A Different Adventure for a Rumstyler

Yours truly running through the dirt.

Oh the city life

     Throughout my years I've traveled on many many types of vehicles, but and adventure I had last December in Mexico was a bit over the top.     I watched a mailman the other day bringing the mail on a Segway, you know those two-wheeled  electric scooters.     These are thought of a s a city runabout to get between buildings in the bit cities.    Boy was I in for a surprise when I got on one to run off-road in the Mexican jungles.      This version of the street runner has oversize off-road tires and a few other heavy duty items that bring the Segway alive on the dirt.

The little woman also enjoyed the ride

     We went up and down hills, through puddles, gravel, and you just would not believe how well these little scooters handle the rough terrain.     You can run up to about 20 plus miles per hour and with some practice you can negotiate the dirt corners at a pretty good clip.     Often the Segways will get into a bit of a drift as you take them through the corners at speed, but are really controllable.     I guess that I didn't expect much from the street runners in an off-road environment, but had a real eye opening by the toughness and versatility of the little scooters.     They were really fun to drive and with a little bit of practice really run to ride.



And Tommy, what can I say, he's runnin' hard

      If you are ever in the Cancun area this adventure park that has the Zip Lines as well as the Segway off road adventure is a great way to spend a half a day.    Oh you will be ready for a stop at the bar for a nice cold rum afterward, and a nap shortly after the bar.      I promise you that on my next visit to Mexico in 2012  I'll be back on the Segways, and the Zip Lines, but that is another story.     ;o)

Key West Sunset Celebration

     In Key West's Mallory Square there is a daily celebration at sunset.    This little festival is a mecca for street performers, artists, food vendors, psychics, and arts and crafts exhibitors.     If you haven't attended this one of a kind celebration you should the next time you come to Key West.



Dominique and his Hous Cats



      There are literally fifteen to twenty acts in the square every evening that will entertain you for tips and applause.    Many of the acts have been featured on television shows nationally.     There are escape artists, wire walkers, trained cats and dogs, sword swallower's, and many many more to entertain you.     One of the longest and most famous of the acts is the cat show of  Dominique and his Flying House Cats.      Oscar, Cossette, Sharky, Sara, Chopin, George and Mandarine, make up the troupe that perform daily at the Westin Pier next to Mallory Square each evening.     Dominique's house cats are one of the best house cat shows on earth and perform for your generous tips each day.

     In addition to the performers, there are arts and crafts exhibitions and great food carts that dot the square from about an hour before sunset and for a half hour afterward.     You can visit psychics, mimes, magicians, and many other performers ans you wander through Mallory Square awaiting mother nature's finale to the show when the sun drops in a most spectacular manor into the Gulf of Mexico.     Oh and if you miss it today there will be a repeat performance tomorrow and every evening afterward.      Never put off til tomorrow what you can experience today.    Sunset will still be there, but you might not, so don't miss the Sunset Celebration what ever it takes to see it.     ;o)

The Rum Bar is Growing Again.

     The Rum bar is in the middle of an expansion from 212 rums up to 230.     We are currently searching for new rums to complete the expansion.     It is easy to just stick some "Numbers Rums" on the shelf, but the challenge is to fine new distinctive rums that people will enjoy.     One of the things that we are the most proud of at the Rum Bar is the quality of the rums that we currently have on the shelves.     With brands like Abuelo, El Dorado, Plantation, Ron Zacapa, Ron Matusalem, Cockspur, Diplomatico, and many many more, you have the selection to suite your palate. 

     I'm looking forward to the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival beginning on April 25th as a place to sample and locate the exceptional rums I'll need to fill the new shelf at the Rum Bar.     This is the place to learn about the rums, how to get them at your home, and which ones you really like.     Remember that rum is a plate drink and what your friends like may not be what fits your palate.     If you can do like I am and get to the Festival and discover some new rums for yourself.  

     Throughout my travels I keep finding new and wonderful rums that I bring home to the boat, but because they are not available through one of our distributors, we can't sell them at the bar.     Thus, we keep working with out distributors to search their inventories to help us fill the shelves with great new rums.     I wish this was easy like finding rums abroad and just bring them home from the "Duty-Free Shops", but it just doesn't work that way.     It seems that the State and Federal governments want their cut so they have to be gotten through the distributors.      Anyway, I'll keep you abreast of my progress and let you know when I reach the goal of 230 rums on the shelf at the Rum Bar.

     By the way this is the 75th Anniversary of the relegalizing of beer,  April 7, 1933.     I think all rumstylers should raise your beer mug and say yeah!!!!!!!!!       ;o)

Rumstylin at Snipes Point.

     Snipes Point is a beautiful sandbar located about 15 miles from Key West on the gulf side.      This remote beach and sandbar is one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere.     At low tide, there is a sandbar big enough to have a football game, or one very large party, which is usually the case on most Sundays.     Boats anchor off the sandbar and music is playing and footballs and Frisbees are flying, and an occasional rum is consumed.    

     Yesterday I took a few friends from the Charlotte area of North Carolina out on a party barge to Snipes for a little bit of fun in the sun.     We were not disappointed, the weather was great all morning and a better part of the afternoon.      We did have to scramble to get back ahead of a thunderstorm, but were safe back in the harbor before the rain, thunder, lightning, and wind arrived.     All a part of boating in the keys during the spring and summer.     Undaunted by the rain, we got to frolic on the beach, tan on the pontoon deck, and yea all  but me got to have a little "Bahama Bob" rum punch.     By the way they had a few beers and some food also.     Our famous fisherman caught 3 fish while in transit from the harbor to Snipes, and all was good for the day.     The wind shift indicating a front passing was the warning that we needed to start back to the harbor, but it was probably more of a blessing than a bad omen.    Most had been exposed to about as much sun as their bodies could take without being burnt to a crisp.

     So without further ado, we hauled up the anchor and got underway for home.      With the fishing line in tow, off we went back to the Hurricane Hole Marina and safety from the approaching storm.     Only 1 fish and a sponge were caught on the the return, but a really fun day happened for all.     Calm seas, beautiful sunshine and a few puffy clouds, it just doesn't get any better.     Upon arrival at the docks with the black sky above, we quickly unloaded the boat and moved under cover to continue the party and where I could have a rum cocktail for me as well.     Not cool to be drinking when you have 11 people on your boat.     All rules are overboard once you make the harbor and the boat is secured.     We including yours truly had a great time during the storm and a nice dinner after the storm.     Thanks to some good friends and a reliable boat from Sunset Watersports.     Thanks to all.     ;o)

On the Water Day

Today is Bahama Bob's Big Rumstylin Adventure on the Water

You'll get the whole story over the next few days.     Film to boot.

Minimal Regatta Time is Approaching



Sushi taking the lead

      May 29-30 Schooner Wharf hosts the 20th Annual Minimal Regatta.     This is the boat race of the year, matching boats made from 2 2x4's,1 4x8 sheet of 1/4" plywood, a pound of fasteners, and a roll of duct tape against each other is the funniest and most serious races of the year.     The boats range from the sleek racing kayaks to the absurd.     There are 2 classes, kayak and open class, and a champion is crowned in both classes.



Semi Finals of the Kayak Race

      People work for weeks preparing the flotilla for the event, and it shows on race day.     This is the time of year when the "engineers" are starting the sketches, usually on napkins or place mats, but drawings just the same.     The good news is that the event is open to creativity and only limited by the materials and the class.     Many of the teams are rum powered, and the event is powered by Captain Morgan if this is any indication of the rumstyleability of the entire event from now til race day.

     If you haven't made plans yet for Memorial day weekend, this is a great way to get out in the sun and have a lot of rumstylin' fun.      Whether you are going to be a spectator or a participant, it is an afternoon of frolic and sunshine in the tropical sun in Key West.         

     The event give out awards for the fastest sinking boat the most creative, best costumes, sportsmanship, and many other reasons yet announced.       Don't be left out for this years event and get your plans made for the boat and crew or just to be there.     ;o)  



Billy Beans three straight year winner of Kayak Class



Today is for the Birds

Grounded or soaring it is still for the birds today. 

 

 

 They make everything just wonderful by their presence.

Today is just about the Birds.     ;o)

Flight History: Key West

     Aviation in Key West began in 1913 when a biwinged seaplane was flown by Augustin Parla flew from here to Muriel, Cuba.    This is only the beginning of a very colorful history aviation has carved here in Key West.     In 1917 the U.S. Navy dredged a seaplane base at Trumbo that also was used for dirigibles during World War I.     In 1918 a twin engined U.S. Navy Seaplane flew to Cuba from Trumbo.

     On November 1, 1920, Aeromarine West Indies Airways flew it's first scheduled international passenger and airmail service in the United States.   This service was flown daily from Key West to Havana, a 60 minute flight using Aeromarine Plane and Motor Company converted U.S. Navy F5L's for civilian passenger service.        Aeromarine also flew to Miami and Bimini during their first flaying season.     Before Aeromarine West Indies Airways ceased operations in early 1924 they had carried over 30,000 passengers and more than 300,000 pounds of freight.     The loss of the "Columbus" on a flight was the only fatal accident  in just over three years of operation.    Many of the airline procedures used today were instituted by Aeromarine West Indies Airways in their early years.    They also were the first to offer in-flight-movies, baggage tags, and the first airline ticket office.

     On January 6, 1928 Key West was the beginning of still another airline.     Pan American  chartered a Fairchild FC2 floatplane to make it's first mail flight to Havana.     Pan American moved to Miami in 1934, but reinstituted Key West service after the 1935 hurricane that ended Flaggler's train service to Key West.   

Meacham Field, the primary runway for Key West, initially pressed into service by the Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.    In the later parts of World War II, the Navy  took over Meacham as an adjunct to Trumbo Seaplane Base.     It was the main Naval Air Station for fixed wing and Dirigible operations.     After the War the control was turned back to the city of Key West and eventually renamed Key West Municipal Airport.     In 1953 the City turned control of the airport to Monroe County to allow for CAA grants and the renaming to Key West International Airport.

     Today we have modern jet airline service in Key West that owes it's existence to the foresight of a few forward looking people that saw aviation had a transportation future here in Key West.      As a former aircraft owner who has flown in and out or Key West International many times I can really appreciate the bravery and the skills of those who pioneer the service to and from Key West.     Remember it is only a 2 x 5 mile island in the middle of the ocean, and no GPS, just a compass and a chart to guide you here.     Thanks to all of them, because today we come and go on a very regular basis thanks to them.     ;o)
  

The Miami Rum Renaissance is Fast Approaching

The month has arrived and we are only a few weeks away from the start of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival for 2011.     This is going to be a very exciting and educational week this year.     There are Rum Producers there with booths to introduce you to their finest rums, VIP parties, Seminars, Rum Judging and much much more.     I'm looking forward to meet all of you there at the festival, I'll be around at the booths, and at the VIP Parties as well.     If you haven't got your tickets yet, you can get them on line at the Miami Rum Renaissance website: http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html .    

     I'm looking forward to this year's event and hoping that you are going to be there also.     There is a schedule of events on the website for your convenience at http://rumrenaissance.com/Schedule.html.     Pick the events that you want to attend get your tickets and lets get to know more about our favorite sugar cane spirits and have a little fun at the same time.     All other information including lodging is available at the website as well.
         Let's all get out and be there April 25 through May 1, 2011.                                                 http://rumrenaissance.com/index.html     ;o)

Rumstylin' at Kelly's Caribbean Bar-Grill & Brewery

     Kelly's Caribbean Bar-Grill & Brewery opened in 1991 when "Top Gun" actress Kelly McGillis and then husband Fred Tillman purchased the property.     The building, Pan-Am's ticket office, originally located where the "Pier House" is today, but it was moved to it's present location in the late 1920's.    It later became a trading post and during the 1980's a very small restaurant and piano bar called the "Pigeon Patio".     Located at the Corner of Whitehead and Caroline Streets, Kelly's today is one of most significant historic buildings here in Key West.    

     Kelly's is well known as being the birthplace of Juan Trippe's Pan American World Airways.     Having made his first airmail service flight from Key West to Havana on October 19, 1927.     The rest of the story is history.     Historic photographs cover the walls of the "Crash Bar" giving the visitors a feeling for what has gone before.    Even the bar tells volumes about the place with it's Sikorsky Seaplane crashing through the roof and the aluminum wing bar top.     What a perfect place to serve the "Pan-Am Panic" their signature frozen cocktail.

     The huge trees that form the canopy over the main garden, provide a dining experience second to none.     As you walk down to the cobble stone patio and are seated you can really feel the Caribbean atmosphere take you far away from the ordinary.     The chefs today are still dishing up some of the finest meals available in Key West.     Indoor dining is also available along with room for the largest of parties and wedding receptions.

     This place never seems to stop providing services that brings both locals and tourist to the door.     One of the best "happy hours" in Key West serving wings that are hard to beat any where along with the micro brew  ales all created on the property by their own brew master from the finest of malted barley, hops, water, and yeast all combined and blended into three tasty treats: "Havana Red, Key West Golden, and Southern Clipper Wheat".      In addition to the micro brews there is a full service bar that serves shill and frozen cocktails.


     Long before moving to Key West, my wife and I used to fly down here and our long time favorite place to have dinner was of course Kelly's Caribbean.     One Friday evening we flew from Daytona after the day at the race track was over and proceeded down to Key West to have dinner, Daytona was getting old.     We boarded our plane along with one of my friends and proceeded to Key West had dinner and returned to Daytona.     The dinner was spectacular and the flight was a great break in the action from the Daytona 500 week.     Today we only have to jump on the scooter and we are there, but it is still one of my favorites.    ;o)

   

Kilo Kai: Created by a Knight and the Pride of Curacao's

     Don Leanez, was the guy that started distilling rum on Curacao, a little island in the Southern Caribbean.     Don was said to have been knighted by a Dutch queen for the work he did for the island.     Like hes grand father and his father before him Angelo, the master distiller at Kilo Kai loves the rum and the challenge of making fine rums for today's market. 

     Careful attention to the distillation process is a big part of what makes this a special spiced rum.     The ability to separate the "heart of the distillate from everything else" is just one of the attributes of this rum.   The scents and flavors of vanilla, Cinnamon, and nutmeg are right in front of you as you approach the glass.    When the rum passes over the palate, the flavors explode and the semi-sweet well balanced taste passes to a smooth and pleasant finish.

     The rum is matured in oak barrels for three years giving it ti's golden brown color.     This is a rum that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail, any way you choose it it is a rum that needs to be in your spiced rum collection.     ;o)

Denizen: to embody Liberation,Rebellion and Bravery

     The name really tells the story of Denizen Rum.     According to the makes of this real unique white rum, it is aimed toward "people coming of age who abandon the traditional path to adulthood.     Theirs is a fearless path, one which they seek new things, explore new places, and exercise more choices.     They are the new rebel, but with a cause to find their own way in life on their own terms."     Denizen is the rum that is blended with these rebels in mind.   

     Denizen is the brainchild of master blender E.A. Scheer from Amsterdam, Based on an average 5 year old Angostura Distillery  rum, pot still rums from Jamaica.     These components blend to give this white rum a full bodied flavor that you don't usually find in white rums.     The molasses aromas lead to a light taste that develops more complex flavors and finishes in a medium long, smooth and warmness.

     The Denizen Phoenix Daiquiri is the signature drink when you think of Denizen as a mixing rum.     This unique recipe includes Denizen Rum, St. Germain, apple juice, lime juice and simple syrup.     The flavors melt together and yields a magnificent cocktail.     If you are looking for more out of your cocktails try Denizen in any other cocktail that calls for a white rum.     My mojito's take on new depth when Denizen is the rum of choice.     I've also found that it mixes well with coconut water or a blend of coconut water and pineapple juice.     Your imagination is the only limiter as to what you can create with this fine whit rum.

     Readily available on line from www.DrinkUpNY.com and other retailers, you have no excuses for not trying this fine white rum.     ;o)

Sunday Morning Muse



A Good Boss and Good Rum

 I'm a man with simple needs and among these are Good friends, a Good Boss , Good Music, People having fun all around me, and a bottle of really Great Rum.    

Good Music





Good Friends



People having fun all around you, there is nothing better.

                                                                       The only other thing I need is the time to enjoy all of this.     I try to do it daily, and most of the time I'm successful.     ;o)

The Kraken, That is Rumstylin

     The Kraken is one of the newest additions to the spiced rum arena.     This one is unique on many fronts, first the fact that is a "Black Rum" and secondly the ingenious marketing of the product.     The Kraken is the buzz word around our Key West bars these days.     The whole concept of putting a "Beast in your belly" is really fun and appealing to a lot of young and old partyers alike.    

     With the pirates and rum idea in full swing, the Kraken was a legendary beast that ravaged pirates and ships in some form or another all the way back to the days of Jules Verne and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.    "Arrrrrrr, "release the Kraken" is the call in our bar as we pour this wonderful  spiced rum as a float or as a drink.     The bottle is of the old pirate jug style that just lures you to reach out and grab it by one of the "ear-lobe handles and pour.      Everything about the package is done with a fun "tongue in cheek" chuckle except the rum.

The TV ad is more of the same fine creativity that is taking 'The Kraken" forward in rapid fashion 

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuO00wEfb_w&hd=1).     This is why "The Kraken" is the nations fastest growing rum brand.

     Kraken is a really nice black rum from Trinidad -Tobago, with a blend of vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and other spices that seem to complement the flavor of the rum rather than covering it up.     The subdued aroma is the weakness in the product, but you know you have found a real rum when it hits your palate.    The finish is spicy and still retains the flavor of the rum.    Oh by the way this sea monster has a kick too, 94 Proof kick.     It really doesn't matter how you drink this rum you will feel the "beast in your belly".      Get out and enjoy it you won't be disappointed.     ;o)