We had decided to fly straight to Key West which was surprisingly straightforward and arrived in the early evening to collect our hire car at the airport.
We had decided to 'go native' and hired a mustang convertible - what else! It was actually quite a nice car - even though I am not usually too impressed with convertibles. After a short wrestle with the roof, we lowered the top, so to speak, and headed for our hotel.
A gorgeous sunset welcomed us as we drove the short distance along the waterfront to the Ibis Bay. Now this is no luxury hotel, but it did us well and had a lot of character. Hotels in Key West are astronomic and so to get one at a reasonable price was a challenge.
The room was wee, but quirky, had a fridge (essential) a small shower/toilet (also essential) and a perfectly comfortable bed.
After getting ourselves acquainted with where we were and popping out for the essentials to fill the fridge with, we headed for the hotel bar and the pool. Maurice took a dip in the dark - but I stayed dry meantime. We had a very attentive barman and the rest of the bar was quiet and so the evening was a lovely way to start our Florida break.
The next day being Sunday we found a place to have 'brunch' nearer the main drag of Key West which was a customary US style feast.
We toured about Key West a bit before finding a small beach to sit at and swim in the ocean.
Once refreshed with our short exercise, we headed back to the hotel to tidy up and chill before heading out again early evening.
The hotel had a complimentary shuttle bus to the down town area which we caught to go see the sunset over the ocean from Mallory Square. Along with a lot of other people. For US citizens of the East Coast this is an unusual sight so we were in the company of many. It was busy but good fun and we did see a lovely sunset.
We wondered to Duvall Street with the rest of the crowd and pitched up in Sloppy Joe's for a few drinks, surprisingly managing to find a seat at one of the bars in an otherwise packed bar. An attentive barmaid ensured we stayed for a few before getting the shuttle back to the hotel for a nightcap and bed.