Key West

[JasonG]

I am headed there for a week at the end of the month! Any suggestions for a proper sea kayak, rental? Trip suggestions? Fav restaurants/bars?

Thanks

Jason

[djlewis]

There used to be an outfit in Marathon that rented "proper" sea kayaks (NDK, Valley, etc, both plastic and glass) but they have moved to the Everglades. Your best bet now is probably Florida Bay Outfitters (http://www.kayakfloridakeys.com/) who seem to keep their boats anonymous online, though they may be decent -- ask. They are right at the begining of the Keys and thus will not require a detour.

--David.

[rick stoehrer]

the place across the street from Captain Tonys and diagonal to Sloppy Joes - real small. Green Parrot? Green Iguana? some Green thing - sit outside and drink mojito's. wear a helmet. buckle up.

Now that the folks moved outta Marathon, there are no "proper" boats down in the Keys after florida bay outfitters. FBO is at mile marker 101 or so up in Key Largo and on the right hand side as you head W on US1.

Bruce Wachob wrote a book on paddling the keys (pineapple press) and it has a bunch of good put-ins and paddles.

heading outta Sugarloaf and up into the Marvin Keys is nice...lots of back country, no powerboats (federally protected waterway) and lotsa critters. You can use the giant naval aerials and the tethered blimp as excellent waypoints.

have fun.

[bob budd]

DO NOT mention the names Stoehrer or Casey at any of the drinking establishments.

[rick stoehrer]

yes...yes, mum's the word.

[djlewis]

If you're into either good arty crafts or a great little cafe with a garden setting and excellent fresh, Mediterranean style, food, plus smoothies, salads, sandwiches, etc. try the Garden Cafe at the Rain Barrel artist's village, at mile marker 86.7 on the bay side.

Also, take lots of bug repellant -- the most powerful you can find. Or, just stay a bit offshore of the mangroves and lunch in your boat. The water is often shallow enough that it's not problem.

--David.

[jeffcasey]

naw, i'm sure that the statute of limitations has passed.