The Marquesa is a small guest house with amazing service and amenities. Water and fresh brewed iced tea by the pools. Room service breakfast that you can have in your room or poolside! Perfectly appointed rooms.
Today I had breakfast in my room in advance of the 8am start of our boating adventure. Grapefruit, coffee, and 2 hard boiled eggs really hit the spot! The guys arrived right on time and we were off! After a quick stop at the market for provisions, we headed for the marina and out to open waters.
The first stop was an old metal shipwreck. We went some time snorkeling and diving around the wreck, always keeping and eye out for sharks (I forget which kind, but apparently it was the bad kind). The water was so warm, making for a great experience. Afterwards we decided to head out to the Marquesa islands. Located about 20mi. from Key West proper, they are a frequent target for Cuban refugees. I took some great photos of escape rafts cobbled together from scrap metal and wood, one powered by an old Chevy truck motor! Derek and I wandered the beach, then headed back to the boat for lunch. Then Derek and I headed out for a brief sail before we had motor back to the marina. This was when we skirted with disaster and a freak gust of wind broke our tiller! Though we were trying to get closer to some nurse sharks (the good, non-people-eating, kind), we had to wait for Eric to come over and “rescue” us. On the journey back the sea was rough, but the sea revealed the full spectrum of colors that this part of the world is known for. All in all, a great day!
I returned to the marquesa, the hotel, intending to go sit by the pool. However, after sitting on the boat for so long, I was ready to get out. I headed out walking, without any real plan. I wandered in the direction of “the southern most point” (not). On the way I passed the Hemingway house, which I will return to to visit when they are open longer (if only to see the cats). Across the street I stopped for a Key lime margarita. Then I ended up by the southernmost point, toon a quick photo, and headed back to the hotel. At this point I was hot and ready to hot the pool.
After swimming and reading for a little over an hour, it was time for a shower and then to head to Mallory square for sunset. Before I left I mentioned that my cold water tap in my sink wasn’t working, then I headed out.
Sunset is the event around here. Apparently. It was actually a little overwhelming. Maybe I just didn’t get enough alone time in the Everglades. But the Bros were out in force. As we’re the families with yelling kids. And street performers. Sunset was really beautiful, and I think I got a few good shots. Afterwards, I wandered back to Hojin Noodle House. Best. Decision. Ever. There was a funny pair of local girls recovering from several days of partying. #keywestliving But the food was top notch. I might have to get back there before I leave. All in all, today was an excellent day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Though, I know it will begin with me sleeping in!
ADDENDUM: I neglected to mention, my sink was broken. I returned, and there was a note in my room, saying that they couldn’t fix my sink, and they would be back in the morning. The better point, they left me a key for another room so I would have a working sink (in the process of fixing mine, they took it apart, so I get access to another room)! Best. Customer. Service. Ever!