Dick and Sooze arrived from Columbus, OH to visit us on April 8th. They left on Sunday the 13th and during those five days we were able to pack in a most excellent adventure, including a two day trip to Key West.

Dick and Sooze have been friends of ours for nearly 43 years, pretty amazing since we aren’t that old – or are we. We met in Columbus about a year after Peg/Marg and I got married and despite several out of state moves, we have remained good friends for all these years.

Our adventure started when they arrived with dinner and sunset services at the Sunset Grill overlooking the Seven Mile Bridge. It’s a great place with decent food and a great atmosphere. Plus the view at sunset cannot be beat.

Unfortunately, the weather was not favorable for a sail out to the Sombrero Reef for snorkeling so we spent time shopping for food and souvenirs. On Thursday we drove in Dick’s rental car to Key West and stayed at the Silver Palm Hotel on Truman Avenue. They hotel was a couple of blocks off of Duval Street on the adult end of Key West. It is near the Southernmost point marker and the Hemingway home. It was a very nice place to stay and one of the cheaper nice places at only $400 per night!! Of course we visited the Hemingway home and took the tour. It was very informative and fun. The place has between 40 and 50 six-toed cats on the premises and no mice.

Sooze also scoped out a great French patisserie and café where we ate lunch. Dick became obsessed over a chocolate pastry which was as big as his head. We all shared it. So on to the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Sloppy Joe’s and Mallory Square for sundown services. Somehow we squeezed in a two hour tour on the Conch Train and were treated to the best tour guide we’ve ever experienced. If you are ever in Key West and take the Conch Train tour, look for BJ. The guy is a wealth of knowledge and is funny. All in all it was a whirlwind two days, but great fun.

Their stay ended too soon as all great visits do. We are now preparing for the arrival of Paul and Patty Kiernan. Paul is a classmate of mine from high school. We are looking forward to their arrival to activate the excellent adventure machine again. Keep checking in. We’ll keep you posted.