#CONCH TRAIN KEY WEST

[mommydearestella]

WHATS WORSE A DEATH THREAT OR AN INVITATION TO DINNER AT ELLAS?

[best-jimmy-buffett-song]

Listen to Grapefruit - Juicy Fruit here

Listen to Savannah Fare You Well here

Propaganda and trivia below:

Grapefruit - Juicy Fruit:

"Buffett wrote the song in Key West, Florida at a time when he would play in a bar called Howie's Lounge in the afternoon and work on a fishing boat at night. He would meet young tourist girls riding the Conch Tour Train and take them to the Islander drive-in theater. They would have some purple passion mixed up in a jug, and if mixed correctly the dates would claim they couldn't taste any alcohol, to which Buffett would reply, "That's the point.""

Savannah Fare You Well

Written by Hugh Prestwood, who apparently was unaware that Jimmy had a daughter named Savannah at the time of writing the song!

[mollydsails]

February 9 - Molly D has been docked in Key West for 9 days. Weather has been in the upper 70s most days. Sun has been plentiful as has been the wind. No complaints. Our friends from Niantic left last Friday. Our boat friends Lee and Allison from Southport, NC are here in Key West. Summer neighbors Tom and Robyn are here for a long weekend. We have dinner plans tomorrow night. A sailboat neighbor came in on Tuesday and had extreme difficulty docking due to strong winds (and a crappy boat design). Today he delivered a bottle of wine today as a way of saying thanks for our understanding as the bow of his boat compressed our dinghy while trying to dock. No harm done to the dinghy or Molly D.

A “thank you” bottle of wine in an insulated bag.

Today we had our first manatee sighting in the marina. A couple of boaters who are not familiar with Florida’s regulations regarding manatees gave the manatee drinks of fresh water from the dock. Another boater set them straight, as there is a fine for giving fresh water to manatees.

Hello manatee!

Some things to know about Key West. Chickens and roosters are everywhere. They poop everywhere. Shoes will need to be thrown away after walking the sidewalks. Roosters start their day between 4 and 5. Therefore, your day begins at that time as well.

Poop covered sidewalk

The reason for the poop on the sidewalk.

It’s best to walk down Duval Street before 11. Crowds are light. During crowded times, walking parallel streets will get you where you want to go without having to dodge people on the sidewalk. B.O’s Fish Wagon serves excellent fish and the best hot dogs ever. The hot dogs are deep fried and served on soft, tasty Cuban bread. Despite being deep fried, there’s NO grease residue in the bun!

Deep fried hot dog from B.I’d Fish Wagon

Chickens roam freely at B.O’s. And everywhere else in Key West

The water here is beautiful!

Southernmost Beach

Don’t pay big bucks for a sunset cruise. There are many places along the waterfront to see the sunset for free. In the time we’ve been here there has been one night where the sunset could be seen clearly. All other nights cloud cover interfered.

Perfect sunset.

Don’t waste your time going to Mallory Square for the sunset. Too crowded. Years ago the sunset acts were great—jugglers, the cat man, fire eater, escape artist, bagpiper, magician, strong man, musicians and mimes. The acts now are very lame and there are about a quarter of them that are holdouts and they are not very good. There are good things in Key West such as the farmer’s market on Thursdays at Truman Waterfront park.

Farmer’s market fruit and vegetables.

The waterfront is full of activity such as sailing trips, fishing charters, jet ski tours, parasailing, pleasure boats coming and going, cruise ships, people in their dinghies coming ashore from anchorages and there are many fine restaurants from which to choose. There are many museums to visit such as the Hemingway House, Key West Lighthouse, Harry Truman’s Little White House, the KW Aquarium, the Shipwreck Museum and Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum to name a few. There is also the Conch Train tour and a Ghost Tour. Warm water, blue skies, gentle breezes—all is great!

[hipfig]

Key West Local Transportation Information – Key West, Florida | Key West, FL Travel Series - Episode#8

[niyana-the-ambiguous-mobian]

This isn’t based off of a ask of any kind, but more of a random drabble that I wanted to do since I haven’t seen a lot of fanfics that involve Longclaw as of late sooooo here’s one to add to the pile!

And honestly i just wanted to write something about owl mama and baby sonic.

Longclaw searched around the small hills that surrounded her tiny home. She hovered up to the trees and looked through the leaves only to find no sign of the little hedgehog.

Sonic had snuck out earlier that evening when she was out looking for food and had been gone for a while, a lot longer than she would’ve liked.

The grand owl had come from a long line of noble warriors who fought to protect the balance of all living creatures of this world, but nothing in her years of training could prepare her for having to raise a little 3 year old, who can run at extremely fast speeds.

To fast for her to even catch up with, which has proven to be problematic when he wouldn’t listen to her.

‘Oh Gaia where’d he run off to this time?’ She sighed as she scanned the area in hopes of seeing a hint of blue zip in front of her.

To no avail, she flew back down near the hut and adjusted her armor breastplate, ruffling her feathers in frustration.

“Sonic! Where are you!?” Listening for moment but still heard no response, her heart began to race.

‘Did he go too far? What if someone found him?’

The sun was beginning to set and even though she could see perfectly well in the dark, she worried on how he’ll be able find his way back if he stayed out too long.

Tapping her wing to her beak, she tried to think of where he could have gone.

‘What if he went over to the west coast of the Island? But that’s where....The echidnas! Oh no they must’ve seen him or could be tracking him back here.’ She raised her wings, getting ready to take off.

‘Maybe if I see him halfway there I should be able to-.’

“Wongcaw?”

A high pitched voice cut through her thoughts, startling her right as she flapped up into air causing her to turn around, only to hit her head on a low branch and fall right on her back.

“Oof!” She let her wings out at her sides as she laid in the grass, trying to catch her breath and ease the dull ache on her head.

A small gasp cried out as she heard tiny feet pattering near her head.

“Wongcaw! Wongcaw, you hurted?”

The owl opened her eyes and looked up to see the toddler staring down at her, his little hand touching her face and face full of worry.

The young toddler was still going through pronouncing his L’s correctly, with her name still being a main candidate for it.

Rolling on her side, she shook her head as she wrapped him in her wing, hugging him close to her torso.

“I’m alright Sonic, I just bumped my head a little that’s all.”

Sonic looked up at the owl, his lip in a slight pout and brows furrowed. “No you hurt, i make it better.”

Before she could question him, he zipped up to her shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

She froze in surprise, her feathers ruffled slightly as he slid down into her wings and put his tiny arms around her neck.

Sighing softly, she wrapped her both her wings tightly around the tiny hedgehog, earning a small giggle from him.

Releasing him from the hug, she stood on her feet and gave him a disapproving look. “Sonic, where have you been? You had me worried sick!” She exclaimed as she looked down at him.

He squirmed and shuffled his feet under her intense glare. “I went to the sandy grass where the ocean is.” He said timidly.

‘Sandy grass? He must mean the beach, but which one?’

Longclaw narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Sonic, did that area you went to have a lot of big black, round rocks near the grass?”

He put his hand under his chin, thinking hard before he gasped. “Yeah! They were shiny and gowed bright in the sun!”

She felt her heart ping in her chest and her face tighten with stress. ‘I was afraid of that, that’s very close to where the village is located.’

“Sonic, I have told you before that you need to stay away from the beaches that have the black rocks near the water! Someone could have seen you there!” She said harshly.

She saw his shoulders scrunch up as his eyes lower, wavering as if to hold back oncoming tears.

Not wanting to scare him even more, she spoke more softly as she grabbed his hands into her wings, giving him direct eye contact.

“I know you like going down there and playing in the sand and water, but it’s too dangerous for you to be down there, especially by yourself where people can see you if you use your powers.”

“But I’m super fast, no one sees me!” He interrupted unintentionally with a hopeful smile.

Longclaw sighed patiently. “All the more reason why you shouldn’t be that far from the hut right now, if you’re near the hut, you’ll have less of a chance to be spotted.”

He lets out a sad sigh and wrings his hands as he rocks back and forth slowly. “But you aways sad and tired, I wanted to get you something so you smile again.”

Longclaw cocks her head to the side. “What? Why do you think I’m sad?”

“You don’t waugh anymore and you don’t smile at the stuff you wike. I wanted to bring you something that makes me happy so that it could make you happy too.”

He then pulls out a small white conch shell from his head quills and holds it in his hand. “I found this for you so you can have the same happy too.”

Speechless, she watched as he lifted the shell to his ear and closed his eyes, smiling.

Granted the last couple of weeks were tough on the both of them, mostly for her. The neighboring village was starting to build more huts and expand their usual hunting grounds, which made them all the more closer to where they were, causing her to do more area sweeps during the night as well during the day.

But she didn’t take account for if he ever noticed her mood changing.

“Here, i show you”

Before she could blink, Sonic rushed up her shoulder again, this time putting the shell somewhat near her ear tufts.

“Can you hear it?” His little tail wagged as she takes the conch from him and adjusts it on her ear tuft.

At first she didn’t hear anything from the shell and as about to put it down, until she heard the faint sounds coming from inside.

Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the noise as it grew louder and louder only to finally hear a slight tinging sound and....squeaking?

Opening her eyes, she drew the shell away from her head to see some sort of hermit crab emerging from the shell, it’s large claws trying snap at her beak.

Letting out a yelp, she quickly put the creature on the ground and watched as it scuttled away into the brush.

Sonic jumped down to the grass and watched as the crustacean disappeared.

Longclaw moves next to him, placing a wing on his head. “I guess that noise you heard wasn’t what you thought it was?”

He slowly nodded, focus still the brush where it disappeared.

He glanced back at her. “He madded?”

“It’s ‘mad’ and yes he was, I would be too if someone moved my home without my permission.”

“I think he mad cause you have no ears.”

Choking back a laugh, she looked at him with disbelief. “Wha-, Sonic I have ears just like you do.”

He let out a giggle as he shook his head. “No, ears wook wike this.” He demonstrates by slightly tugging his tiny ears. “You just have big feathers on your head.”

“Sonic, that’s actually where my ears are.” She lowered her head for him to see, making the large feathers near her ear folds move back and forth. “You see them?”

He nods, watching with interest as she lowered the feathers against her head.

Curious he reached his hand up and smoothed them down against her head. “It’s soft.” This time using both hands, he started to mess with the smaller feathers on her head.

“Yeah I know.” he started to climb on top of her head, painfully pulling ron the long feathers. “Ok ok that’s enough now.”

She gently pulled him off and set him down. Turning towards the horizon, the sun was starting to dip into the ocean, it’s light casting dark shadows on the trees.

“It’s starting to get dark now, it’s time we head back to the hut Soni-.” She stopped to see the toddler had disappeared once again.

‘Oh for Gaia’s sake’

“Sonic no more hiding ok? We have to get back before it gets too dark.”

Hearing the leaves rustling from above, she glanced up to see him crouching on one of the thick branches right above her head.

His eyes lit up when she saw him and started to giggle loudly before moving towards the other branches on up ahead.

‘Well at least he’s heading towards the hut.’

Letting out a low chuckle, she shook her head and continued toward the bridge that connected the lower area to their hut on the top of the hill.

‘This little one certainly is quite the bundle of energy this world has been missing for so long. With everything that’s been going on, it definitely needs it again.’ She started to frown as the hut came closer into view.

‘Did we do enough? Did I do enough? Everything my family, my people went through, fought through so much peril and tried to keep the balance, but it seems to be getting worse as the years pass and now I’m taking care of a child who could be the only key to the-.’

“Wongcaw!”

She jumped as she heard Sonic yell her name and saw him standing on a tree root about a foot in front of her, tapping his foot with a pout on his face.

He pointed a finger at her as his pout deepened. “No more frowning!”

Longclaw blinked rapidly as she let her face loosen. “Oh it’s alright, I’m not sad anymore Sonic.”

Although her face showed that she was fine, her voice was betraying that statement.

And Sonic caught onto that fact quite quickly.

As she walked closer to where he was, still deep in her thoughts, he began to think of something he could do.

‘Ooh I know!’ His tail wagged back and forth as he got an idea and went to put his plan in motion.

Getting into a pouncing position, he grinned mischievously as the owl came closer.

Raising his hands up, he charged straight towards her, making small roaring sounds as he did.

Coming completely out of her thoughts due to the sudden noise, she turned her head to see where it came from, only to feel a light weight hit against her torso.

“What in the-?”

Looking down, she saw him trying to wrap his arms around her and looking up at her with a very playful expression.

Before she could get a word out, Sonic started to wiggle his fingers her sides, continuing to roar at her.

“I not Sonic, I am tiger! Rawr!” He exclaimed as he zipped up to her shoulder and scribbled his fingers into the side of her neck.

Unaffected by the adorable attack, the owl simply smiled at the hedgehog’s attempt to cheer her up as he continued to jump around her body, trying to find a weak spot while letting out tiny roars and growls

“Soni-, hey ok you don’t have to do thAT!” She yelped as he hit a sensitive spot right underneath her wing. The sudden jolt knocking him off her wing and onto the grass.

Despite landing hard on the ground, the toddler started to laugh hysterically at Longclaw’s reaction.

Rubbing her side, she looked down at Sonic, who was still giggling uncontrollably, while holding his hands to his stomach.

“It seems like that made you laugh more than it actually did for me.”

“Cause your voice went all funny when I tickled you there!” He gasped as he dissolved into giggles again.

Letting out a laugh as well, she crouched down near Sonic and gave a playful expression.

“Well do you know what’s more dangerous than wild tigers?”

Sonic shook his head, still giggling and his smile growing wider. “No.”

She raised her wings in a menacing fashion out towards him.

“Giant owls who like to eat cute little hedgehogs!” She growls as she lunges at him.

Sonic shrieked and turned to run, but Longclaw managed to swoop him up and wrap him tightly in her wings before he could.

“NOO! Don’t eat me!” He squealed with laughter, scrunching his shoulders and ducking his head as she nipped at his tiny ears.

“I’m gonna gobble you up! Nom nom nom!” She said playfully as she nuzzled her beak into his neck

Sonic continued laughing as he attempted to push her head away, only for Longclaw reach up with her talon and used one claw to scratch at his belly.

Letting out a high pitched squeal, he kicked his legs as he tried to protect his stomach and neck from the attack, but couldn’t due to his hysterical laughter.

Feeling the claw make it’s way up to his armpit, he squeaked in alarm and curled up and rolled up in his ball form, giggling lightly as he caught his breath.

He heard Longclaw let out a couple of laughs, causing him to peek his eyes out at her, seeing her smile slyly at him as she carried him and continued walking towards their home.

“See? I told owls were more dangerous.”

Unrolling completely, he let out another giggle as held onto her breastplate, calming down.

“But you nice.” He said after a moment, looking up at her.

She stopped, looking down the small child in her arms as she thought about what he said.

“Yes, i am. Lucky for you that I am huh?”

Sonic let out a slight laugh as he snuggled closer to her armor, closing his eyes. “You smiled.”

“Hmm?” She paused right as she opened the door.

“You smiled.” He repeated as he let out a yawn, eyes still closed

As she opened their door, she felt a smile come to her face. ‘Yeah, I haven’t felt this happy in...awhile.’

As she put him down in his makeshift crib, she looked down at him as he napped. Her wing stroked his head as he snored silently.

‘It’s mostly thanks to you for being here that I know life can be bright here once again.’

[iamalyssadalton]

Hello, hello, my tanned and toned tuna fishies! Whew, this week has simply flown by! I hope and pray you have all been having the most fabulous of times here on our little vacation! And, I just know you’ve all been having tons of fun with all the wonderful activities here! I’m going to go ahead and post tomorrow’s itinerary early, for a couple of reasons. One, being that I want to get a head-start, since Mama has admittedly been falling behind, getting wrapped up in the relaxation. Two, we will be hosting a group event tomorrow evening, and I want you all to be able to plan accordingly! Have a wonderful evening, bumblebees, and remember to enjoy yourselves!  Itinerary Friday, October 9, 2020 -9:30 AM: Tour of Truman’s Little White House- this spot served as President Harry S. Truman’s winter home during his presidency! The tour includes a guided walking tour of the home and property, as well as the chance to get up-close and personal with furniture, appliances, and paraphernalia of the time! Hosted by Atticus Barnes ( @atticusbarnes) -11 AM: Tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home- fairly self-explanatory, this guided walking tour takes visitors through the home of famed writer, Ernest Hemingway! Hosted by Oliver Bray and Jude Hudson ( @counselorolliebray and @judehudson) -2 PM: Tour of Key West’s Shipwreck Museum- a walking tour of Key West’s colorful maritime history! Hosted by Lorelai Reilly and Stevie Evans ( @lorelayinginthesun and @daltonstevie) -4 PM: Key West’s Conch Tour Train- a fun-filled, riding and guided tour, displaying several historical and environmental sights! Hosted by Stacey Evans and Dylan Puckerman ( @nursestaceyevans and @dominant-dylan) Finally, at 7:30 PM, we will be meeting at the harbor for our group event. Miss Shangi and I have taken the liberty of renting out a yacht for the evening, for everyone to enjoy! Dinner will be served buffet-style, followed by dessert, dancing, music, games, and an all-around good night! So, come hungry and ready to partayyyyy! (Anyone not interested in attending, please see either myself or @iamshangela for further instructions)

[tdsnewsletter]

FLORIDA BEACH TRIP; SUMMARY

the event announcement

the resort information

day one, tues oct 6th, event itinerary

friday oct 9th itinerary

saturday oct 10th itinerary

sunday oct 11th itinerary

free day announcement

departure itinerary

florida trip photos

EVENT PARTICIPATON

Tour of Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park hosted by Reginald Berry and Dorsey Rose: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Quinn Fabray, Oliver Bray, Victor Sterling, Henry Blancard, Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Frannie Fabray, Jude Hudson, Dylan Puckerman, Stacey Evans, Ellis Anderson, Colin Cohen-Chang, Marley Rose, Lorelai Reilley, Hunter Clarington,

Tour of the Key West Aquarium hosted by Dr. Frannie Fabray: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Marley Rose, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Jude Hudson, Quinn Fabray, Oliver Bray, Dylan Puckerman, Stacey Evans, Genevieve Sterling, Gabriel Chang, Ellis Anderson, Ariella Calderon, Colin Cohen-Chang, Lorelai Reilley, Stevie Evans, Janelle St. James, 

Sightseeing Trolley Tour hosted by Janelle St. James: attended by  James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Ellis Anderson, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Quinn Fabray, Oliver Bray, Victor Sterling, Henry Blancard, Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Mason McCarthy, Nick Duval, Frannie Fabray, Jude Hudson, Dylan Puckerman, Stacey Evans, Genevieve Sterling, Gabriel Chang, Ariella Calderon, Lorelai Reilley, Cooper Anderson,

Tour of Truman’s Little White House hosted by Atticus Barnes: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Ellis Anderson, Hunter Clarington, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Quinn Fabray, Oliver Bray, Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Genevieve Sterling, Gabriel Chang, Colin Cohen-Chang,

Tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home hosted by Oliver Bray and Jude Hudson: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Marley Rose, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Frannie Fabray, Quinn Fabray,  Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Frannie Fabray, Jude Hudson, Genevieve Sterling, Gabriel Chang, Ariella Calderon, Colin Cohen-Chang, Lorelai Reilley, Janelle St. James,

Tour of Key West’s Shipwreck Museum hosted by Lorelai Reilly and Stevie Evans: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Marley Rose, Ellis Anderson, Hunter Clarington, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Quinn Fabray, Oliver Bray, Victor Sterling, Henry Blancard, Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Reign Crawford, Keith Anderson, Mason McCarthy, Nick Duval, Dylan Puckerman, Stacey Evans, Genevieve Sterling, Gabriel Chang, Colin Cohen-Chang,

Key West’s Conch Tour Train hosted by Stacey Evans and Dylan Puckerman: attended by James Moore, Campbell Clarington, Ellis Anderson, Elliott Gilbert, Artie Abrams, Dorsey Rose, Reginald Berry, Jayson Hudson, Ambrose Abrams, Frannie Fabray, Jude Hudson, Ariella Calderon, Lorelai Reilley, Janelle St. James,

[oscarvdictor]

Avenue south residence

You probably didn't know that Santa Claus can row a boat just as well as he can handle a reindeer-powered sleigh... unless, of course, you've been to Key West for Christmas. Although the snow never flies in the tropics, that doesn't keep Santa Claus or the magic spirit of Christmas away. Key West Christmas officially opens the first Saturday night of December, with an annual hometown parade delighting thousands of residents and visitors of all ages.

As the parade winds all the way down Truman Ave to famous Duval St, Keys kids are given a strong dose of Christmas cheer with bags of candy to throw into to the parade, while Santa is known to delight parade-goers by hitting small beach balls into their arms. The special Saturday night parade event brings back the old-fashioned feeling of a family Christmas centering on local businesses, artisans, schools, civic groups, and churches. And from this point on, the spirit of the holiday season is full on alive with the holiday lights and music all around the island!

Key West is a tiny walking island city, and strolling around downtown Old Town is a fantastic way to take in the spirit. There's plenty of opportunity for the kids to visit Santa (and Mrs. Claus) with their Christmas wish-lists. Grand historic Victorian homes of Key West all aglow with twinkling lights look like gingerbread houses come-to-life. Island holiday shopping is made easy with lots of delightful local downtown stores and boutiques to shop in, and a few scaled down 'big box' stores on N. Roosevelt Boulevard to 'fill in the blanks.'

You can also hop the 'Conch Train' or Avenue south residence  trolley tour that will make the rounds of the island sites on a regular basis. Harris Avenue, in the New Town neighborhood of Key West, is a well known residential street of local families and is famous for its 'over-the-top' outdoor lights and holiday yard art. A popular Key West tradition for the entire family is to take the Conch Train for a night-time tour of viewing the decorations and singing Christmas carols.

On Christmas Eve, Santa's sleigh can usually be spotted flying over the Florida Keys via the 'help' of a local pilot in a small low-flying aircraft. And the young and 'young-at-heart' are always delighted to see Santa in shorts and a flowered shirt, and discover that even the 'Old Saint Nick' enjoys some Key West sunshine and a hammock under a palm tree, after a rigorous night of delivering packages all over the world.

Key West has an undying sense of community spirit that strongly unites residents from 'all walks of life' and opens arms to everyone all year around as "One Human Family." Combined with the magic of the holidays, it's hard to find a more genuine hometown Christmas anywhere in the world, combining tradition with a unique island twist.

[kwexpress]

If you’ve never been to Key West, the Conch Tour Train is a fantastic way to learn a bit about the rich, storied history of this little island. . . . #keywestexpress #KeyWest #conchlife #conchrepublic #floridakeys #travelwithkids #floridawithkids #familytravel #september #october #travel https://www.instagram.com/p/B2R5fakD4VV/?igshid=nko4z2ilx112

[unlockthegates]

[artificialqueens]

They Don't Love You Like I Love You 3/? (katlaska) - kamylove

AN - New chapters are always uploaded to AO3 sooner than they are here, if you want to read ahead. On AO3 it’s up to chapter 10.

“There is absolutely no factual or metaphorical fucking going on.” Not yet, anyway. Or, Katya and Alaska take the slow train.

They text a lot over the next few weeks, facetime a couple times, even manage to meet for a quick lunch when their schedules coincide for one day in LA. Then Alaska’s off to Brazil, and Katya’s off to Miami. Then there’s Mexico City, and San Diego; and Tallahassee, and Nashville, and Atlanta.

Katya sends Alaska selfies in front of dumpsters, and long strings of emojis that probably make perfect sense to Katya.

Alaska sends pictures of every hotel room she stays in, PDFs of hideous crochet patterns she finds online, menus whenever she comes across a new vegetarian restaurant.

Katya texts things in Russian that Alaska has to look up on Google Translate, things like, “Ma'am, your car is fully automatic,” and “This box is full of squirrels, please exchange it immediately,” and “The darker the night, the brighter the stars,” which Alaska thinks is much less ridiculous and also vaguely familiar.

Alaska texts back, “I can see the sun, but even if I can’t see the sun, I know that it exists. And to know that the sun is there–that is living,” which, Katya thinks, is very much taken out of context, but perfect anyway.

Katya sends a wall of Cyrillic text that turns out to be an operator’s manual for a tractor from the 1940’s. Alaska retaliates with the longest, dullest article she can find on the chemical composition of various shades of house paint, google translated into Greek. She follows it up with every single vegetable, fruit, and livestock emoji on her phone.

There are traffic updates from whatever city they’re in and from cities they’ve never been to: Minsk, Cairo, Montevideo; Kyoto when they’re sharing sushi on facetime and Zurich when they’re sharing chocolate. There are video game sessions from across oceans. There are updates on their friends’ lives. <i>(“Not to be called gossip,” Alaska says.)</i> There are frantic text discussions about new songs to use on stage, facetimes about clothes and wigs and makeup, conversations after almost every show.

There’s brainstorming about new material, despair over politics and joy over good days and commiseration over bad ones. There are frank conversations about being sober in an industry that almost requires the opposite.

There are wakeup calls and reminder texts and inspiration when genius is on the tip of a tongue. Katya gets used to going to sleep with a smile on her face after phone conversations. Alaska gets used to finding dozens of increasingly silly texts sent while she was asleep.

There are words, and the words are endless.

<><><>

This, Alaska thinks, must just be what happens when you’re friends with Katya. It’ll be a long time before she starts to suspect otherwise.

<i>(“Hell, no,” Trixie will say. “If she texted me every other second I’d lose my entire damn mind.”)</i>

Through it all, Alaska’s careful to keep it off social media; she never mentions Katya on Instagram or Twitter, only likes a judicious number of her tweets, and she’s not sure why. But she figures out soon enough that Katya’s doing the same.

It’s delicate, Alaska thinks, whatever it is that they have. It’s too delicate to be exposed to the light.

<><><>

Katya sends entire scenes of Moliere in French; Alaska tells her to fuck off and texts the entire last act of Timon of Athens.

Alaska quotes The Boys in the Band; Katya quotes The Normal Heart.

Katya quotes Tennessee Williams; Alaska quotes Eugene O'Neill.

Alaska quotes Twelfth Night; Katya says that’s just too easy and quotes Tamburlaine the Great.

<><><>

“Trixie says you’re a positive influence on me,” Katya says one night on facetime.

Alaska is actually at home, for a whole 36 hours. She was re-packing until Katya called, and now she’s sprawled on her couch. She raises an eyebrow, because she suspects there’s a punchline coming. “Trixie said that?”

“Yes, because you’re keeping me out of her hair. Which she thanks you for, by the way.”

“My pleasure. I think,” Alaska says.

“Also,” Katya says, “she doesn’t know how crazy you are.”

“All part of my evil plan,” Alaska says. “Mwahahaha.”

“See?” Katya says. “Crazy.” She’s in Edmonton, finishing dinner and winding down after a show. She tilts her head thoughtfully. “You do have that miraculous gift for looking effortless and unbothered and unsweaty. Nobody has any idea what goes on in that pretty, horse shaped head.”

“That’s because I don’t tell them,” Alaska says. “Also part of my evil plan.

"Yes, because you, unlike me, have common sense,” Katya says. “But here’s the thing.”

“Yes, Katya, please tell me about the thing,” Alaska says, grinning.

Katya tosses a wadded-up napkin at her phone screen. “The thing is,” she says, “it’s a little known scientific fact that you and I have the exact same number of brain squirrels.”

This is not news to Alaska, and she doubts Katya’s just figured it out, either. “Please continue with your theory, Dr. Zamolodchikova,” Alaska says.

“See, they’re just different breeds of brain squirrel,” Katya says. “Mine are those New York squirrels that will steal a sandwich and your Honda, and yours are the cute, polite, red ones they have in England. Scientific fact!”

“Absolute scientific truth,” Alaska says.

“Also, you keep yours penned in the basement and trained to use kitty litter, while mine run loose and shit everywhere and attack passing motorists. Free range brain squirrels.”

“Free range, Honda driving brain squirrels,” Alaska says very seriously. “It all makes sense now.”

“Doesn’t it?”

<><><>

The second night they share a hotel room is an accident.

They haven’t seen each other in a while; Katya’s flight is late and she gets into town just in time for the show. Afterwards they start talking, and laughing, and Katya doesn’t even notice she’s following Alaska up to her room until they’ve already been there for twenty minutes.

It’s four in the morning and Alaska shrugs and says, “My flight’s at eight, you might as well stay. You want half of this sandwich?”

Katya says yes, and they still have so much to say that she doesn’t even think about leaving.

<><><>

After that, it’s weeks before they’re in the same place at the same time, and that place is Key West, the weekend of the Great Conch Republic Drag Race.

They’re not judging this time, just performing down the street with a few other girls. The organizers invite them all to attend in drag, but Katya says, “It’s their day,” and Alaska says, “Not ours.” So they go as boys, wearing baseball caps and the most cis straight t-shirts they can buy for each other.

<i>(Katya’s t-shirt says “God’s gift to women;” Alaska’s says “No gay man would wear a shirt this ugly.” “Those are the straightest things you could find?” Roxxxy says.)</i>

They stay on the edge of the crowd, cheering gamely, speaking sotto voce when they need to speak. In Key West, gay famous is bigger than regular famous, but they’re only recognized once.

After their show is over, they slip out to the beach with their makeup still on and write Alaska catchphrases in the sand, by the light of Katya’s phone.

<><><>

<b>Text from Katya:</b> starfish

<b>Text from Alaska:</b> long division

<b>Alaska:</b> amoeba

<b>Katya:</b> shovel

<b>Alaska:</b> rogue

<b>Katya:</b> chickens

<b>Katya:</b> eclipse

<b>Alaska:</b> chickens

<b>Katya:</b> No. There are rules.

<><><>

Katya sends mp3s of lip sync songs she knows Alaska hates; Alaska sends mp3s of the two lip syncs she won against Katya.

“Fuck you and your lip sync licking ways,” Katya texts. “I’m not talking to you for at least 10 minutes.”

So Alaska sends “Roar” and “Step It Up,” too, and Katya ups it to twenty minutes.

She only makes it to fifteen.

<><><>

“Tell me another ghost story,” Alaska says over over, late at night, on facetime. She likes the way Katya’s eyes light up when she asks.

<><><>

“You up?” Katya’s text says. “Can I call?”

Alaska’s had her phone set to accept all calls from Katya at all hours for weeks, and she’s pretty sure Katya knows that. “Of course you can,” she texts back. “You don’t have to ask.”

The phone rings almost immediately.

“Hey,” Alaska says. “You okay?”

She can hear Katya sucking on a cigarette. “Squirrels, treadmill, brain,” Katya says.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” Alaska says, her heart racing with scary what ifs. “Do you want to use?”

“A little. But I’m not going to. It’s the effect, not the cause.”

“Okay, that’s good. Do you,” and she’s not sure where to go, so she asks. “I don’t know what works for you. Should I try to distract you, or do you want to tell me about the squirrels?”

“Just talk,” Katya says on an exhale. “You. Just talk.”

So Alaska does, for hours. She thinks about what she wants to hear, on days when the anxiety takes over. She tells Katya about her day, about the books she’s been reading, about the weather, about every single thing in her luggage on this trip. She tells her the dumbest jokes she knows. She recites scenes from Golden Girls and the words to songs she knows Katya hates.

At some point, Katya starts interjecting dumb jokes of her own. And then the jokes get better, which is when Alaska starts to think it might be okay.

Before she knows it, the sun is coming up between the curtains she never pulled the night before, and Katya is yawning.

“Do you think you can sleep now?” Alaska asks quietly. Her heart feels very full.

“I think so,” Katya says.

“Then sleep. I’m here. Call me if you need me.”

Alaska thinks she hears “I always need you,” muttered under Katya’s breath, but she’s probably imagining it.

“I wish I was there,” Alaska says. She hears a long sigh in response.

“Me too,” Katya says.

“Do you want me to stay on the phone until you drift off?” Alaska asks.

Katya makes a low noise in the back of her throat. “That would be lovely.”

“Sleep,” Alaska says, and it’s not long before she hears Katya’s breaths start to slow and even out. Still, she waits another ten minutes before whispering, “Katya?”

When she gets no answer, she sighs in relief. But she turns off the microphone on her phone and leaves the call connected, for a long, long time.

[fractialis]

The famous Conch Tour Train rolling down Duval Street. @conchtourtrain #keywest #keywestlife #keywesttravel #duvalstreet #conchtourtrain #mysouthernliving #visitkeywest #florida #floridakeys (at Key West, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIrY--rD6C/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[puplifelessons]

30th Anniversary trip - Day 7 …CrossFit for a good workout, southern most point, more bike riding (the best way to see the town), conch train ride, Fort Zach beach, resort pool, dinner (Caroline’s was so accommodating to my food allergies and it was yummy!), sunset at Mallory Square 😍 #30anniversary @kellybarcol (at Key West, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Civ-dWDsrKZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[casualmondaycharters]

Enjoying Florida Keys Through Charters

The Sunshine State is home to North America's only subtropical National Park, the Everglades, as well as to some of the most interesting places local and foreign tourists can go. And when you say Florida, you are most likely to associate it with Florida Keys. The most enjoyable activity in this part though is sailing. Check out below the list of the top charters in Florida Keys. Hiring chartered boats is the easiest way to experience the waterways of the Florida Keys.

Visit the Wild with Danger Charters

Being with nature at its natural state has always been the guiding principle for Danger Charters so tourists can experience the "wild" side with wildlife in this region. Go back in time by hiring Danger Charters boats. These are shallow-draft sailing crafts patterned after traditional boats of the past. These boats are piloted by veteran water men in the area who had grown up navigating the channels and notorious shallows in Florida Keys.

Dolphin Hunting and More with Take Me There Charters

There is no better way to come across friendly dolphins in the area than through Take Me There Charters. Boats of this company are captained by locals who are more than familiar with the routines of dolphins in Florida Keys. Tourists can also do snorkeling or simply spend the day in a sandbar. If you like to explore and reach out to nature, be sure to visit the beautiful Key West.

Key West Tour Train

Visiting Key West is never complete without taking a ride of the Conch Tour Train. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have been entertained by this ride since 1958. This 90-minute ride is punctuated by over 100 interesting stops and points of interests. Get a glimpse of the life of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, as well as many different stories about pirates, Indians, artists, and wreckers who once lived in this sunny paradise.

Take a Cruise with Catamaran Echo

Whether you want to simply spend the day sailing, basking in the sun, or satisfying your stomach, cruising on Catamaran Echo is your most ideal choice here. Captained by expert helmsmen, this wonderful boat can give you the most enjoyable sailing experience you can have in your life. You can also visit sites where dolphins normally spend their time, or go snorkeling to known shipwreck sites. Meals served are considered the best in Key West. You can also get to taste their Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise, gourmet cheese buffet, and vintage wines; drinking the best wines while sailing can be the most unforgettable moment in your life.

There are also other chartered rides that offer very affordable rates for tourists on tight budget. These four mentioned charters are some of the established ones in Key West and general Florida Keys area but you can always find other equally good charters around.

[ecgraphics-blog]

Get there fast and then take it slow! Escape to balmy Key West. Your 4, 5, or 6-night vacation lets you unwind at the beach, explore the town, and sample the local seafood. Included round-trip airfare, accommodations, and a tour of the Old Town fill this package with all you need for a stress-free vacation. WHAT'S INCLUDED Roundtrip economy class airfare to Key West (EYW) 4 nights in Key West at Havana Cabana Key West, or similar Old Town Trolley Conch Tour Train (at Worldwide) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYe8s69O2wk/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sarahsatticoftreasures]

Watch "Everybody Sing Along! Where? KEY WEST! The Little Conch Train!" on YouTube

Watch “Everybody Sing Along! Where? KEY WEST! The Little Conch Train!” on YouTube

Just a catchy tune,