A Bit of R&R in Key West

We had a week of timeshare to use as a result of the Los Cabos cancellation early this summer. So I had to book something for replacement. I just happened to come across an exchange to Key West. It has been about 10 years since I last visited there so it is due. On this trip, my brother and his family joined me. Unfortunately, Tom had to work. I was hoping he could take off for a few days, as he would certainly enjoy this seaside trip.

We exchanged into the Hyatt Beach House Resort. Mom and I flew into Miami International. I could have done flown into Key West airport but I figured it would be nice to show mom the chain of islands “the Keys”, not realizing how long the drive is. If it was at normal speed (LOL, ok, I mean like 70+), it would take so long…..We got there very late on Tuesday night, yes, a whole day to get there from the West Coast. And Dennis’s joined us on Thursday from the Midwest, a bit better on traveling time.

In the mean time, mom and I searched out the local seafood niche. With my family, eating is a big part of any vacation, especially fresh seafood!!! We got a recommendation from the resort host to the Fishbusterz, which we went back each day to get dinner. Look at the lobster, clams, fish, and stone crab. The fish in the picture is a male Hogfish. Yum. We were in luck for stone crab season. I couldn’t recall if I ever had them before. But they are great. And the best part, the crab can regenerate the claws if it was declawed properly.


We didn’t do too much here, just hanged out, enjoyed the sun and relaxed. Here are some shots of resort plus the gorgeous sunset each evening, you can’t beat that. And of course, Ian was the center of attention the entire time. He loves playing in the pool and really doesn’t like homework.



Talking about the water, when Ian was in California a year ago, he got scared of the sea. Actually we all got scared. The waves on the Pacific coast can be pretty big at times. We were at the Aliso Beach Park in Orange County one day. He was chasing and running away from the waves with Caden. One of the big one got him and rolled him into the water. Dennis and I ran to get him, so was the life guard. So he drank some seawater and now remembers the episode and not welcome anything related to the beach. One of my goals on this trip is to change his views of the ocean. I didn’t want this one experience ruined it for him.

I had to promise him that this water is very very calm. There are no waves. And I would hold his hands. Of course, we were at the right place, after I did some research and did a drive by first to ensure the Fort Taylor State Park is the “right” place for him. Once he finally got into the water, it’s a bathtub!!! Oh, he didn’t want to get out once he started to play in it. So now, he tells me he likes the Atlantic Ocean, not the Pacific Ocean! I guess I still have work to do…may be Hawaii???



The rest of the time, we browsed around the old town area. There are tons of shops, bars, and restaurants. Parking is always an issue around beach town. This is no exception. I love all the old homes, definitely a Caribbean feel to them. The weather started to be more humid toward the weekend. The Midwesterners couldn’t handle it as well as I did, thanks to my years of training in Houston….I will return one day, hopefully, with Tom next time.