"Here a cluck, there a cluck everywhere a cluck, cluck"

Mark here. It's time for a chicken post. I had to do it.  It was a gimme.

A quick explanation for those who haven't been here yet,  Key West is loaded with feral chickens. They populate every silly part of this island.  Even after I've told you, you'll still be amazed and amused by them. They're descended from released fighting cocks and escaped domestic birds and now roam freely.

They're beautiful critters and they certainly add charm and color to the town.  No doubt about it.  I am certain tourists take more pictures of chickens than Hemingway's House. On the whole, they are pretty cooperative models and their vibrant colors seem to naturally complement the tropical flowers.

They definitely seem to enjoy the lifestyle.  On any given day, you can find chickens hanging out at the beach...

...or just lounging in the sun.

That's not to say they are all freeloaders.  This fellow seems very good at waiting tables.  That said, I suspect he would have stolen your order when it arrived. Not a good way to keep your job.

Others seem satisfied with simpler jobs like cleaning "floors" at outdoor restaurants.  I guess it's important to find the job that suits you best. It's honest work, after all.


Now for the downside, those devils don't just crow at dawn. I've heard them bellowing at 3am like drunken college kids.  The locals often find them pretty annoying.

I suppose when it comes to Key West's chickens,  the best approach is to just take them for who they are, a charming addition to the landscape.  If Key West stands for anything, it's "live and let live." Then drink a Rum Punch.

Shore Fishing: The Original Social Network

One of my earliest memories is fishing with a cane pole along the river which ran through my Grandparents farm in Wisconsin. My Dad never risked mentioning fishing unless he had already decided to go - and right then! I was a little guy and I dearly loved everything about the experience. I was thrilled by every wiggle of the bobber and every Creek chub I caught was a trophy. Of course, I also loved hanging out with Dad. I was even thrilled about digging the worms for bait.  I wasn't particularly thrilled about digging at the base of the manure pile but that was where the worms lived. I'm sure they knew what was best.

Maybe it's my Tom Sawyer intro to the sport but I've always found something special about fishing from shore. When you're not in a boat, no one's a stranger. You're with friends who are there for the same reason; you love being out by the water. You chat like casual old pals after just a few minutes and you enjoy their catches almost as much as your own. It's pretty cool.  Shore fisherman are one big extended family.

 

Today Melissa and I took a brief drive and I fished alongside James. When we arrived, he had already caught a couple fish that he happily showed me but the action had slowed down. Luckily for both of us, I had some different bait. My live shrimp stirred up some more action.

James was down from Miami for a few days with his girlfriend. She went shopping and he went fishing.  What an awesome arrangement! 

Just after my second fish, we heard a kid calling, "Grandpa, Grandpa, Hurry up." We looked around, confused, but it was James' ring tone.  We all laughed. Then he sheepishly hit, "Ignore" and we laughed again. Something tells me he doesn't take many calls while he's fishing - at least until he's ready to go. James was funny.

Today we fished at the “inner Mole Pier" on the west end of the Key West. It’s just one, of many, local spots with lots of fish (and plenty of big ones).   The Lower Keys have tons of other piers and bridges, too, and they're all lined with brothers and sisters I haven’t met yet.  Maybe tomorrow is a good day for another family reunion.

Key West Critters

Yep, Mark here again.  You already knew that, though, didn't you?

One of my favorite benefits of walking or biking is being able to watch the wildlife around you. I'll probably always think it's cool to see a Bald Eagle, a big Osprey or a Manatee.  Sometimes, you also get to see some more exotic animals, as well.  Here is a sample from the past few months.

A live Queen Conch.  It was in a fairly muddy area so we can't really see it's best  colors.            

   A Green Sea Turtle

An Octopus (notice him looking at me?)

     ...and of course, a Shark.  Nurse Sharks have an interesting chocolate coloring.

and a young Iguana.  They've got gorgeous color that first couple years

                                                                                                               

These are only cell phone pics so the quality isn't the greatest but I think they are worth sharing. Now I need some shots of the Ospreys, Rays and other critters....

Manatees!

After living here almost a year, I finally saw Manatees! Technically, a few months ago, I saw the outline of one as it swam under a cluster of tarpon but that doesn't count. We were out for a walk, along the Bight Marina outside Schooner Wharf,  and saw a mama and baby. 








Mark had to point them out to me. I walked right past thinking they were boat equipment.  You can see how much she blends into the bag hanging next to her.  The next night, we saw the mama in almost the same spot. Baby was probably close by. 

I'll have to start carrying my camera with the polarized lens again. 

A Handsome Cock

When you're this beautiful where else would you spend your mornings, but the ladies' restroom at Schooner Wharf Bar?  This guy hangs out on a regular basis and doesn't seem to mind foot traffic to and from the stalls, directly behind him. Some mornings, I can even wash my hands at the sink next to him and he won't move. Nowadays, a chicken at Schooner is a rare sight. The place used to feel like a breeding ground. Hens with chicks wandered through the tables of the open air eatery, and a rooster or two hanging by the entrance. And all looking for a handout. For some reason, the roosters didn't wander through like the moms and babies. The tourists love the sight, but the locals hate them, usually muttering damn chickens, as tourists block the sidewalks or stop their cars in the middle of traffic to take photos.