It’s Friday, already?
My week-long break between the first half and second half of my trip has been restful and energizing at the same time. Staying in one place has been the biggest contributor to feeling rested, I think. I’m so lucky to have access to a quiet home with great amenities and incredibly friendly and open neighbors. It is nice to not have to go somewhere all the time.
That said, going out to meet new people everyday, visiting local attractions and sharing meals with friends, old and new is recharging my energy levels. One attraction I visited was the Key West Butterfly Conservancy. At first I laughed when my friends suggested visiting, but I’m glad I went. I quickly discovered the experience made me very happy. Immediately after entering the “butterfly living quarters”, I was awed by the hundreds of butterflies and their high levels of activity. There were also some small birds, baby ducklings, Koi, and a pair of flamingos living in the conservatory.
We also visited the fort at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Recall this is the park I visited for Yoga on the Beach yesterday (Day 32). The fort looks today to have been built with a mote around it.
Actually, the fort was originally surrounded by water. The land now there was brought in later and is now used by the Naval Air Station, as seen from this arial photo (source: wikipedia)
Our last stop for this morning’s tour was the Key West Cemetery. This is located in Old Town and takes up about 19 acres of land. Wikipedia estimates that as many as 100,000 people are buried here (despite an island population of about 30,000).
There is even a self-guided tour website that lists 51 noteworthy sites.
I attended a theater performance of Venus in Fur at the Red Barn Theatre as well. Andy is the stage manager at the Red Barn and it was fun to see a show and indirectly watch his work.
I went out for a few drinks after the show, visiting some of the Duval Street landmarks and made it home for a late swim in the pool (great way to end an evening).
Those Friday’s come around so quickly sometimes.
I must have that black butterfly with the orange markings. Maybe you can send me the photo when you return? At least you know how I feel.
Happy trails home!