Key West – Two Days!

We made it! We are now in the USA!  Clearing in was as simple.  Dave spent four setting up the ROAM app on his phone the previous day.  Once we were close enough to the US border, Dave used the app and checked us in with Customs and Border Protection.

We found a marina in Key West that was right downtown and at $200 a night, one of the most expensive slips we have ever stayed at.  Mary justified it since we stayed on a free mooring in the Caymans.  Dave thought it was expensive, but we needed some time attached to land.  And this was our first contact with America.

With the slip came beautiful showers with water that flowed freely!  In Central America, hot running showers were always a nice surprise, although way too rare.

We were in Key West!  Restaurants within walking distance, and there was a great coffee shop right around the corner for breakfast. After our long showers, we found a brewery, enjoyed dinner, and then headed off for a good night’s sleep.  We also decided we needed a second night at our marina.  After all, this is the first time the boat has been in America in nearly three years.

The first order of business the next morning for Mary was laundry. Five loads worth. It was OK since there was AC and coffee! Dave tried to help but was reminded several times how little he knew about laundry, so he went off to tackle his own list of chores to accomplish.  He went back to the boat and filled our water tanks, rinsed down the salty boat, dumped garbage, recycle our old engine oil, and cleaned up and stowed gear left over from our 500-mile journey, and scheduled a second nightingale paradise with the harbormaster.

The second order of business was to go off and explore Key West. Our first stop was the pricey Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket office. Although we didn’t buy the expensive tickets for the bus, we met the 87-year-old ticket seller working there. He was a delivery captain and told us he and his wife have been through the Panama Canal 42 times. He met his wife at the age of 72 in Panama, where she abandoned her then husband and boat, and sailed away with him.

We found the free local bus and went to Mallory Square, the Truman Little White House, and Hemmingway House.  One of the highlights for us was walking down Duval St.  There were so many interesting buildings, stores, and people.  What a great day.  We ended the day at The Boathouse Restaurant for happy hour. Great beverages and food were enjoyed.  We left happy and satiated!