Library
I love to read, and going to the library is cheap entertainment for me…in a geeky way. Monday is my library day because I’m already in the area, if not weekly than at least every other. My preference is to read true stories, about people, whether famous or not or just learn something new. I check out several books just in case one doesn’t work out for me. Going to the library is very green!
We have many to choose from in my area, check out: http://www.brev.org/index.htm
We have many to choose from in my area, check out: http://www.brev.org/index.htm
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
SWAPS
SWAPs – has many meanings but my favorite is: Share with a Pal. When you are going to an event that requires SWAPS be creative. Every year at Camporee we had to bring SWAPS, but my first year as a leader I had no idea what they were. I recommend you make 10 at the LEAST. The girls will enjoy this activity so much you will wish you had more. As my troop got older they often made additional ones on their own just so they would have a larger variety of SWAPS.
SWAPS should have a way to be pinned on something, typically a hat. If your event has a theme, it’s always fun to follow that but if you settle for easy you may see several replicas of what you are handing out – many times we saw the same “camping” items year after year. After awhile the girls get bored with the same thing – smores, sleeping bag, flashlight and cookie boxes. I have to admit we had some really cute ones and often had girls seeking us out to swap.
My favorite was: I had a large dowel, cut it into many circles, we painted them varies skin tones, gave each a face and yarn hair adding bows to some, earnings, glued pins on the back along with a print out “CAMP – Came And Made Pals” with our troop # and names. The girls hardly wanted to swap with anyone because they loved each one they made, and they were all different.
For this I asked certain girls to bring a particular color yarn, 2 bags of pins, others variety of paint – it cost us nothing but a donated item from each girl. We had a meeting that was for a few hours on a Saturday so we started out sanding our wood, then painting. While that dried we worked on hair. I pre-made some examples of completed ones. Faces can be painted easy using q-tips for cheeks and eyes, no nose is needed.
SWAPS should have a way to be pinned on something, typically a hat. If your event has a theme, it’s always fun to follow that but if you settle for easy you may see several replicas of what you are handing out – many times we saw the same “camping” items year after year. After awhile the girls get bored with the same thing – smores, sleeping bag, flashlight and cookie boxes. I have to admit we had some really cute ones and often had girls seeking us out to swap.
My favorite was: I had a large dowel, cut it into many circles, we painted them varies skin tones, gave each a face and yarn hair adding bows to some, earnings, glued pins on the back along with a print out “CAMP – Came And Made Pals” with our troop # and names. The girls hardly wanted to swap with anyone because they loved each one they made, and they were all different.
For this I asked certain girls to bring a particular color yarn, 2 bags of pins, others variety of paint – it cost us nothing but a donated item from each girl. We had a meeting that was for a few hours on a Saturday so we started out sanding our wood, then painting. While that dried we worked on hair. I pre-made some examples of completed ones. Faces can be painted easy using q-tips for cheeks and eyes, no nose is needed.
Electronic Monopoly
Who has never played Monopoly? An old favorite for today’s game lovers, or just those that do not have time to count out all that Monopoly money. Electronic Monopoly is much more fun because you get a credit card to keep track of all your money, houses, rent and all the other fun Monopoly things you need to pay attention to.
Plastic Bags
While in NC on vacation we spent our days in the beautiful mountains but the one thing I noticed here and there…plastic bags. Stupid grocery bags just blowing around or stuck in a bush. I started thinking. Here no houses are around and yet those ugly bags are. Why? Then I remembered my trip to the landfill with Kaden’s class. They had fences up just to catch those fly away bags, and they were all over. I have news for you…they don’t disappear people! So buy yourself a bunch of cute reusable bags and when you use them be proud of your green self!
Liar
Dealing with a Liar
Liars come in all shapes, sizes and ages, just like lies. Some have no point, and you wonder why they even bothered to tell the lie, usually those are harmless. You have your typical kid lies, I’m sure we all know examples of that. Then you have real lies, ones that can effect lives and be hurtful.
I think liars believe what comes out of their mouth, maybe not at first, but overtime they start to think what they are saying is the truth. You cannot argue with these types of people, it’s how they remember events. Having one around can be difficult and you can get to the point where you dread having to be around them. They tell stories, often embellishing them with their own sprinkle of crap, no better way to put that huh?
So what do you do if you are around a liar? I can tell you that some people never change. I work with men and women at the end of their time. They may have spent their lives being a liar and you know what? That didn’t change because they got older, it is just the way they are. I have no problem calling out a liar. I can’t stand it. Candy coating your stores doesn’t help either; eventually everyone gets tired of that too.
Look at the big picture. Is it you? How do you realize this? Well I think if you have issues with others, not just 1 or 2, then maybe you want to look in the mirror and question your character and try to figure out why you do it. As a person who has dealt with a liar, I recommend you fess up, admit your wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness and move on, just don’t lie.
If that doesn’t work, what do you do? Personally, I distance myself from those types of people.
Liars come in all shapes, sizes and ages, just like lies. Some have no point, and you wonder why they even bothered to tell the lie, usually those are harmless. You have your typical kid lies, I’m sure we all know examples of that. Then you have real lies, ones that can effect lives and be hurtful.
I think liars believe what comes out of their mouth, maybe not at first, but overtime they start to think what they are saying is the truth. You cannot argue with these types of people, it’s how they remember events. Having one around can be difficult and you can get to the point where you dread having to be around them. They tell stories, often embellishing them with their own sprinkle of crap, no better way to put that huh?
So what do you do if you are around a liar? I can tell you that some people never change. I work with men and women at the end of their time. They may have spent their lives being a liar and you know what? That didn’t change because they got older, it is just the way they are. I have no problem calling out a liar. I can’t stand it. Candy coating your stores doesn’t help either; eventually everyone gets tired of that too.
Look at the big picture. Is it you? How do you realize this? Well I think if you have issues with others, not just 1 or 2, then maybe you want to look in the mirror and question your character and try to figure out why you do it. As a person who has dealt with a liar, I recommend you fess up, admit your wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness and move on, just don’t lie.
If that doesn’t work, what do you do? Personally, I distance myself from those types of people.
Blogging
Blogging – nowadays it seems everyone blogs, well almost anyone, and if they don’t blog they email or text. I have had many talks with my daughter about writing etiquette. I remind her often that you always need to think of what you will write carefully because once it is written you may regret it and then what can you do? Saying things and writing them are now different. Many times in conversation people may not remember the exact words but when in black and white you have no question about it. Things can be saved by the recipient and or reader so there is no disputing it.
That being said, blogging can be a good thing…at least I think so. If you have a public forum to display your writings than you should expect, others to read it, or at least hope. With my blog if something is on a personal level I try to keep it positive, even events that may have not been enjoyable. I think I have learned from all my experiences and relationships in life, making me a better person.
Hopefully this blog is helpful to at least one person, if not helpful maybe entertaining….yeah entertaining.
That being said, blogging can be a good thing…at least I think so. If you have a public forum to display your writings than you should expect, others to read it, or at least hope. With my blog if something is on a personal level I try to keep it positive, even events that may have not been enjoyable. I think I have learned from all my experiences and relationships in life, making me a better person.
Hopefully this blog is helpful to at least one person, if not helpful maybe entertaining….yeah entertaining.
A Teenager's Journey
A Teenager’s Journey by Richard PelzerBy the time I was already into this book I realized how many stories were told before it. His brother is the author of “A Boy Called It”, this book has a book before it which now I have to find. A Journey focuses more on the teenage years of Richard and then young adulthood. It is a great example of an individual overcoming such a bad past
The Longest Road Home
The Longest Road Home by John Grogan
I was going to purchase this book with a gift card but after I saw it was $26 I decided to wait. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long because it recently showed up in my library under “New”, which means you have 7 days to read it. That I did.
The hardback just mentions Marley (from Marley and Me) a few times; he is not the focus. This time the account centers on John Grogans relationship with his Irish Catholic (strict Catholic) parents. The story takes you back to where he grew up in Detroit with quite a few really funny memories, some you would have to be Catholic or have grown up in a Catholic house to understand.
In the end the author once again had me in tears. The Longest Road Home was a good quality book.
I was going to purchase this book with a gift card but after I saw it was $26 I decided to wait. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long because it recently showed up in my library under “New”, which means you have 7 days to read it. That I did.
The hardback just mentions Marley (from Marley and Me) a few times; he is not the focus. This time the account centers on John Grogans relationship with his Irish Catholic (strict Catholic) parents. The story takes you back to where he grew up in Detroit with quite a few really funny memories, some you would have to be Catholic or have grown up in a Catholic house to understand.
In the end the author once again had me in tears. The Longest Road Home was a good quality book.
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