How great!

And contanimate my sleeping bag? That would not be good for marital harmony.

Cute! Plucking them out looks like a good activity while you’re hiding in the tent.

Yup!

An introduced, possibly invasive, but not really bad.

https://wildsouthflorida.com/curly-tailed.lizard.html

Yeah, he’s a keeper. Nice work there Barry.

I didn't sell it enough. I've read For Whom the Bell Tolls twice and would happily read it again. Can't say that about any other writer.
A couple years ago we rode by the apartment where he and Hadley Richardson/Wife #1 lived in Paris at 74 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine. I wondered if there was a place to see in Ketchum, now I know.

Hemingway had many flaws, but that guy could write stories. I can't believe your companions passed up the opportunity to visit his Key West haunts. A few years ago, I felt blessed to tour in one of his other favorite locales--Ketchum, Idaho--where I got to visit his grave.

Thank you Nancy. I appreciate the encouragement.

I agree. I hate waiting in line for anything. Close enough is good enough.

I was guessing it was indeed a Union stronghold, since Florida was pretty quickly marginalized in terms of the active zone of combat.

Phew, close call there with that backing out car!! As with others, I am so glad you did not get hit.
I very much enjoy your writing and following along on your tour, but Key West can stay off my list — maybe because I am fortunate to have been there years ago with oh so few tourists! You have picked some great sites to visit and sounds like you made good choices about swimming and diving ;’).
Stay safe.

Good question Keith. Construction started in 1845 before the war. According to Park history, Fort Taylor was one of only three fortresses in Florida that stayed under Union control.

Me too Rachel. I felt very lucky.

The cats I saw really are sweet creatures. Very friendly to strangers.

I think whining is part of the deal. You have to let off steam. I could go for any kind of tailwind right now though.