The beautiful Casa Marina in Key West, Florida. We have stayed here many times and returned in December. It was good to see the flags still at half mast in honor of 41..
The Casa opened on New Year's Eve 1920. It was the crown jewel at the end of the line of the Overseas Railroad. As Henry Flagler built his East Coast railroad through Florida he also built luxurious hotels along the way. The Casa Marina was the crown jewel at the end of the line in Key West. Sadly he died before the Casa was completed.
The Casa sits on the Atlantic Ocean and the views are spectacular
The Casa has a grand lobby and we love to come in December when it is decorated for Christmas. Even if we're staying somewhere else we always come to see the lobby and the Christmas tree
If you're in Key West no matter what time of year make a point to visit the Casa Marina. Park on the street outside or in the bike racks and walk through the lobby and out back for the magnificent views
68 miles west of Key West in the middle of the Dry Tortugas National Park sits Fort Jefferson. Construction of the fort named after Thomas Jefferson began in 1846. It was built to defend the Gulf and protect shipping.
There is a ferry that runs to the fort from Key West but we took the sea plane
Leaving Key West...the Casa Marina Hotel in the bottom right
Taking the sea plane was a great decision as the views are stunning. The pilot does a great job of narrating and pointing out the sights...the Marquesas Keys on the way out
Here's the mast of a ship from a ship wreck
This is an area of shallow water where the current is strong so the water appears to be churning...it's called The Quicksands...beautiful
When you arrive at the fort the sea plane leaves to get another group. If you take the first flight like we did there is no one on the island except the 10 people on your plane
Garden Key Lighthouse was built in 1826
Inside the fort is amazing. It is the largest brick structure in America built with over 16 million bricks
Dr Samuel Mudd who was named as a co conspirator with John Wilkes Booth was imprisoned here. He was sentenced to life but was paroled by President Johnson in 1869. His role in the murder of Lincoln remains unclear
MK doing some snorkeling in the beautiful water. The water is so blue it is really beyond my ability to describe it
On topside of the fort the views are amazing
Headed back to Key West. This is a trip I would encourage everyone to make. It's a little expensive but well worth it...the beauty of the Florida Keys never ceases to amaze
Hello Key West
