The ‘Suns’ Road Trip – 8 : Robbie’s, Pigeon Key visit, No Name Key & Key West

[anji]

Florida 2022 – The ‘Suns’ Road Trip – 8 : Robbie’s, Pigeon Key visit, No Name Key & Key West

We loved our night at the Sunset Inn and checked out with much thanks for a great stay – we’ll be back! Although there was an interesting looking diner next door, we were still stuffed from our huge dinners the night before and decided to skip breakfast. The diner had it’s own shark outside and it reminded me of the Jaws ride at Universal (which scared the hell out of me the first time!)

Our first stop was at Robbie’s, which was nearby. It was already very busy. There were a huge number of pelicans on the dock and trying to steal fish from those feeding the Tarpons. You feed the fish through holes in the netting and the Tarpon leap out to grab them. Tarpon are very big with matching teeth and a few people got grazed fingers. We didn’t buy any fish, just watched the mayhem!

We were so lucky as there were a mother and baby manatee under the dock and the mother put her head up through one of the holes to say hello. Very special indeed.

Onward to IHOP. It was 10.45ish by now and it was really quiet – unlike the last time we were there. I had the obligatory short stack of pancakes – bliss.

We had pre-booked our Pigeon Key trip for the 12.00 ferry. Again it was busy and they were turning away those who hadn’t booked. This turned out to be a fabulous trip and I was so glad we made the effort after saying ‘we must do Pigeon Key’ for ages!

The ferry took 20 minutes with some interesting commentary and then we were met on the Key by a brilliant guide. He then took us all round the island with fascinating information on the place and life on the island, the overseas railway and Henry Flagler, who financed it. Conditions weren’t great but he paid very well. The railway was a miracle of engineering but sadly succumbed to the 1935 Labor Day hurricane with massive loss of life, eventually being replaced by the road. Seven Mile Bridge replaced the old road, which has now been restored, and you can walk a long walk along the original bridge to Pigeon Key. The hurricane was the most intense ever to hit the USA and lowest barometric pressure ever recorded, a record which still stands today. keysweekly/42/keys-histo...to-stormy-end/

School Science Camps stay on the island and there were some students there having a lesson. I wish we’d had trips like that when I was at school!

After the talk we had some free time to wander around, paddle, snorkel etc. There’s a rest room but no refreshments – so take some water! I love this photo, standing between the bridges.

We rounded a corner and there was an Osprey nest, right in front of us in a low tree. She watched us warily but was quite happy for us to keep our distance. The perfect place to raise her chicks.

The ferry back went at 2.15 and we were soon back on dry land.

Lunch next and this was to be at the No Name Pub on No Name Key. This is also the Key where the Key Deer live. We saw a lot last time and I took some great photos but only a couple in people’s gardens this time.

The pub was very busy and we waited 15 minutes for a table. We shared one of their amazing pizzas and marvelled at all the $ bills pinned to the ceiling. I hope they never have a fire and have good insurance!

We made a brief visit to The Blue Hole and walked round as far as we were able. We saw a couple of alligators.

Time for Key West! We made good progress for a while but eventually hit a big traffic jam. Now I really should have gone to the loo at the No Name Pub …. We had to pull off the road to find a loo and finished up at a rather smart hospital! The lady on reception did let me in and escorted me. There was nobody else around whatsoever, even though it was a big place – very strange!

We absolutely love Key West and it’s our 4th visit and the third time staying at the Westwinds Inn. They have lush tropical gardens, two pools and gorgeous rooms. We were told that breakfast (free) is now from the little bakery 2 minutes away and we were given vouchers for each day. Previously there was a buffet set out in a garden building with tables outside. We knew the bakery was extremely popular, so that was fine by us.

Our room was beautiful and very near one of the pools.

Will went to park the car while I got us settled in. It’s perfectly easy to find free street parking spot in Key West as long as you check the signs properly for residents only spaces etc. and he found a spot 2 blocks away. The car stayed there until we left. The hotel is on Eaton Street – only 5 minutes from the Marina and Duval Street but very quiet.

Later we walked out to find some food and drink – via the Marina and Mallory Square (too late for sunset though) and went to Joe’s Tap Room for some beers. This is the ‘quiet’ part of Sloppy Joe's and we sat on the porch and watched the world go by.

For dinner we went the the Hard Rock on Duval Street.

This is where I decided that from now on I was just going to have appetisers for my dinner as the entrees were just too big. We were also still full of pizza! I chose sliders – they looked like this – how can anyone eat an entrée after eating these?

Will went for Wings and these came with celery, which I thought was odd but I do think celery is the Devil’s food anyway. We also had some yummy cocktails and really enjoyed it there.

We walked back to the hotel and slept very well!

Tomorrow - exploring Key West & Ghost Tour

Index - https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...2#post15302382

[sotagals]

Great day and some fabulous photos.

[Mary A]

Sounds great! We're staying at Westwinds in 4 weeks time, first time staying there but 7th visit to KW 🙂

[anji]

Originally Posted by Mary A

Sounds great! We're staying at Westwinds in 4 weeks time, first time staying there but 7th visit to KW 🙂

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Oh you'll love it. Ask for one of the rooms in the garden, but I guess it depends what sort of room you've booked. The gardens are beautiful - orchids everywhere! Have fun.

[mick]

Great day

Joan

[Lola]

Great trip report. We have been to many of the places and your pics brought back some great memories. We love our Florida road trips too

[smithlane]

A really interesting day, you saw so much wildlife!

[MOUSEMARSH]

Looks like you had a fab day, we will be in Key West March next year and may well look up the Westwinds.

[anji]

Originally Posted by MOUSEMARSH

Looks like you had a fab day, we will be in Key West March next year and may well look up the Westwinds.

See more...

Oh you won't be disappointed! Fabulous place - easyish on the pocket compared to most, possible to street park and the most beautiful gardens and pools.

[cornishfrogboy]

A lovely day.. and it makes me think about returning to Florida (whilst skipping Orlando completely). You are people after our own hearts!