Over and out.

With plans to head out at 0700 tomorrow morning (apparently watching Navy Seals run exercises from helicopters not far off of our stern this morning got me in the ‘military way’), I’m happy to say we’re ready for the next journey boat-wise, and fully sated Key West sightseeing-wise.

Today’s town adventure included the usual soaking dinghy ride (are you tired of reading about it?! we’re sure tired of living it!), the now-organized steps that must follow in order to enter the walking tourist world desalinated, a great lunch, some shopping, an aquarium visit, meeting up with our friends, and subsequent happy hour at ‘our’ ‘Bond’ bar before returning home.

To expand upon the highlights, let me just say this:

1. Pepe’s is a great patio on which to dine on fresh oysters and cocktails made with freshly squeezed anything.
2. We met Judy Blume in her bookshop while looking for R-T, Margaret and the Rats of Nimh.
3. Nurse sharks are adorable but we’re in family agreement that a baby alligator would be fun to have as an alternative.
4. It was nice to find a place to stick our toes in beachy waters on our route to and from town. (Wish we’d figured it out days ago!)
5. Thai Island’s happy hour is as great as its claim to fame- it was a filming locale for License to Kill.
6. Did I mention meeting Judy Blume?!?!

It was just a day of surprises, big and small, lovely and more lovely. The bookshop on our ‘To Do’ list was a treat, but even more so was the realization that the woman lovingly helping the girls to find a suitable choice was none other than the writer who kick-started my own insatiable  reading appetite so many years ago. Tears came quickly when she so sweetly said “Yes!” to my gasping “Are YOU Judy Blume?”, and then I must admit I blubbered a bit and had to step back to take it all in. I’ll forever kick myself for not thanking her more profusely when I had the direct chance, but geez, I was stunned! (It’s somewhat disheartening to learn that I don’t gush completely appropriate and earnest praise under the veils of shock and awe, I must admit. I only hope the girls are around to carry on conversation for me if and when I bump into anyone else I hold in such high esteem.)

Walking off THAT high, we poked around downtown a bit more, had fun at the aquarium, and cooled our feet and watched boat traffic at the wee Simonton Beach before heading back to the barn.

A communication note: our time in the Dry Tortugas will be dry of more than just fresh water; we’ll be out of service, and therefore, updates.

We’ll let you know when we resurface!