tc1234c
Well Known Member
It has been a few months since we made our big trip. Today we decided to make a day trip to Key West. We decided to bring our folding bikes (thanks to Alfio for introducing Dahon bikes to us) for local transportation. Key West is about 300 nm from where we live. The best route is direct KMTH, then KEYW. On the way, we picked 2IS (Airglades) as our fuel stop (my wife always say that pilots consider filling cheaper gas a game). We were planning to leave early, have lunch at Key West, then come back for dinner. This morning most of the area were covered by dense fog. We waited until almost ten before we departed.
Not too much traffic due to the weather.
After a quick fuel stop we flew toward Marathon Key. Ocean is shallow and reflect interesting colors.
We turned west before reaching Marathon Key to avoid several traffic at the airport.
Before reaching Key West we saw the infamous balloon flying over the clouds.
We did not call Key West Naval (Naval) Approach, instead just circled their airspace to the south west before calling Key West (International) tower. We were told to report mid-field right downwind. We landed uneventfully.
After tied down our plane, we took bikes out and rode them into town. Key West is a bike friendly town. It is really easy to get around with a bike.
We had a late lunch at Martin's on Duval Street. While riding around we heard rooster calls once in a while. I thought it was some kind of gimmick for attracting tourists. Our friendly waiter went outside of the restaurant and dropped some bread crumbs on the sidewalk. One beautiful rooster showed up to pick the bread. It turned out that there are a lot of wild roosters around.
We rode to Hemingway House that is only a block from the restaurant. Due to our limited time we did not go in. Although like most people I am familiar with Hemingway's books it was not until I read "Paris Wife" I began to research his history and life.
Of course we have to picture taken at this marker:
Not too much traffic due to the weather.
After a quick fuel stop we flew toward Marathon Key. Ocean is shallow and reflect interesting colors.
We turned west before reaching Marathon Key to avoid several traffic at the airport.
Before reaching Key West we saw the infamous balloon flying over the clouds.
We did not call Key West Naval (Naval) Approach, instead just circled their airspace to the south west before calling Key West (International) tower. We were told to report mid-field right downwind. We landed uneventfully.
After tied down our plane, we took bikes out and rode them into town. Key West is a bike friendly town. It is really easy to get around with a bike.
We had a late lunch at Martin's on Duval Street. While riding around we heard rooster calls once in a while. I thought it was some kind of gimmick for attracting tourists. Our friendly waiter went outside of the restaurant and dropped some bread crumbs on the sidewalk. One beautiful rooster showed up to pick the bread. It turned out that there are a lot of wild roosters around.
We rode to Hemingway House that is only a block from the restaurant. Due to our limited time we did not go in. Although like most people I am familiar with Hemingway's books it was not until I read "Paris Wife" I began to research his history and life.
Of course we have to picture taken at this marker:
