Adventures in the Keys

The Publix Supermarket in Key West yesterday was the scene of both Euphoric Highs and Dismal Lows when we stopped there to procure some eggs and my very elusive, go-to, manly, alcoholic beverage of choice, Strawberry Wine Coolers.

          We had just spent an enjoyable day in Key West and were on our way back to Sugarloaf Key where our KOA Campground was located when we spied the Publix and pulled in.   

          For those of you in New Jersey, I will elaborate on the purchasing procedures for beer, wine, and spirits. It seems that most other states allow the supermarkets, convenience stores, and yes, even drive-thru’s to sell Beer and Wine. The Hard Stuff needs to be bought at a liquor store. We weren’t sure where Wine Coolers fell in this calculated dichotomy of delineation, but since there was a liquor store adjacent to the Publix, we were assured that our quest could be fulfilled.

          Imagine our delight when upon inquiry, we found that the Wine Coolers were conveniently located in the same aisle as the Eggs!

          How thoughtful of them! Apparently they knew that most out-of-towners would enter their establishment looking for the two staples in most peoples lives, that being eggs and beer!

          Unfortunately, this aisle is also the witness to the Dismal Low of the day.

          For there, directly above the Eggs, were several small packages of fresh Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Morsels!

          Or so I thought.

          Upon closer investigation, my  delight was dashed upon the squeaky-clean floors like a gallon of milk that burst open upon impact.

          For there in front of me were several packages of Quail Eggs.

          I submit these photos of proof that this was in fact, an evil, well-thought-out plan perpetrated on the same unsuspecting out-of-towners that were so happily served until this latest episode made its way forward.

          Dejectedly we (I) started for the check-out area when Paula asked, “I wonder if the have those Butterscotch Krimpets? You know, the ones that I’ve been searching for!”

          It seems that Paula has had a hankerin’ for these little guys since Sixth Grade and for one reason or another, has not either run across them, or has neglected to actually pick them up when her impulsive taste buds demanded.

          “Who knows?” was my reply, fresh off the Quail Eggs Debacle.

          We sauntered down the appropriate aisle and, lo and behold, there was her quest, just waiting for a little kid to come by and pluck them off of the neatly stacked shelf and bring them Home so they could fulfill their mission of sating the impulsive appetite of that Sixth Grader, or, just maybe, the Sixth Grader that’s in all of us.

          That was our Euphoric High!

          As you can see, it doesn’t take much to impart massive mood swings upon us!

          Back in the car we happily recounted that day’s itinerary with fondness.

          We had been to Key West a few years ago and loved every minute of it. So, we were content to just wander around with no particular places to go. The Historic District is where all of the action is. This area has Mallory Square where EVERYONE gathers EVERY night for Sunset. It is quite the spectacle, both naturally and publicly, as both the Sunset and Street Entertainers vie for your attention.

          All of the cool bars and watering holes, such as, Sloppy Joe’s (a favorite of Hemingway’s), and the Green Parrott are located. This town probably compares with Old New Orleans  for the title of Drunken Debauchery at times.

          It’s part of what this place is, but it’s innocuous at the same time

          You can walk practically everywhere and there is one of those Historic Trolley Tour’s that can give you a basic idea of where things are and you are treated to a running historic commentary. The tour of Ernest Hemingway’s home is a must. I would not be surprised if the docents there needed to pass a Comprehensive Hemingway Examination, complete with quotes from his works, to be even considered for a job there.

          They are that good!

          One of the other sites is the Little White House, a favorite of  Harry Truman’s. Here again, the docents are quite proficient in their knowledge, and appreciation, for the guy who said,

          “The Buck Stops Here.”

          It would probably be a good idea for Presidents to be experts in Harry’s ways, who would not even use a government-paid-for-stamp when he mailed a letter back to his wife when he was away.

          ‘Nuff said.

          We had a great lunch at Caroline’s which is mostly outdoors.           Probably half of the eateries down here have some sort of outdoor dining room, most with a collection of various tents and well-placed umbrellas to shelter their customers from both the heat and the rain.

          It makes for a very pleasurable dining experience and as you may imagine, being stuck way out at sea, also makes for some incredibly fresh and tasty seafood meals!

          We most assuredly walked far more than our “10,000 steps” but it is so nice walking under the banyan trees and other quite mature species that the ambling around town has a feeling of quaintness that can only be found in nice, old, southern towns.

          When we arrived back at (on?) Sugarloaf Key and our motorhome, we quickly ripped open a Butterscotch Krimpet and devoured it as only people on Holiday can! After that we decided to partake of the giant hot tub to soothe our walking muscles. There we met people from all over and had several nice conversations. We’ve found that a lot of folks stay at these places down here for a month at a time and then go to another spot until winter is over. They are just as enthralled with our “Full-Time-Motor Homing” as we are with their wintertime get-away itineraries.

          Forty-Five minutes later, water-logged and overheated, we exited the hot tub and made our way back to our site for more Krimpets and a well-deserved Strawberry Wine Cooler.

          All is good in the Florida Keys!