We started off in Ft. Lauderdale, while it was 3 times warmer than NYC, it was still just 60 degrees and a little too cold to sit out by the beautiful pool.
The upper pool was an infinity pool that looked out to the ocean and it had a porthole that looked down in to the lower pool.
Lucky for us the Westin Diplomat has an amazing spa facility and guests have complimentary access. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the steam room and whirlpool.
Monday afternoon we headed south down Highway 1 - past Key Largo and Islamorada - all the way down to Key West. We parked the car just in time to watch the sunset.
The weather in Key West was a sunny 75 degrees, just about perfect. We stayed at the Orchid Key Inn. A small hotel that has a wonderful staff and beautiful landscaping.
Of course we spent time by the pool but we also had a fun time touring the Hemingway House. Not only did Hemingway do quite a bit of writing there, but it is currently home to 44 cats.
It's hard to read, but the sign on the couch says "Please do not sit on the furniture." Clearly this is for humans - the cats do as they please.
About half of the cats are polydactyl - they have an extra toe on their front feet. It looks like they are wearing a mitten on their feet.
The yard around the Hemingway House is fenced in such a way the cats can roam about outside but not jump over and escape.
Of course I tried to find all 44 of the cats, but lost track along the way. Pictured below is the room where Hemingway did his writing and the actual typewriter he used, and another cat!
Even though I really wanted to steal a cat away in my purse Michael made sure we didn't go home with any extra felines.
There are roaming chickens and roosters all over the island (except for the Hemingway House yard).
We also did a stand up paddle boarding lesson and tour. It was awesome. We both were able to stand up and paddle around the mangrove forest and waterways. I have some pictures on a waterproof disposable film camera - it is really strange to think I need to go get film developed!
Our last morning we walked around a bit and went to the "Most Southern Point" in the United States - but we didn't wait in line to take any photos there. Michael is pretty sure there are points further south since you can see them while standing at the alleged southernmost point!
He did agree with this statement and was willing to take a photo here:
Key West was the perfect vacation spot and it was really hard to head home. I'm already trying to figure out when we can go back for a longer stay.
