Leaving the Keys

[triggered]

Well after six years we finally tied the knot on the beach at Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key. It was truly a wonderful day!
Wanted to let anyone who is interested, that the clean up is still going on down there from Hurricane Wilma. It was a sad sight. A lot of debris from the trees and massive amounts of appliances still along the roadway. But the folks are working hard to make it the Keys once again.
One of our favorite places to eat, The Quay, on Marathon, got hit pretty hard and is closed, and I'm not sure if they are going to re-open. Mangrove Mamma's, on Big Pine Key, where we were going to eat our honeymoon dinner, also put out of business, yet should be re-open by February.
I can't imagine what the folks in LA, MS, and AL must have left to deal with.
Anyway, just an update for any Keys lovers, and a small announcement of joy for us.
From the new Mrs. Whitt, ............Peace!

 

[puffer24/7]

when were u there because we have a house down in big pine and were there a few days ago its back to normal u r a moron the keys did not even get hit that bad just flooding is what killed us

 

[triggered]

We just got back today, the 4th. We were there 11/26-30, and.... did you call me a moron? :notsure: I'm not sure why though. I just made an observation. I am truly glad that your place is back to normal, however, we spoke to quite a few people who lost everything. We have visited the keys for the past several years and were saddened by what we saw. Like I said in my previous post, I can't imagine what the Katrina states are like.
The fish sitter did another wonderful job, all are fat a sassy, a little cleaning to do on the glass and we also will be back to normal.
Peace............the mrs. :happyfish

 

[boatdrinks]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :cheer:
I'm sorry to hear about the damage down there... the Quay is also one of my fav's, although I think I liked Shuckers (before they moved it) a little better

Still can't beleive they closed up shop for good...
I was in FLL for hurricane wilma, and thought that was pretty bad, I can't imagine how it was in the keys, and even more so LA, AL, and MS...
Have been planning to go to key west for new years, so it'll be interesting to see how the clean up efforts are coming along...

 

[triggered]

Thanks Boatdrinks, it was a GREAT day. Where were you when you rode out the storm?
Where do you plan to move to? We stay in Melbourne for T-giving with my hubby's dad. It was the coldest since we have been going down. I myself, lived in Pasco Co. for 9 years and my man in Sannibel-Captiva area for a while.
You should be able to have the same great time when you go for New Years. What a hoot that would be. What a way to bring in the new year. You lucky dog! Key West Old Town made it faired, but new town got hit. It is up and running again. All the old stand-bys are going strong.
On the way down, we noticed a new aquarium in Atlanta, however, we didn't have time to stop this year, but sure will next.
We spoke with a pet store owner in the keys, who no longer carries salt water fish. Her reason was that people would come in and learn about the fish in the area, and then go out and get their own. I guess it happens a lot there. We were told some time back that quite a few Queen Triggers hang out by the pylons, don't know if that is still true. I can't imagine going out and getting my own fish, right from the ocean, kind of cool, though.
We made our journey to Ron Jon's and their aquariums have been cleaned up. They have an Undulated that we saw in April, he has grown, I think.
Peace............the mrs.
By the way, we took extensive video of the debris and destruction Mr. Puffer.

 

[boatdrinks]

I'm moving to Fort Lauderdale at the end of the month. (was there for Wilma also) Was a tough decision between there and Tampa, but figured Fort lauderdale closer to the keys, where I'll probably spend quite a bit of my free time... Found a place a few blocks from Las Olas, right near second street if you are familiar with the area at all... Key west for new years is absolutely crazy! Been there for the past 5 new years'. We usually get a campsite at Bahia Honda state park for the week, (only bad part is you have to book the site 11 months in advance, but it is well worth it) and just drive down to KW for NYE...
Yeah, I've heard about that new aquarium in Atlanta. Have some friends who live there, and said that they have two whale sharks! I'm going to have to stop in and see them for sure!
Yeah, we took lots of pictures of the Wilma aftermath too. (went out for a little drive dispite all the warnings not to...)
Since you've both been living in FL for some time, I'm sure you've been through some hurricanes too huh? I can't discribe the sound they make, but I'ts something I'll never forget...

 

[triggered]

Boat, the majority of Bahia Honda was closed and they were working "big time" on repairs. The amphetheater is gone, the foliage is almost all gone, only a small portion of the south end by the bridge was open. Are they telling you that it will be fixed by New Years? The bay side beach area was okay but the area on that side, with the cottages/bungalows, was closed.
I went through one, my man hasn't. Know the might of the ocean, no since in trying to ride it out when you are on the coast.
Hope you all have a safe and happy new year............Peace

 

[boatdrinks]

We are not staying at Bahia Honda this year. I couldnt' get a reservation last January as I missed out on making a reservation. You litterally have to call right when the office opens to get a spot, at least for that time of year, but we do have a hotel booked in Key West for new years eve. Awful about what happened over there, I didn't realize the damage was that bad... I'm sure they'll bounce back though... They were completely wiped out when hurricane Andrew came through, and they somehow managed to get things back in order...
As far as being in Fort Lauderdale for Wilma, that was one of the reasons we went down in the first place. (I should win one of those Darwin awards for that decision) We stayed at a freind's apartment down there wich only sustained minimal damage, but after seeing what happened to the surrounding area, I definatly plan to evacuate future high category hurricanes...
Happy new year to you too!