Key West 2007
Key West 2007 There has never been a more perfect day to drive to Key West. Sun shinning, blue waters still and calm, traffic light and moving. As we drove on Card Sound Road, a parade of at least 50 of the most magnificent antique cars, some one of a kind; slowly pass us by accompanied by a police escort. Lunch along the way was suggested by Larry Greenly, in an out of the way restaurant on the ocean side of Islamorada mile marker 79.9, called Lazy Days. It is set back on the waters edge, and in all the years of living in the Keys, I have never noticed it. What a find. Everyone vowed to return for the wonderful food and atmosphere. Although we were in no rush to reach our final destination in Key West, the normally 4-hour trip took just under 6 hours due to the weak blatters of most of our members. True we did stop briefly for gas and lunch, but 6 hours. We must be getting old. 13 Years ago we made the trip in just over 3 ½ hours. Ah to be young again. After 13 years of our annual trip to Key West for the Holiday Parade we switched our hotel to the Blue Marlin right around the corner from where we used to stay. Clean and neat rooms, nice pool area, with a tacky continental breakfast, and the price was right. It was great being with all the friendly folks from the South West Miata Club once again. Seeing so many old friends year after year and meeting all they’re new club members (all of which vowed to return next year) is always a nice treat. While decorating for the parade this year, I made a change from the ironing board pizza party to our own Hot Dog Vender on site. We definitely built up an appetite while decorating our Miatas, and need to keep up our strength. It was a good choice. I’m really glad we never held our own contest to judge the best decorated Miata, or the most original, or any category for that matter. Everyone this year, as in years past outdid themselves. It is amazing to see all the clever ways members dress up, light up, and invent ways to place more and unique and interesting stuff on our poor small unsuspecting Miatas. On an individual basis each Miata is great, as a group, we are unbelievable, and hands down one of the best entries and most liked in the parade by the people in the crowd. This year however, Santa’s ego was crushed. The hundreds of children lining the streets were always look forward to Santa in the Miata, and this year was no exception. That is until one lonely black jeep who drove real close behind Santa’s’ chariot, and almost looked like part of our group, came into view. It contained the biggest, reddest, furriest, creature named ELMO. I know the name well because as soon as the children spotted this furry red creature, they screamed his name over and over. Even the parents, the traitors, alerted the little darlings that Elmo was coming. Santa may never get over it. Dinner following the parade was once again at New York Pasta, and the food and service was outstanding this year. It may be the new partner in charge was eager to please. True it was late, and we were starving, but the quality and volume of the food would be hard to beat. Following dinner we had our gift exchange, which was fun. As usual a few more popular gifts changed hands often to the delight and disappointment of some members. Of course no meal is ever complete without a stop at the Flamingo Ice Cream Shoppe, (each and every meal). For those of us lucky enough to stay in Key West an extra night, the benefits are many. Tons of parking in town, room rates are cheaper, better service in shops and restaurants, and the best reason to stay is the celebration at the Woman’s Club of Key West in the heart of Duval Street. Residents gather in front of estate which is the Woman’s Club and listen to a brief ceremony by local dignitaries, followed by a choir singing inspiring Holiday music. Residents are then invited into the building to tour the historic house and see the rooms decorated by the members. You are then led into the expansive back where dozens of tables are filled with food from full turkey dinners with all the trimmings, baked ziti and meatballs, subs, Chinese food, cookies, cakes, and dozens of other goodies. Along with eggnog and soft drinks, everything served is free. You can’t beat that for a great evening out. I really don’t know how I get myself into certain situations; I sometimes think I’m a magnet chosen to be picked on. At the start of the Holiday Parade, while I was on bended knee talking to two small children young enough to believe I was the real Santa, the president of the Woman’s Club approached me. She needed a favor. Before I knew it, I had agreed to be Santa at the Woman’s Club event on Sunday night for the children. As it turned out, there were only two children who were there to see Santa, but dozens of elderly gentlemen who were more than happy to sit on Santa’s lap and leave with beads. As I started to leave, I was brought up onto an outside stage unexpectedly and asked to give a speech. Normally not tongue-tied I looked out at a crowd of strangers, expect for Turbo who just looks and shakes his head, and had no idea of what came out of my mouth. I’m not sure if I’ll be invited back. Topping off the most perfect weekend ever was on the return trip in Big Pine Key, a key deer crossed the road in front of our Miata, stopped when he got to the other side, turned his head and just looked at us for a while before moving on.
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