6 August Key West

Was hoping it might be a bit cooler when we arrived in Key West this morning but sadly it was as hot as ever!  We were here about 20 years ago, just after New Year and the weather was lovely.  We had a tour, the first part was on a glass bottomed catamaran and we travelled about 8 miles out in the Mexican Gulf to view some coral, sponges and a few fish.  We were meant to go in the other direction to the coral reef but weather prevented that.  Back at the Wharf we boarded the Conch Train for an hour  or so, it travelled all around the island pointing out highlights such as Hemingway's House, Truman's little White House, a house once owned by Richard Burton's father and which Richard and Elizabeth Taylor used to frequent. We saw the Southernmost point of the USA, the Henry Flagler Railroad Historian and many, many more sights that characterize the charm and distinctive appeal of Key West.

After a slice of pizza for lunch (none on the ship unless you have room service) we parted company and I wandered around the shops for a while.  Was not unlike shopping in Surfers Paradise or any other beach resort - all for young, slim people not for old cruise passengers!!!!!  Anyway, after a couple of hours I could walk no further and returned to the ship and promptly went to sleep on the couch!  

We had a table for 10 at dinner - an American couple organised it and there were two couples from Australia and two from NZ.  Some are getting off tomorrow in Miami.  Always sad saying farewell to new friends but you never know when they will pop up on another cruise.  

After dinner we went up to Galileo lounge where they had a Beatles night.  Lovely to see so many couples bopping along to great music.