We even had a whole group of Minnesota friends and fans follow us down. Clem Duffy, Terry and Karen Anderson, Mark and Jean, and more. We also kept meeting lots of people from Minnesota down there. They either were on vacation or had relocated.
Once again, I will try to tell some of story in the photos here, but I will add more pics and stories as I go.
I flew in to Miami and rented a car to take the scenic drive down the Keys on historic Hwy. 1. I have been there many times back in the day when I was working in the corporate computer world. Our home office was in Miami, right off the airport runway. I used to spend a few months at a time down there. We had very long hours, but whenever we got to play, we used to head down to Key West. So, I knew where I was going. I was excited. I hadn't made that drive for years. I love taking that 3-4 hour drive down the Keys. All that blue and turquoise water is so amazing, and the drive over the seven mile bridge is pretty cool.
Terry, Karen and their friends were already there. They were staying at the Speakeasy Inn. That's where I was headed too. I got checked in and settled and found a place to park my rental car (which I never touched for the whole week) in a permanent spot. Michael got in a few hours before I got there because he flew right into Key West. If I remember right, Clem and Jim got in a little earlier too. I'm writing this 2 1/2 years later, so the memory may be a little foggy. We hit the Green Parrot right away to look for action. What a relief just to get out of Minnesota for awhile.
Michael had already met some of the street musicians hanging out in Key West. He hit it off with a gal named Davina and they hung out quite a bit. She played guitar and was a great singer. After the Parrot, we had to do a little exploring. A restaurant called Duffy's - Clem will get a kick out of that. Ah yes, Sloppy Joe's. Some of the T-hirt design were hilarious. Then, down to the pier for the famous Key West sunset. Even the mimes showed up.
We had plenty of days to go to the beach and get a tan. There were some beauties down there. And, some not so-beauties.... We even spent a day at the nude pool at the nude resort. I can only post a tame shot. Boy, that sun could burn you in some bad places.
Terry & Karen and I went strolling one afternoon and you'll never guess who I ran into. Right there on the corner was the Queen of England. I couldn't believe my eyes. I just had to greet her with a big old frenchie. The funniest part was the father who shielded his daughter from "the weirdo" that was hanging around the Queen. Then, later at the show, everyone had too much fun.
Sorry for these last few photos. My new computer has a temporary fix for the scanner software because of this stupid new Windows Vista. It caused quite a few compatibility problems. I don't think they thought of everything. I'll try to re-scan these soon. Anyway, I didn't take too many shots of the band actually playing, but here's one. We also met Gabe Butterfield down there. He is Paul Butterfield's son. He lives there. Scott, Gabe and Sally. Greg and I at the sales table. Our Minnesota buddy Scott Clifford stopped to chat with me for awhile.
The next day was Super Bowl Sunday. So, some of us hung around and watched some on the game. Some of us just found other ways to relax. One more day to wrap up the trip. Monday would be the day to leave for home. What a great trip. They want us back next year, and I can't wait.