This Week on the Island 04/19/2009

'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 ‘Easter Sunset’. It was taken from Trumbo Road near the Trumbo Point Navy property looking across the Key West Bight in an area we call the ‘toxic triangle’. Trumbo Point is to the right. See HISTORY below.

Weather: Wonderful. The highs in the mid 80’s and the low in the mid 70’s.

No book this week.

We spent Easter Sunday with some friends at their home near MM20. We (everyone was over 50) hunted Easter eggs and did a raw egg toss. I hadn’t hunter Easter eggs in at least 40 years.

Sunday afternoon while walking the dogs around the bight we ran into some folks from Pennsylvania. Nice family.

Capt. Tony’s youngest son T.J. was married to Holly Sapp last Saturday at the Hemingway House.

The Schooner Adirondack II has taken the Schooner Western Unions place at the Key West bight. The Western Union has been moved to the Truman waterfront and put into dry dock near the USS Mohawk.

George Strait is in Shrimp Boat Sounds (Buffett's studio) recording this week.

Wednesday the Navy was doing survival school training with guys parachuting out of a Globemaster into the water.

Thursday I did some kayaking.

‘There was a Sailfish tournament this week with a large tent taking up most of Mallory Square.

---------- Conch Republic Days---------
This week started our 27th anniversary ‘Conch Republic Celebration’. In April of 1982 Key West seceded from the Union and formed the Conch Republic when the US government used the Border Patrol to block US#1 at Florida City.

Friday – Raising of the Flag at Fort Zack, the Military Reception and the Kick-off Party at Schooner Wharf.

Saturday- Drag races on Duval Street staring Key West’s best Drag Queens, followed by a party at the Green Parrot. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/
click PHOTOS then click ‘Duval Street Drag Races’.

Sunday- The Conch Cruiser Car Show at Schooner Wharf and Music Festival at the Green Parrot. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/
click PHOTOS and then click ‘Conch Car Show’.

More next week

Things Tourist Say: ‘Does the water go all the way around the island?’

--------HISTORY-----
In 1912 Flagler decided to build a railroad to Key West to be ready when the Panama Canal opened. He would provide much needed coal. By the time he finished the railroad and the Panama Canal was finished, ships had switched to diesel. He also needed land to build a train terminal in Key West. As there was NO land available, he built Trumbo Point by dredging the sea bottom.

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

You may join this group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/
Sassi dancing to Schooner Wharf Bar Dog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Opcx15mmdE