Bucket List, Check One More Off

What a day we had yesterday. We got to check one more thing off the bucket list. And this one really had not made the bucket list, as it was one of those things you never dream of being able to do in your lifetime.

Another one off bucket list.

We travelled from Marathon to Key West in a Cigarette Boat. 45 miles an hour, and we quickly made the 50 mile trip in about 1 hour on the Atlantic Ocean side. The boat goes a lot faster, but this was a comfortable cruising speed. It took the two and three footers with ease, and not as much bounce as you would think. What a thrill. Truly amazing. This same trip would have taken us all day. 11 to 12 hours.

Valerie and Frank, the owners of the Cigarette Boat, were tied beside Steve and Linda at Banana Bay. We had mentioned that we were going to take the bus to Key West, and they said they were going and would we like to join them. Our Momma's didn't raise any fools so we quickly told them it would be a thrill; and something we could check off our bucket list, even if it wasn't currently on the list. We said we could have it on our list very quickly so that we could check it off.

Too Bad we weren't having a good time.

After arriving we all went out for lunch at a very charming restaurant close to or at the marina. Then we had a tour of the inside of the Cigarette Boat. Really amazing, they have a v-berth, a sofa on each side, a head, a small galley and a flat screen TV. Everything in a very confined space. I am sometimes claustrophobic so it may be a little snug quarters for me; however, Linda thought it felt like a cocoon and she would really enjoy it.

Frank and Valerie great hosts.

We then were on our way for the trolley tour of Key West, an hour and a half. We had a really knowledgeable driver who explained everything along the way. We saw the Southernmost point of the United States, the Southernmost house, Hemmingway's house where his 6 toed cats still enjoy residence, and a Sears and Roebuck house, and Mallory Square where hundreds of people go each night to view the Key West Sunset in hopes of seeing the Green blip.

Linda enjoying being a passenger.

We missed the 5:05 bus back to Marathon, and the next one was at 8:30pm so we decided to have dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant. We had the compulsory margaritas.

Never miss a chance to play Euchre, even while waiting for bus.

It was a long day and everyone was having trouble staying awake on the bus back to Marathon. Oh and can you believe it, the cost for the bus ride for seniors is $1.50 per person. WOW!

Awakened Easter Sunday morning, and walked the 2 miles to Banana Bay to get our bikes. Returned to the boat, filled with water, filled with fuel and decided to leave Marathon Marina and anchored out near Boot Key Harbour to be ready for an early morning start to make our way 50 miles up the shore to Rodriquez Key.

Southernmost point of the United States. Cuba is out there, just 90 miles away.