This Week on the Island 09/03/2006

'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: (I am displaying pictures of places the Parrot Heads may want to visit when they come to Key West in November.) The picture this week is the building that housed the original Margaritaville at Lands End. It opened Jan 28, 1985. It is near the intersection of Caroline and Margaret. Turtle Kraals and Half Shell are also located near. (If you have the original picture with Buffett on the porch, I sure would appreciate it if you would email me a copy.)

The Weather: 'Hurricane is a coming there's partying tonight'

This week's book was 'Dead of Night' by Randy Wayne White 2005. This is another detective story that takes place in the Florida Keys. I enjoyed the book.

--------------Hurricane Week-------------------
Last week Ernesto changed from a depression to a tropical storm. It is suppose to be headed for the Yucatan. It is over 1,000 miles away at the leeward Islands.

Sunday we went to Schooner Wharf Bar to celebrate Wyleigh 14th birthday. Pictures at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/ then PHOTO, then WYLEIGH. It was a beautiful day and at 1:00 PM Key West declared a mandatory evacuation for all tourists. (Ernesto is over 700 miles away at Hati) Sunday night we went to Turtle Kraal's for all you can eat lobster. Ernesto became a category 1 but then dropped back to a tropical storm. It changed course and is now headed straight for us.

Monday was another beautiful day. The island is getting deserted as more and more tourist leave. Ernesto is in Cuba, over 500 miles away, still a tropical storm and has moved more toward the upper Key's. I filled the vehicles with gas and tested the generator. Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joe's, Irish Kevin's, The Bull, Margaritaville, etc are still open. The TV news guys are everywhere and waiting on something to happen.

Tuesday morning, it is raining, Ernesto has left Cuba, it is over warm water and is 250 miles away. It now has winds of 45 mph and is headed for Miami. Key West airport and bus lines closed at 11:00 AM. Even if you wanted to leave, it is too late now. (You don't want to get caught on US#1 in a hurricane). It is now overcast with a nice cool breeze blowing, the rain has stopped.

Wednesday morning, Ernesto has left the islands. It appears to have crossed at Plantation Key (south of Key Largo). It was a non-event. We have tropical storms with more rain and wind. We did not close the shutters but we did lose a wind chime.
------------------End of Hurricane-----------------------------

Thursday, a beautiful day and the start of WomenFest. Most of their events will take place at Atlantic Shores near the Southernmost Point. Activities are planned for all of next week.

Friday, The Schooner Western Union is for sale. http://www.schoonerWesternUnion.com/ . This was the last tall ship built in Key West, we will hate to see it go. The America has already been sold and left the island.

Saturday, A shower in the morning and beautiful the rest of the day. Jo and I went to vote early. (Vote early, vote often).

---------NOTE--------------------
If you are coming to the Keys, you may want to visit www.buccaneerpress.com for ideas of places to stop on your trip down US#1. I agree with most, disagree with some, and some of my favorite spots are not even mentioned.

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


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