@TEXASGIRLMAMMA : in the 1960s it was incredible because very few people live down there then, and travel in transportation back then was not like it is now. The roads back, then were to lane as well so it was a challenge, even if you had a good car. The fishing and the environment was much more pristine in the 60s and even 1970s than it is now. As people have discovered the keys, a lot of fishing pressure, lobstering, pressure, and in general, lots of people have picked over the sand dollars and starfish, sea cucumbers, for example, that have been prevalent, and now it is hard to find things like that to show the grandkids. That said, it is still quite beautiful and highly recommended even if you have a small boat. Back in the day, we lived about 16 hours north of the keys so it was a long, hard drive for us, but doable with two drivers and plenty of coffee. You can fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, rent a car, and drive down for a long weekend and stay at a place like pines in Palms. They have free kayaks that you can take out, and boat rentals, while, expensive, are very fun and you get to see the things offshore that most people don't know exist. Below are some photographs of alligator reef from our boat. As you can see from the photos, we just jump right off the boat into the water and snorkel over to the tower.

There's another place beside Pines and Palms Called La siesta that is also very nice and convenient, with boat dockage. I have stayed there many times as well and it is quite nice.The two pictures below show the swimming pool at Pines and Palms, looking out towards alligator Tower. If you look closely, you will see a yellow circled item. That is alligator tower, which is approximately 3 miles out or about five minutes by fast, boat, weather permitting.

There are many restaurants in the Pines and Palms Area, and they cater particularly to the tourists. If you don't want to take a boat, and would like to go out with a professional fishing captain or snorkeling /diving on his/her boat, there are plenty of those that can be chartered as well.It helps if at least two of you are certified scuba divers, because there are some fantastic wrecks in 100 feet of water or less that you can dive on.If you go out on a professional scuba diving boat they put you right on the wreck, supervise everything carefully, generally dive with you, and make sure everything is safe, and then they feed you after the dive, which is quite nice. I have seen stingrays and one time a manta ray that had to be 20 feet wide, and I have seen two groupers the size of a small Volkswagen come up to me and say hello. They are very curious and friendly and that was a highlight to say the least.

@TEXASGIRLMAMMA : Ask anytime, it would be my pleasure to answer any questions. I would love to own a place down there but unfortunately, I'm not a rich person, and it takes a lot of money to buy even a cottage down there. It's a very chill environment, almost intoxicating after you've been there a few days, it's really hard to describe other than peace and tranquility may sum it up. of course rum runner, drinks, piña colada's, and Miami Vice drinks are common, and really really good so that helps, even though you don't need the help once you're there, weather, permitting, ha ha ha

Thank you all very much for the tips/coins. You didn't have to do that, but it was very kind. I just wanted to share some fun memories with my friends. 😊

Key West is a fun place. I've been 4-5 times. Back in the 80s I went down to the Naval Air Station. Then we went back with the kids and on an anniversary trip as well over the last 15 years.

@TEXASGIRLMAMMA : One big difference in water ...Hawaii vs Keys is temperature. The keys water is generally quite warm and nice in the May-Oct months, then cools off a little in winter, but is still ok and warm enough to snorkel/dive in. I'm not a fan of snorkeling or diving where the temp is cold unless I wear a wetsuit. Oh, if you drive to the keys, you'll probably go I95 (east coast), and if so, I pay the extra $ for the turnpike vs 95 as it seems to be much less traffic and no city driving. Of course, yu can drive down west coast (75) and cut across alligator alley which is pretty ok too.

@Airborne319 : If active, (I believe) one can still stay on post for little $$. I have not stayed on post there but a good friend (Navy Commander) told me it was good juju. Some of the restaurants in KW are a little pricey but expected. It's worth going at least once to see...one time I rented gas scooters for everyone and we all had the best time going everywhere. It was like July 4 so very very hot, and getting on the scooter after stopping for a short to see something was a welcome cool relief (air blowing) and no pedaling required. hah

A typical beach resort beach...Alligator Reef Tower is just offshore. Remember that keys beaches are mostly coral and not typical beachy like we might think but this gives you an idea of what you may expect.

@Maver1ck : We have been talking for some time about renting a place in the Keys - a house on the water that comes with a bay boat. I want to get out and do some fishing in the mangroves. I've been out of the service for a long time. I just happened to have spent some time down there when we were running an aviation operation out of there. +

@Airborne319 : Can probably find a place with a boat, but if not, there are places nearby LaSiesta Resort and Pines and Palms Resort where you can rent a boat, then dock it at the resort (probably $1,000 for the week, pricey but no towing, etc). LaSiesta has a boat lagoon that is still and protected even in a strong wind, while Pines and Palms dock is open to a potential thrashing in a big wind. I have caught lots of dolphin (Mahi Mahi) fish off Alligator...go out in the deeper water (turns dark blue), and watch for frigate (pirate) birds. If trolling and see frigates, steer towards them. Same with weed lines...troll along them...big dolphin, wahoo hang out there. Big bait, big fish. I once trolled a very large glass smoker lure on clear shock leader, and behind it hooked a 3' long slab of fresh barracuda filet with shiny scales still on it...brought in a 48 pound dolphin...massive. Big bait, big fish. Fishing is very dependent on weather....it can get bouncy out there. Gotta pick your days. If storm forms, it usually comes through fast and strong...sometimes if it tries to trap me and go between me and land. I go out further, let it go past, then can go in safely after the storm. Storms there can be feisty.

@Maver1ck : Gorgeous pics! Thanks for sharing!

@Maver1ck : I have always wanted to go to key west. What an adventure that must have been. Thanks for posting those pictures.

@Airborne319 : We also have rented at Rainbow Bend near Marathon...they used to give you a 15' Boston Whaler for 1/2 day each day. Not sure they do that anymore but of course, good fishing there too: www.rainbowbend.com/We also rented a house on the ocean side about mile marker 82...called Russell House. Had private beach and dock. Pricey but nice. I think the last hurricane may have dealt it some wounds. We also rented an oceanside house maybe 85?? mile marker. Had beach but no dock. Got there and realtor had left letter of greeting on table for when we arrived. It said basically, welcome, and watch out for "Tick Tock". I was like, what the heck is a TT? Come to find out from the pool man who stopped by, it was a very large gator or croc living in that vicinity that frequented the area. I was not happy about this revelation. That said, back in the day, we snorkeled around mangroves, etc etc. and never worried about anything, but now there are beaucoup rules that protect gators and saltwater crocs (endangered) so they are showing up on people's beaches, docks, etc. Dangerous. Something to think about, along with the protected sharks, which are becoming more prolific...Bull sharks. I personally think that going south...maybe past 7 mile bridge, will preclude the majority of reptiles but if they keep these critters on endangered lis and let them move in, it could be a show stopper for a good bit of tourism...I'm not a fan of them and wish they were more in check or not there like they are.

@Donnawisdom :
@Sweetie :My pleasure! It quite a beautiful place and fun to see! The lobsters are good, the red snapper and grouper, mahi mahi (dolphin), yellow tail, and the lobster bisque with a side of key lime pie, hah!Uh oh, I gained 2 pounds typing this message.