We have been busy with visitors over the past few weeks! After the Baltimore group left, our friends Mick and Sue drove down from Indiantown, Florida to stay with us. We met them almost seven years ago, on our last cruise south, and became fast friends. They live in Wales, and purchased a boat here in the states that they enjoy in the winter months. When I reserved our slip here, a year ago, we made a plan for them to come and see us and our crazy project!

They drove six hours to see us, and we spent a few great days with them. None of us had been to Mallory Square for sunset in ages, so we made sure to go. The waterfront area there is full of vendors and performers each night, and it’s something to see!

We stopped in for lunch at a great taco truck, and of course took them for a beer at the bait and tackle shop!

Other than that, we just spent time catching up, as it’s been almost three years since we’ve seen each other! It meant so much to us that they flew over from the UK, dropped their boat in the water and then drove down to see us before they spent time preparing for their winter cruising.

My friend Karen, who I’ve known since middle school (yikes!) came down for a visit, on the heels of Mick and Sue. She flew into Fort Lauderdale, and I drove up to surprise her at the airport, so she wouldn’t have to do the drive to Key West alone. Scott said that I should tell her my plan, but I kept mum, and my surprise was successful! We had a great time chatting in the car (Karen upgraded to a convertible!), and made a few fun stops along the way.

While Scott did some boat work, Karen and I biked the island, visiting some of the local beaches, and also managed to do some “cultural things,” touring the Hemmingway House and the Little White House here. We all went to the 2 Cent Pub, where you roll dice at happy hour to determine your drink price (Scott made out the best on that one). They also have free, endless bacon at happy hour…woohoo!

Aside from that, we just ran around town, showing her the sights. Scott and I had “boat” stickers made, and Sea Life is starting to leave her mark on Key West!

In between visits, we are trying to squeeze in boat work and preparations for heading to Mexico in a few weeks. Scott is making changes to the Aluminum Princess, to make her lighter and improve her performance. There is also a lot of required maintenance to do, as well as fixing small things that came up while we were in the Bahamas.

We will enjoy Christmas here, and then welcome two more rounds of visitors to end out the year! A few more photos here.

“Shells Sink, Dreams Float. Life’s Good On Our Boat!”