The thought of going to a butterfly conservatory sounded really boring, but based on some recommendations we decided to give it a go.  While getting our tickets, we received our instructions.  Enter through the double doors and close them quickly, watch where you step so you don’t squash any, no touching them, and watch for hitchhikers when you leave.  All I can say is WOW.  After slinking through the second set of doors we were met by a swarm of butterflies of all sizes and colors.  We were so stunned by the beautiful sight of butterflies, birds and plants we just stood there taking it all in.  Trying to get pictures was a challenge but I think we got a few good ones. 

A swarm of beautiful blue ones met us when we entered.

Meet Rhett and Scarlett, Caribbean Flamingo’s born February 2012. Their average lifespan in the wild is 20 – 30 years. Sixty years in captivity.

Note to self. Do not wear bright yellow in a butterfly conservatory. They kept landing on me. So much for the No Touching rule!

I don’t think the pictures justify the experience.  Would highly recommend a visit to one if you have the opportunity.

Below is a picture of The Curry Mansion Inn all decked out for Christmas.  We stayed here on our first visit to Key West back in 1991.

Fair winds,

Cindy

It has been way too many years since we last saw Darrin but he blew into Key West one day in his convertible mustang for his first ever visit to Key West.

What happens in Key West, stays in Key West but I can say there may have been some consuming of Papa Hemingway’s rum.  But of course to counter that we ate our way through old town.  A little fresh oysters here, conch fritters there and a great seafood dinner at a place called Off the Hook.   Okay maybe we had a few cold ones thrown in here and there as well. 

Great old school bar. Much preferred over Sloppy Joe’s.

This is the famous Whistle Bar over The Bull on Duval Street. Why are there only women up there?

The two Bubba’s having margarita’s at where else? The Original Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.   

We had a great time and all too quickly Darrin put the top down and zoomed off through the Florida Keys on a beautiful sunny day.  

On Friday night we got to see the lighted boat parade in our marina.  Here are two of our favorites.

That is Snoopy and the Red Baron

Fair winds,

Cindy