While on our downtown walk with Mark and Maria, we happened to be at the right time and place to see the annual Key West Dachshund Walk! The route is deliberately kept brief, to cater to the dogs’ short legs. Many of the dogs were in costumes…
Some even appeared to be Star Wars fans…
Dogs from other breeds also take part, becoming honorary dachshunds for the day.
A supply wagon was along for the ride, to carry water for thirsty walkers and plastic bags for quick cleanup of any accidents — as well as providing transport for dogs that get tired along the way.
Donations were collected along the route , for the community pet-food pantry. The walk was an unexpected treat!
Turtle Krawls Restaurant, located just off of our pier, advertised turtle races three times a week. Scott and I had been interested in this event, but hadn’t yet made it. We finally managed to get there for a Friday race, with Mark and Maria in tow. (I have somehow lost the photos I took of this event, so I borrowed some from online)
Four turtles “compete” in the race, and when you make a purchase (food, drink, etc.) you receive a ticket with a corresponding number on it (1-4, for one of the turtles). If you’re turtle wins, you turn in your ticket for a key, which may or may not open a chest that contains a cash prize. If no one wins, the prize amount grows for the next race.
We were game for this, so we ordered drinks and were given a handful of tickets, instead of one per person. The odds were now stacked in our favor, as both couples had a ticket for each turtle.
The shelled athletes were taken out of their blue Igloo cooler (which I guess helps them get angry enough to race) and placed on the track.
Turtle number one flew out in front, and blew the others away. I’ve never seen a turtle move so fast, he was practically running! I think he was trying to get as far away from that cooler as possible.
Unfortunately, our keys didn’t open the box. Maybe Scott and I will try again, as the jackpot grows! More fun photos of dogs and turtles here.
“Shells Sink, Dreams Float. Life’s Good On Our Boat!”