florida question
 

Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

Hawks Cay

Are you diving? Looe Key down around MM30 is real nice and not
unreasonable to snorkel but SCUBA or a hookah may be better.
Up on the North end you have Pennecamp but it is not as good.

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

florida question
 

On Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5:40:24 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

Saving this thread. We're headed down there next month, staying at the Ocean Key Resort. Any other suggestions for things to see and good eats are welcome!

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:40:20 -0500,
wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

Yup we stayed at Rainbow bend too. Hawks Cay is more of a resort.
Pennekamp is up near Key Largo, Looe Key is down near Big Pine. Thirty
more miles down the road from there is Key West and if you have never
been there, it is a hoot.
That is worth a night's stay (or more)
Be sure you are down around the end of Duval street and go to Mallory
Square to watch the sunset. They have plenty of live acts down there
at sundown on the plaza. Then you can go hit the bars on Duval Street,
Sloppy Joes, Hogs Breath and a bunch I can't remember ;-)
Again, lots of live music.

The Westin on Wall Street is nice and we also like a smaller place
called 325 Duval (where it is). This is really like a few small
apartments right there on Duval street.
You could dive Looe Key and spend the night in KW. Try to time it so
you are not moving on the weekend if you can. That road really chokes
up on Sunday night. It might take 4 or 5 hours to go the 100 miles or
so back to Homestead. Friday going down is not much better.

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:12:27 -0800 (PST), Its Me
wrote:

On Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5:40:24 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

Saving this thread. We're headed down there next month, staying at the Ocean Key Resort. Any other suggestions for things to see and good eats are welcome!

A nice walk is from there down to the beach. It is a mile or so each
way but a pleasant walk past Harry Truman's house and a lot of rich
folks. This is not a bad beach either. I think it is dredge spoil from
the navy boat basin.
There are not a lot of beaches in the keys, it is mostly coral rock.

You should schedule around the cruise boat docking if you can. They
pack the place for several hours and then they are gone. You might as
well just stay in your room.

I suppose it is required that you ride on the conch train. It does go
everywhere and you can get on and off at will. They also rent those
funny looking electric cars, bikes and other ways to get around.
Parking is pretty much non-existant tho.

florida question
 

Califbill wrote:

Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

We've stayed at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada a few times. Very nice
place!

If you end up in Key West, a day trip to the Dry Tortugas is something
to consider. You can fly or take a ferry.

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:17:03 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:12:27 -0800 (PST), Its Me
wrote:

On Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5:40:24 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

Saving this thread. We're headed down there next month, staying at the Ocean Key Resort. Any other suggestions for things to see and good eats are welcome!

A nice walk is from there down to the beach. It is a mile or so each
way but a pleasant walk past Harry Truman's house and a lot of rich
folks. This is not a bad beach either. I think it is dredge spoil from
the navy boat basin.
There are not a lot of beaches in the keys, it is mostly coral rock.

You should schedule around the cruise boat docking if you can. They
pack the place for several hours and then they are gone. You might as
well just stay in your room.

I suppose it is required that you ride on the conch train. It does go
everywhere and you can get on and off at will. They also rent those
funny looking electric cars, bikes and other ways to get around.
Parking is pretty much non-existant tho.

===

The Conch Train is a good way to get a quick overview of the high
points.

Don't miss Mallory Square - lots of interesting street entertainment
and atmosphere. Best time is just after the cruise ships undock prior
to sunset.

One of our favorite pubs is Schooner Wharf Bar at the north west end
of William Street. Big schooners are docked right across the board
walk.

Some restaurants that we like:

Fogarty's, a little pricey but worth it. Good location, great food.
One of the better places to eat at in Key West. Try to get a table on
the outdoor balcony if the weather is good.
,263m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x9b146 b4e9015bf41?hl=en

B.O.'s Fish Wagon, lots of local atmosphere. Food and drinks are good
at fairly rasonable prices.
,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1s-fWzLKE94Gl0%2FVk-gSjyHGEI%2FAAAAAAADpyI%2FkxUSROB0Hvg!2e4!3e12!6s%2 F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-fWzLKE94Gl0%2FVk-gSjyHGEI%2FAAAAAAADpyI%2FkxUSROB0Hvg%2Fs203-k-no%2F!7i5312!8i2988!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x00000000000000 00:0xeb6c3c0b05907086!2sDuetto+Pizza+and+Gelato!3m 1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x3d3d6ed3fbd57278!6m1!1e1? hl=en

A bit on the kinky side if you like that sort of thing:

,533m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88d1b6ebbfc70237:0x5 0e6dbb0186fd927!6m1!1e1?hl=en
The roof top bar is clothing optional.

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 21:43:13 -0500,
wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:17:03 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:12:27 -0800 (PST), Its Me
wrote:

On Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5:40:24 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:27:01 -0800, Califbill billnews wrote:



Greg and Wayne recommended a Keys resort. Greg honeymoon spot. We need to
use up a week timeshare in late February, so figure a week in Orlando area
and a few days in the keys. What was the resort? I think it was in
Marathon. Also which is the best Marine Reserve to visit?

It's called Rainbow Bend resort.

http://www.rainbowbend.com/

It's a small place and not at all fancy but we stayed there once and
had a good time. The Boston Whalers are old for the most part but
well maintained and a lot of fun to bop around in. Food was excellent
and there was plenty of it. They also have some other boats like
canoes, kayaks and small sail boats.

There is a marine preserve a bit farther east called John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park. I went out on one of their dive boats a long
time ago and had a good experience.

http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

Saving this thread. We're headed down there next month, staying at the Ocean Key Resort. Any other suggestions for things to see and good eats are welcome!

A nice walk is from there down to the beach. It is a mile or so each
way but a pleasant walk past Harry Truman's house and a lot of rich
folks. This is not a bad beach either. I think it is dredge spoil from
the navy boat basin.
There are not a lot of beaches in the keys, it is mostly coral rock.

You should schedule around the cruise boat docking if you can. They
pack the place for several hours and then they are gone. You might as
well just stay in your room.

I suppose it is required that you ride on the conch train. It does go
everywhere and you can get on and off at will. They also rent those
funny looking electric cars, bikes and other ways to get around.
Parking is pretty much non-existant tho.

===

The Conch Train is a good way to get a quick overview of the high
points.

Don't miss Mallory Square - lots of interesting street entertainment
and atmosphere. Best time is just after the cruise ships undock prior
to sunset.

One of our favorite pubs is Schooner Wharf Bar at the north west end
of William Street. Big schooners are docked right across the board
walk.

Some restaurants that we like:

Fogarty's, a little pricey but worth it. Good location, great food.
One of the better places to eat at in Key West. Try to get a table on
the outdoor balcony if the weather is good.
,263m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x9b146 b4e9015bf41?hl=en

B.O.'s Fish Wagon, lots of local atmosphere. Food and drinks are good
at fairly rasonable prices.
,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1s-fWzLKE94Gl0%2FVk-gSjyHGEI%2FAAAAAAADpyI%2FkxUSROB0Hvg!2e4!3e12!6s%2 F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-fWzLKE94Gl0%2FVk-gSjyHGEI%2FAAAAAAADpyI%2FkxUSROB0Hvg%2Fs203-k-no%2F!7i5312!8i2988!4m6!1m3!3m2!1s0x00000000000000 00:0xeb6c3c0b05907086!2sDuetto+Pizza+and+Gelato!3m 1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x3d3d6ed3fbd57278!6m1!1e1? hl=en

A bit on the kinky side if you like that sort of thing:

,533m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88d1b6ebbfc70237:0x5 0e6dbb0186fd927!6m1!1e1?hl=en
The roof top bar is clothing optional.


Certainly a different atmosphere than the Hogs Breath ;-)

I guess I didn't know they had real food in Key West. The places we go
bring your food in a basket.
(not really true at the Westin but we didn't eat at the Westin)
We think of it as just a day and night of silly and we leave the next
morning.

If you get down to the bight and notice that pretty Ipe dock, I have
some of that. We were going by when they were building it and got all
the 2' cutoffs we could carry. (from the trash)
We were a sight on the Fast Cat.
I make all sorts of stuff with that. Cool wood.
I even bought some ;-)

florida question
 

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 22:26:45 -0500, wrote:

I make all sorts of stuff with that. Cool wood.
I even bought some ;-)

===

Ipe, sometimes called bethabara among other things.

Yes, it's incredibly tough and heavy, much cheaper than teak. I once
had a couple of good size pieces given to me. Re-sawed it on my my
table saw to get it down to a useful thickness. Dulls blades
quickly, even carbide, and it can make some really nasty sharp
splinters.

Where did you buy yours?