S/V Barefoot: Key West

February 18, 2012

We took another trip to Key West, this time in the car that we rented towards the end of our stay in Marathon. A car is expensive, but so much easier to restock provisions, refill propane, etc. It also expands our entertainment options beyond those available by walking or taking the bus.

In that we had done most of the major tourist destinations in Key West on previous trips, this was a very laid-back visit.

We started by going to Cafe Moka, a nice coffee shop on the south end of Duval St. We grabbed our favorite table near the street (sound like we have been there before?) to people watch on Duval Street.

Next we went to the southern-most point, a major photo-op location. At these types of places I often try to get a picture of people taking pictures, which is harder than you would think. This is my best shot; if only the woman in the black and white dress had been a little farther to the right. If you look closely you may be able to see that the woman taking the picture is holding two devices side-by-side; the two girls cell phones perhaps?

Then we walked to the West Martello Tower, an old fort that has been taken over by the Key West Garden club. It is another great place to hang out. This is view of the beach from a shady bench on one of the high points of the fort:

After all this excitement, why not visit the cemetery. As is true in many island locations, most of the burials are in above ground crypts.

If I were to buried in Key West, I would want one of the sites with a little roof; it would be much more comfortable in the hot summer sun don't you think?

We saw a few memorable headstones. Since the writing may be hard to read on the pictures, I will transcribe some.

In memory of Thomas Rohmer.

Born in Nassau N.P 1783

Died at Key West Fla Sept 8th 1891

Aged 108 years

A privateersman in the war of 1812

A good citizen for 65 years

To our beloved Sir Knight

Wm. H. Edgar

Eminent Commander of Baron Commandry No 3

We don't know what these titles mean. Also check out the symbol higher on the tombstone below - looks like a skull and cross-bones to us. Anyone want to reseach this?