A lot has happened to the world since I published the last blog in February. Observing the world as a traveler, it appears that the world is heading to an increasingly unstable environment. As I recall the good times that I have had, I also hope that deescalation will ultimately prevail and travel will enable people to reconnect again.
Monday 12/27 was our last full day in town. We still had our car for the day and had planned on visiting the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park later in the afternoon.
Instead of getting our usual Cuban Coffee Queen in the morning, we headed to Sarabeth's, a more upscale restaurant located on Simonton and Southward. We sat at the patio and enjoyed the southern inspired specials (lobster grits and lobster eggs Benedict) and took in the balmy morning air.
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| Sarabeth's |
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| MM enjoying the French Toast at the patio |
After enjoying our breakfast, we headed to the
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Started by Sam Trophia, a butterfly enthusiast, this sanctuary houses more than 50 species of butterflies, 20 exotic birds species and a pair of Caribbean Flamingo named Rhett & Scarlett. It's located a block away from the Southernmost Point.
After we entered the double door of the sanctuary passed the education center, we were warmly greeted by the large number of butterflies. They were everywhere in this greenhouse sanctuary. We followed the crowed and inched forward bit by bit. Not knowing what to expect with a $15 general admission fee, we were surprised by how up close we were to the butterflies, the birds, and the flamingos.
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| Greeted by the butterflies upon entering the sanctuary |
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| One of our greeters |
Fort Zachary Taylor (now a state park) and Fort Jefferson (now part of the Dry Tortugas National Park) are both 19th century historic forts built to protect the burgeoning republic against any pirates in the Caribbeans and remnants of European imperial powers.
We did not visit Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas National Park due to its time commitment and the risk of seasickness from sailing over the potential rough waters of Gulf of Mexico in the winter season. However, we did visit the Fort Zachary Taylor and the park beach since it's only a short drive from downtown.
We had walked by outskirt of Fort Zachary Taylor a few days ago when we visited the Truman Annex area. We maneuvered our car through the narrow streets of Bahama Village and entered the state park area via Angela Street.
We first toured the historic fort and imaged how it would have been like to be stationed in this area during the civil war era. After the very hot and sweaty visit of the historic fort, we made it to the beach parking lot and claimed our stake on the beach croweded with young Spanish speaking local Cuban-American guys and girls sun-bathing in a perfect December afternoon.
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| A bit of history of Fort Taylor |
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| Named after Zachary Taylor, 12th president of United States |
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| The blacksmith shop just outside the Fort |
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| Let's get to know Fort Taylor |
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| Old ordinance by the barracks |
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| Flag in the middle of the Fort |
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| Atop the rampart |
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| Last call for sunset |
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| MM enjoying the sunset |
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| Portrait mode |
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| 5:36 pm, 12/27 2021 |
After the conch shell blew, we found ourselves on Stock Island at
Hog Fish Bar & Grill. We toasted mojito and feasted on fried sea food to end the night.
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| Tough choices |
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| Prawn for appetizer |
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| Hog Fish Bar & Grill to end the night |
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