So, the last time for me in Key West I was a Second Class Midshipman doing aviation part of Summer Training. Lasting memory from that was a bit of a garden party at the Admirals Quarters. As a Lt(jg) would be back in the neighborhood, so to speak, taking the ship through GTMO as Navigator then steaming around Cuba 3 miles off the coast. For part of that trip we were escorted by a couple of Fidels gunboats. Memory from that experience was slovenly sailors with long hair sticking out from their battle station helmets, sitting on top of the pilothouse with bare feet hanging over the edge. They didnt have a camera so they drew pictures of our antenna suite. It wasnt too long after Bay of Pigs so jaws were a little tight. They had a 3 mount trained on us with the breech open; you could see right up the barrel, see the lands and grooves. They were close. First time in Key West I was in the 5th and 6th grades. We lived in Poinciana Navy Housing: kerosene stove, ice box with real ice. Ice truck came twice a week. There was baseball and wed go to the games, take the dog with us. One game I was the entertainment, chasing our dog across the field. Hed gotten loose. Entertainment on Key West is different, now, and the same. Its still people, but the people are, well, you could say.. different. As in, characters. Chad and I had Thai food for supper and then headed for the Green Parrot, Kilwins, Margaritaville (pix only), Cowboy Bills. Live music in an open, Austin, Texas-style beer garden and the show was unintentional. And unforgettable. Then a drive up and down Duval watching it all flow, like lemmings into the storm drain... LOL Up early and on the Overseas Highway before sunrise, making tracks ahead of traffic, Chado moving the big Dodge Ram skilfully through light traffic. Sun gilding big cloud formations with Country Music pounding out the beat. Were screeching to a head snapping halt. Krispy Kreme just north of Key Largo, with the hot light on!!! Died and gone to Heaven. A day old apple fritter from yesterday got us on the road in the dark. This was a shot of grease and sugar, straight to the heart. Hot coffee as a chaser. South Beach, HERE WE COME!!
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:34:48 +0000
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