Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: Cool, sunny and windy today. Mike, Floyd, Gerald and Felix went to Key West to the NASCAR venue to do some racing. Mike picked up Floyd at noon and Gerald and Felix went down on the Harley. When Gerald and Felix didn’t show up they had Terry call Esther to see if she had heard anything from them, but she hadn’t. They finally showed up. Apparently, the Harley broke down and he had to leave it at Duval and Angela. Mike got back about 4:00 and went over to Gerald’s site to hook up their trailer to Mike’s truck and go back to Key West to pick up the disabled Harley. What a day. I luxuriated in my solitude all day.

Beautiful ceramic gate--Villa Paradiso
Palms in Paradise--2010

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: A beautiful, warm morning. Actually donned shorts and a tee shirt and walked around the lake and beyond. Windy, but beautiful. Gerald stopped by for coffee. Esther was in Key West with her nephew, Felix. So, Gerald, Mike, and I decided to go have lunch somewhere. We were going to try Geiger Key, but a squall line was coming through so we ended up at Bobulu’s Café. The squall passed by and the sun came back out. Back home and I sat outside luxuriating in the warm sunshine reading my book. Cold front coming through tonight and back to the 60s.

Iguana way at the end of a branch in the mangroves behind us.

Trunk of a rainbow palm--really pretty

Palms in Paradise--2010

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: Another cool day in store for us. I don’t think it’ll even be in the 70s before we leave next Tuesday. Mike went over for donuts this morning and I backed up the computer. Took two tries to get it done—2 hours total. Esther and Gerald returned yesterday with their nephew, Felix. He and Gerald came over on one of the paddle boats this morning—in tee shirts and shorts. These Canadians are tough! I sat outside in the sun for a while reading, but it was only comfortable in sweats and a sweat shirt. Then when it clouded up I had to go back in because it felt too chilly to me. Mike left at 1:00 to play shoes and I relaxed and enjoyed my solitude. Happy hour tonight. Probably our last one before we leave for the Everglades.

Gerald and Felix cruising

Speeding things up a little (look at that wake!)

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: Not feeling so great this morning. Either something I ate or all the stuff I took to try and get rid of my headache. So we just hung out and watched the Olympic hockey game in the afternoon. Still cool. Think it hit 61 today.

Orchids at Villa Paradiso--Palms in Paradise 2010

Beautiful metalwork on front door of Villa Paradiso--Palms in Paradise 2010

Villa Paradiso--Palms in Paradise 2010

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: We had to set the alarm last night so we would get up by 6:30 (gasp!). Left at 8:00 heading to D’Asign Source on Marathon for the 2010 Palms in Paradise Architecture and Garden Tour of the Middle Keys. They had a continental breakfast set up in their store and after that we boarded three coaches that would take us to the seven properties we toured—each one seemingly better than the other. They provided us with a box lunch at one of the properties and then ended the tour at the “Bait Shack”—an amazing estate in Marathon—where we had a Caribbean banquet, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. What a great day!

The main pool has these little caves and grottos you can swim into

The "Bait Shack"--Marathon--Palms in Paradise 2010

Tiki Village--Little cottages where guests stay

The Bait Shack--Palms in Paradise 2010

Fireworks after the dinner at the "Bait Shack"

Palms in Paradise 2010

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: Sunny but really cool AGAIN today. I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. We were just biding our time waiting for Stanley Steamer to show up. I had made an appointment to have our carpets cleaned today. They weren’t that dirty, but it’s good to get them cleaned once a year anyway. Now we have these little booties we’re wearing inside because it’ll take a couple of days for the carpet to dry. Fortunately, we’re going to the 2010 Palms in Paradise Tour tomorrow all day. Should be fun—even though thunder showers are predicted for the afternoon (sigh). We’re going to tour several large, beautiful homes in the middle Keys. Then we have dinner at the last estate—called the “Bait Shack”. Hope the rain holds off.

Keys morning glory

Lazy Lakes RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key, FL: Sunny, but really cool today. Think the high was only 61. And the wind gusted and howled all night last night. We decided to go to Key West and see “Shutter Island”. Not a very good movie. Back home and watched the Olympics.