Every few years Kenneth does Key West Race Week, so this year I decided to join him for part of the week! I left the cold, rainy weather of Houston on a Tuesday and arrived to warm sunshine in Key West, Florida. I took a cab to the house the crew had rented and unpacked a little. Kenneth and I bought new bikes before we left and sent them ahead on a boat trailer, so I had wheels for the week. Rode my bike to Conch Republic, where a lot of the sailors met up after the day’s races. The boat got in around 2:30 and after a quick shower and change we were off to the tent, where daily trophies are awarded and everyone trades stories from the day.
Wednesday one of the other wives flew in and we met the guys at Conch Republic around 4. Same routine – different day. Back at the house asleep early. The drama began around 1:30 am when I woke up to a beeping smoke alarm and sirens. After waking Kenneth up, we opened the door to outside to see what was going on….the house two doors down was in flames. The heat from the fire and the sound of the flames is something that we will never forget. I quickly grabbed our suitcases and everything I could throw in them while Kenneth woke up the rest of the crew. We ran across the street with glowing embers falling around us. The firefighters were already at work trying to contain the fire, but it became obvious that we were going to have to find another place to stay. Luckily the rental company had another house available a few blocks away so off we went. After a celebratory toast to our survival (and to calm our nerves!!) we all went to bed around 4.
Thursday morning arrived way too quickly for everybody, but the crew got their gear on and went to the boat. Luckily for Heather and I there was a pool at the new house. We lounged around all day catching up on our sleep and recovering from the long night before. We caught up with the guys in the afternoon and had a great night.
Friday several of us girls were invited out on a 65 foot sailboat (listed at $4.5 million!!). What a way to watch the races! We had a great day, and it was so fun to be able to see the guys race and take some pictures. I did manage to get a little sunburned but I survived! =) This was the last day of racing so of course everybody had a lot of fun at the party. A few of our favorites places…Conch Republic, Schooner Wharf, Irish Kevin’s, Sloppy Joe’s, Franco’s Deli, Angelina’s Pizza, Abbondanza Italian
Most people leave Key West on Saturday but Kenneth and I planned an extra day to relax and enjoy the town. We stayed in a really cute hotel (since the rental house was no longer available) and met up with some friends at El Siboney (Cuban restaurant) for dinner. Biked over to Southernmost Point for some pictures.
Sunday we were on our way back to Houston to see our much missed Sarah!
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