This Week on the Island 08/09/2009

'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.----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The picture this week (click to enlarge) is ‘Lobster Fest’. Lobster Fest was this week end and Duval was blocked for the big lobster cookout. Where else can you sit on the curb in 90+ degree heat and eat lobster with a cold adult beverage.

Weather: How many ways can you say hot and humid? Sultry comes to mind.

No book this week.

Things Tourist Say: ‘How far is it to America from here?’

Last week I mentioned that we only had two people die in the mini lobster season, but we had 4 more die on US1. Three died and one was taken to Miami on Saturday morning. Seems there was a head on collision on US1 near the Bahia Honda Park. Then on Sunday we had another one killed on US1 and another one taken to the hospital in Miami. That was a very costly mini lobster season. US#1 from Key West to the mainland is dangerous.

Last Sunday was the ‘Waiter’s Race’ on Lazy Lane behind Schooner Wharf. It rained around 7 AM so it would be very humid to go with the heat. (Sultry). The race was from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Each of the 39 bar teams consist of 7 people. #1 mixes a margarita, #2 carries it to the table, #3 drinks the drink, #4 buses the table and carries trash to the recycle bins, #5 taps the beer keg, #6 draws 7 beers then #7 carries the beers to the line where all team members must drink their beer in sequence. If you are the slower team you may buy yourself into the next race by a large donation. So far this race has raised over $190,000 for charity.

Tuesday I spent some time riding my bicycle. The beach on the Atlantic end of Duval Street had some European ladies sunning with no tops on. Dog Beach had a few people with their dogs. Higgs Beach had a lot of families. Rest Beach had a bunch of homeless. White Street Pier only had a few people. Then I peddled back home.

Wednesday I did some kayaking. Afterwards, I carried the kayak into Schooner Wharf for a cold adult beverage. Some Boston firemen and policemen paid. Nice guys.

Thursday was another 14 hour trip on the VA bus to the VA in Miami. I had my teeth cleaned.

Saturday some friends from Cincinnati were at Schooner Wharf and purchased an adult beverage for me. Thanks.

In August of last year (2008) I mentioned that there was a new Cuban restaurant, The Congo Café opening on Green Street across from Sloppy Joes. It closed a short time later. Now (Aug 2009) there is a new restaurant, Johnny Rocco’s, in that same building. ‘In the tropics they come and they go’, Jimmy Buffett.

Big party Monday night, Aug 10th, at Captain Tony’s for Captain Tony’s birthday. Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band will be playing.

Key West, You have got to love it
'Living the life that others dream'
Doug Bennett
Lat 24.55967N, Long 81.80169W

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Sassi dancing to Schooner Wharf Bar Dog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_l9kgPmuQ