March 24, 2022, Miami Beach-
This is not Papa Hemingway’s house. We never got over there today, but it comes close. This home is representative of the more modest homes in Key West, laid back but every bit as modern as any community in the United States.
Six of us came here, for a three-hour visit, which of course was extended to five hours-once traffic delays resulted in our Noon arrival becoming a 2 p.m. affair. We stayed in Key West proper until 6, then made stops for a couple of ladies to swim at Smathers Beach, as well as at the Southernmost Beach in the Continental United States and for my friends to get a drink at the Southernmost Bar in the Continental United States. We topped the day by taking in the sunset at Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key-home to Key Deer, a mini deer that is only found in the middle Florida Keys. We did not see any deer.
We did enjoy butterflies, though, and two raucous flamingos. One butterfly landed on my broad-brimmed sun hat and another on the shoulder of one of the ladies. I will share a photo of my butterfly attempted-hitchhiker, when it is sent me by my friendly photographer. Here, in the meantime, are the flamingos.
Here are a few scenes from the Southernmost Beach in the Continental United States.
Next is Smathers Beach, east of Key West.
Key West is a one-of-a-kind experience, even with a five hour drive from Miami.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
I made that trip during a weekend between business weeks ini Florida — it was worth the long drive, but only with an overnight stay ini between. Hemingway’s house is much like that white house in the first photo, but right on the main street!
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I think I would like to have an overnight stay somewhere on the Keys, at least once in the future.
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The main advantage was that I didn’t have to drive both ways on the same day — it’s too long a drive for that! And I stayed to see the sun set, and had a tour of the town — all at more leisure than if I had not stayed overnight!
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Absolutely! I will not make that day trip again.
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YOU are with a group? Good for you!
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I have my moments.
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When I lived in South Florida, I visited Key West frequently. It’s like being in another world and totally charming/
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It is definitely a place unto itself.
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Yes, it is. I visited there during their Halloween festivities and they put on an annual Halloween costume parade. Jimmy Buffet was the Grand Marshall. It was an amazing experience.
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That sounds amazing!
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Sounds like a fun trip – even without visiting the original Hemingway residence!
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It was definitely a delightful journey!
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