This Week on the Island 04/23/2006

'This week on the Island' is written by Doug Bennett and is an update to friends about happenings in Key West last week. Everything is true except for those parts that are lies.
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Key West: a city of change. The pictures this week are (1) The intersection of Williams and Caroline St in 1906 when it used to be the waters edge and (2) that same area after the hurricane of 1909. Today the whole area has been filled with marl from the seabed when the Key West Bight was dug. On that marl now sits Jabuors Trailer park, Schooner Wharf Bar, the city parking lot, the boardwalk and the Fresh Market, Turtle Kraals, Half Shell Raw Bar, and the Ferry Terminal.

The Weather: We have had such beautiful weather for so long we must be in for some really bad weather this hurricane season.

This weeks book was 'Floridays' by Don Blancing. This is a book of poems about Florida. I also read 'Tales of Old Key West' by Richard Watherwax. Tales from around the turn of the century (the last one). Most are so unbelievable they just kept me laughing. 'The Train that Died at Sea' by Pat Parks was about Henry Flagler and the building of the railroad to Key West and the great hurricane of Labor Day weekend in 1935 that washed the train away.

Did some kayaking this week. Also took some long bike rides. Took the dogs for about 5 walks each day not to mention some rides in the Samurai with the top down. Purchased a steam cleaner to clean some of the furniture (the couch needed it). Installed a ceiling fan on the front porch (warm weather will be here soon). Went to the local Parrot Head Club's monthly social at B. O.'s Fish Wagon (corner of Caroline and Williams). I also did my normal weekly duties, clean the house and wash the dishes and cars, wash the clothes and clean the yard.

Saturday was 'Puppies in the Park' at Bayview Park. A good time was had by all.

Saturday was Fausto's 80th Anniversary. If you are a Parrot Head you may remember Buffett's song about 'going to Fausto's to get some chocolate milk and a Tylenol for his head'.

I got the new CD 'Hoot'. It has some new songs on it by Jimmy Buffett.

The Sailfish contest was held this week with headquarters in a large tent covering a good portion of Mallory Square. I don't know why the city does this, it just makes everyone going to 'Sunset' upset.

Some great pics of the Keys http://www.floridakeysphotos.com/photomap.php

Next week, 'Long Live The Conch Republic'. 'We seceded where others failed'.


Key West, You have got to love it
'Meet me at the end of the road' - Conky Tonkin'- Jimmy Buffett
Doug Bennett
Lat 24.5597N, Long 81.8016W