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Feb 11-16: Miami Lakes to Key West, Florida!
Feb 11:
We picked up my dear friend Hazen near Olita State Park. Hazen and I always seem to be in the same place at the same time no matter the state! For many years it has been a dream of mine to get him and my dad together because they share common ground as teachers, presenters, and incredible craftsmen. They hit it off right away. We went on a long walk near our cousin Alina's place in Miami Lakes. Hazen knew every plant, and critter that roamed the land. We ended the day with an interview and a feast at the Cancun Grill!
Feb 12: We got up at 4 am, dropped Hazen off at the airport, and made our way to Key West. This is the location we've most looked forward to. Key West was my dad's home in the early '70s. When he lived there he worked aboard numerous fishing vessels, and a cable schooner named the Western Union. As a street artist and fisherman, his lodging varied from boats to Key West Mansions, to a Treehouse on Duval Street. He drew the iconic treehouse at the age of 21, and it is still one of his best-selling prints today.
Dad and I had long wondered what had become of the Western Union, and the treehouse. After much research, I tracked down an old article that led us to a boatyard where we found his once grand ship in a sorry state of disrepair. Several dock workers filled us in on some of the story of the ill-fated vessel- which may or may not sail again. After a couple of hours of reminiscing, and filming for the doc we continued the search for the treehouse downtown Key West. It was a hunt, and what we found out will be shared in the final film, stay tuned.
We continued our adventuring! It's hard to walk to streets downtown without meeting interesting characters. We even interviewed a few! After a long day, we set out for sunset at Mallory Square and the drive back to Miami Lakes to save a buck. We saw a year's worth of sites in a day.
We arrived back at our cousin's place late that night.
Feb 14: We had a beautiful Valentine's Day morning with our Cousin Alina then bid farewell. It was bittersweet because we felt so at home in her good company. We later met up with our cousin Lew at Lighthouse Point, FL. He took us to a Beatles tribute band that evening where we met all sorts of characters including outer space experts and PETA founders. Fascinating conversations!
Feb 15: The next day we walked around the marina. We watched the pelicans dive, and the manatees lazing by the docks. After an interview with Lew, he had a special treat for us! He took us to a shuttle boat that carried us to Caps Place, an iconic restaurant that has catered to bootleggers, presidents, movie stars, and more. Recognized as a national landmark, this restaurant goes back to the 1920s as a casino, and rum-running speakeasy. We had some of the finest seafood imaginable! Thank you so much, cuz!
Feb 16: We said our farewells to our cousin Lew and went to my buddy Michael's house in Port St. Lucie! He is an excellent photographer. We called him out of the blue, and he offered to host us. Dad swam in his pool and looked like 10 years washed off of him.
More updates coming soon!
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