key west

CavemanCharlie wrote:
Is that the place that never really voted to become part of the United States and they call themselves there own country? I saw something about it on TV once. Maybe I'm thinking of somewhere else.

Not quite.

When the US border patrol setup a checkpoint like entering the US for everyone coming out for the Florida Keys in 1982 - it upset a lot of folks.

Mandatory vehicle searches for narcotics and contraband, having to prove one's identity and right to live in the US, etc. Coming from the Keys to mainland Florida was like coming from Mexico to the US.

So folks in Key West decided that if the United States is going to treat us like a foreign country, we might as well be one.

They immediately declared war on the United States, then surrendered moments later and ask for $1 billion in foreign aid.

The joke achieved it's goal. The Border Patrol inspection station was quietly removed.

I had my inflatable with me when I was there (Geiger Key) a couple of years ago, but didn't launch it because I didn't know where to go.

I also had my 250cc scooter with me and I knew how to get to Sloppy Joes!

But what is even better then Key West is off shore Key West.
Yesterday we launched our kayaks at geiger key and paddle south in the Atlantic off Boca Chica.
Today we launched in the same place and paddled north passing Saddle Hill key, Pelican Key, some of the Saddlebunches, and lower Sugar Loaf before returning. -beautiful cryastal clear water.
We saw a half dozen Bonnet head Sharks, one Lemon Shark, and a beautiful spotted Eagle Ray.
Life is good down here!

Jack L

Love Keys. We always stay at either Curry Hammock or Bahia Honda State Parks.

Got certified as a scuba diver there in January 1976. In fact I've got that original card laying here in front of me right now. Not crowded at all in those days. It's gotten much busier over the years.

You just have to go to Key West. It's one of those places you just don't want to miss. Now whether you want to go when it's at full capacity is another question.

Could live on Conch Chowder, Key Lime Pie and Margaritas. Don't even consider Feb - early April....spring breakers. Have never been in the summer, but would think there is still a good ocean breeze. I could be wrong - it's been known to happen - but I was sure there were a few CGs there....possible they've closed. Suggest you check online for Key West Campgrounds or contact the Tourism office for information. If you've never been there, and enjoy "people watching" that's for sure the #1 spot. It's weird, it's funky, gotta have an open mind, coldest beer is at Sloppy Joe's.

OTOH, if you love history, forgetting the funkiness, Hemmingway's home is a great tour. The Truman summer/winter White House is brimming with history and great stories. Great places to see relics from long-sunken ships. The Key West Lighthouse is my fav LH in the world....take the trek to the top....you can see forever. Also, more great history.

When things get tough around the house, I tell my family that one day I'm gonna run away....they can find me in Key West....for the Conch Chowder, Key Lime Pie and Margaritas. BTW, plan to bring a very full wallet.

CavemanCharlie wrote:
Is that the place that never really voted to become part of the United States and they call themselves there own country? I saw something about it on TV once. Maybe I'm thinking of somewhere else.

Key West aka The Conch Republic... That's the place.

My family camped on base many Christmas vacations. I still owe my wife a trip down there. Never been there in the Summer, but I imagine it would be quite nice that time of year.

Nope, that's it Charlie, The Conch Republic.

Is that the place that never really voted to become part of the United States and they call themselves there own country? I saw something about it on TV once. Maybe I'm thinking of somewhere else.

We love the Keys. We stay at the KOA at mile marker 20. Nice pool, open air cantina, marina and the folks that manage the cg are very nice. There's a really neat restaurant across the street also.

As for Key west, if you love New Orleans you'll love Key West. We had fun at sunset at Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. Plenty of street performers and artsy crafty things to buy. And don't forget to see the cat man as he performs in front on the hotel each evening with his house cats. He's the best.

Needless to say we love it there and spend about a month during the winter. Make the trip and have a great time.