Friends in Warm Places
March 3, 2010 We wish we had a photo of our friends, Ed and Sandy, who we met almost two years ago at a POG rally and here and there at other POG rallies since. Actually, we do have a pic. It's from Port St. Lucie (February). Sandy's playing the mandolin and Ed's playing the upright bass:
Ed's awesome classic truck is our souvenir pic. We caught up with Ed and Sandy after Ed showed us around one of his projects, a 65' WWII mine cable tender boat he's restoring. It's a tough boat with a fascinating history.
Thank you Ed and Sandy for a lovely visit. We look forward to more soon. Maybe Maine?
It's always a pleasure to make a quick connection with someone you've never met. We met Bill at Green Parrot, a local's favourite hangout, and the bar we frequented for a lot of outstanding live music. The more we chatted with Bill, the more we found we had in common, from our preferred music to books, and travels, and even how we met our spouses. Then, we kept running into him and his charming wife, Kathy, at Studios of Key West events.
So, we thought a lunch was in order, at least. We noshed at The Shrimp Shack, a great little eatery right on the waterfront: old sails for awnings, picnic tables, a shrimp boat anchor butting the pier.
Bill gifted us with a copy of his Key West Graffiti book, which is a vast collection of quips and quotes from all over Key West, even from bathroom stalls. It's an entertaining book full of both funny and thought-provoking maxims. Also, they invited us to their 25th wedding anniversary party and we had a truly wonderful time with them and their good-humored friends. Bill and Kathy know how to throw a party! Thanks, you two, for everything! :)
Shrimp Shack/Fishbusterz seafood offerings to go:
We were doubly fortunate in that we met Ernie and Pat in the campground. Ernie and Pat's 1991 Prevost (same vintage as ours) initially drew us in. They're POG members too. Before we knew it, we talked quite some time away so we schedule a play date. ;)
Pat and Ernie took us to the fabulous El Sibone, an authentic cuban restaurant.
We shared a whole day, a nice drive through the parts of Key West I had never seen, a stop at the Waterfront Market for iced coffee and gourmet goodies, and an old cemetery. If you know me, you know I love old cemeteries (photos to come). We carried the conversation well into the evening and it went by so fast! We really hope we can meet you again at the Maine rally, you two. Thanks for the super time!
We never feel more fortunate than when we can share our travel experience with the characters we meet along the way.
-P