Celebration at the Rum Bar in Key West




Anne Parina in her new Art Car

 

     Anne Parina the owner of the Speakeasy Inn and Rum Bar show how lucky she really is over the weekend.     She won the Postage Stamp Art Car in the raffle she bought 1 ticket for.     The raffle was to benefit the Key West Arts and Historical Society and all of the work they do here in Key West preserving the fine historic sites we enjoy.     I'm really happy for Anne and even happier for the Arts and Historical Society in completing another successful event to keep their projects moving ahead.

      The car features actual art works by 18 local and international artists in the form of postage stamps.   I guess the best way to show off the car is in pictures so lets skip all the verbage and get to the photos.  

 

And this is only part of the 20 stamps on the car.

Bahama Bob's Rumstyles: Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West

Bahama Bob's Rumstyles: Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West: "The Mud Keys are one of those areas around Key West that just put you in a place that is pure Nirvana. This little maze of mangroves and..."

Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West

The Mud Keys are one of those areas around Key West that just put you in a place that is pure Nirvana.     This little maze of mangroves and waterways will captivate you as you cruise at no wake speed through it.     The whole area is surrounded by sandbars that turn into beaches at low tide and home for rays, barracudas, and sharks at high tide.     as you navigate the mangrove lined waterways, it becomes noticeable to you that you have reached a part of the world that was just put here for your enjoyment.     This natural habitat for fish, birds, and a few raccoons that seem to be willing to share their home with you as you idle through.
    

     Once on one of the sugar fine sand beaches that are hidden in the midst of the mangroves and waterways, you can wander in the shallow sand bottom waters and watch the little fish as they scurry along the bottom.     The cleanliness of the beach and the footprints in the sand make you feel like you just discovered  a new world that is all there for your exploration.     You can spend the entire day there without any effort and it is amazing to me that the day can disappear so quickly as you spot one new thing after another.    You know others have been their before you, but the pride of those who were shows by the way they left the place feeling untouched because they took their trash with them and maybe even cleaned up some other's as well.     This is why I can enjoy it as much as I do and try to follow in the footsteps of those who passed through this Key before me and clean up as I wander.

     I guess it is time for me to be heading back to reality in Key West, what ever reality really is down here.    I now see the Key West rising out of the ocean as I approach and see the end of my little adventure to Mud Key coming to an end.      I think what makes me feel so at home here in Key West is the ability to do so many things with in a hour or so  of the marina.    This was a very fine day even though the winds had the water white capping at about 2 to 3 feet on the way out and back, in the Mud Keys where it is protected from the wind, it was like glass and made for a perfect cruise.     ;o)

   

Ron Cartavio XO: Soon at the Rum Bar

     The Rum Bar is proud to be adding Ron Cartavio XO and Solera to the 200 plus rums already at the Rum Bar.     Cartavio XO is one of those wonderful sweet rums that has a very complex array of flavors that make it stand out in any crowd.      Cartavio earned a Gold Award in the RumXP International Competition last year at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.    

     Cartavio XO is the proud product of Master blender Federico Shulz, and created to celebrate 80 years of rum production in Peru by Destilerias Unidas.     This proud brand first appeared in 1929 and was the country's first rum produced in abundance.     In the mid 1990's Cartavio was privatized allowing the new owners to begin to improve the quality and the reputation of their products.     The Cartavio Distillery is located in the small town of Cartavio near Trujillo, and surrounded by a river valley boasting thousands of acres of sugar cane.

     Cartavio XO is a solera of rums varying in age from 30 years to the youngest being 10 years.     These have been rested in a variety of oak barrels plus sherry and bourbon casks to attain this profile of excellence.     The Cartavio distillery uses a unusual continuous distillation system, a rather simple process that allows for less loss of the spirit to the waste area and a cleaner distillation. 

     This is a darker amber rum that is clear as the waters off of Abaco.     The nose is of caramelized molasses and spice with a touch of flowers, nuts, and tobacco.     While initially a bit sweet upon first taste it drys as it passes through the palate and finishes in a long and spicy dry, with a tingling sweetness on the lips.     Much of the flavors remind me of dried sweet fruits, with hints of vanilla, banana, and buttery nuts. 

     I'm personally looking forward to the arrival of the Cartavio line of rums at The Rum Bar in Key West   later this month.    Pleas come by and sample this fine rum along with our other 200 plus selection of rums.     ;o) 
Read More and Photos at  http://www.rumgallery.com/cartavio-xo.html

Gettin Ready for Miami Rum Renaisance Festival

Today is another of those days where I'm being dragged in too many directions and need to just remind every on that the 25th is coming up soon and to make sure that you have the Rum Renaissance plans made.

     There is a promotion going on for VIP tickets to the event at http://rumconnection.com/    If you haven't entered you really need to.

     This is a super Rumstyler event and one that you really need to attend.     I'll plan on seeing you there.     ;o)

Nothing like Good Friends and Good Rum and the Ocean

 

     

This is how life is really suppose to be lived.     I'm very thankful to be able to live this way and share it with my friends.     ;o)

Saturday April 16, 2011 Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida

Capt. Tony and Jimmy Buffett

    Born on December 25, 1946, just 3 days before I was, James William Buffett, Jr. spent some of his childhood in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama.     Graduated High School in 1964 and College with a degree in History in 1969     Jimmy Buffett has rocketed to the status of his song, "Beach House on the Moon".    The popularity of his music and tours combined with a keen business sense has made him a mogul of the industry.

Opening of the first Margaritaville Store in Key West

      Jimmy's Key West years were the formative years of the sound sometimes referred to as "Gulf and Western Music".     It is said that Jerry Jeff Walker brought Jimmy to Key West and Captain Tony gave his the stage to play on.     Jimmy began establishing the easy-going beach bum persona which has brought his to the success level he has reached today.     In 1985 he opened his first Margaritaville Store in Key West soon to be followed by a cafe of the same name.    His successes just kept skyrocketing upward and outward from there.   



2010 Free Concert in Gulf Shores



Jimmy's Charity work is very Florida oriented with the founding of the "Same the Manatee Club" in 1981.     More recently he has raised money through concerts to provide relief for victims of storms and oil spills.     Jimmy has done concerts all over the world for the relief of those in need and is one of the biggest fund raisers around because of the following and dedication to his causes by his fans. 

     Today has rightfully been set aside to honor the boy from Alabama who grew to be a giant in Florida and has done so much for so many.     Congratulations to Jimmy Buffett and I'm proud of your accomplishments through the years.     I know that it has been a long and sometimes very hard road to get to where you are, but it is worth it if you believe in what you're doing.     ;o)

Mel Fisher: His Treasures and Trials

     Mel Fisher, rightly called the world's most famous and greatest treasure hunter.     This dreamer and visionary did what few others have ever come close to in any field.     Mel struggled through many years of treasure hunting in the Florida Keys with his slogan, "Today's the Day" his persistence and drive kept him and his crew going til they found the gold.

     Born on August 22, 1922 in Indiana, he attended Purdue University, then became a farmer.     In 1953 her married Delores (Deo) Horton, who became his business partner.     They had four children, three sons and a daughter.      Opened the first dive shop in California, and his wife also a diver set many diving records for women during those early years.

     After years of hardship and personal loss, he and his crew discovered the wreck of the Spanish Galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha on July 20, 1985.      Later the sister ship Santa Margarita and a slave ship, the Henrietta Marie were located..     There was an estimated $450 Million  booty of gold, silver, and artifacts.     After many years personal losses and  battles in court the victory belonged to him and his crew after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in his favor.    There were over 114,000 silver Spanish coins (Known as "Pieces of Eight") and some 40 tons of gold and silver recovered.    This in addition to the artifacts and gems.     The Wreckage of the Atocha lies in a sandy bottom area off the Florida Keys in a mere 22 feet of water and was located just 200 yards from where the anchor was found.

     The most important of these treasures can still be viewed today in Key West at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.     This is also the location of the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.     There are exhibitions for conservation, education, archaeology, and the Schimmel Archive in addition to the treasure displays.     There is a shop there so you can own a piece of the history as well.      This is another of the don't miss locations in Key West to see between all the rumstylin' bar visits you will not be disappointed at all.    ;o)

Rum Renaissance is Getting Close

     The 25th is the start of 2011 edition of the Miami Rum Renaissance.    It is fast approaching and if you haven't mad arrangements to be there you really should.     This is a rumstyler's Disneyland, and should not be missed.   If you need information it is available on the website, http://www.rumrenaissance.com/.     With over 120 rums being represented Abuelo to Zaya and VIP parties, rum tastings, and more how can you even think about not being there.

     I know that I already have my room reserved for the week at the Deauville, and I'm ready to party on.     I hope that many of my friends are going to be able to make it there and maybe I'll meet some new ones at the same time.     No matter how you work it out you need to be there for all or part of the week anyway.    Looking forward to seeing all of you there  and sharing some sugar cane spirits.     ;o)

The Custom House: Key West Landmark



Custom House Today

      Custom House is one of the most prominent buildings as you arrive in Key West harbor by boat.     This incredible red building jumps out at you as you arrive in the area of it from anywhere.     Built in 1891, Custom House is Florida's best example of Romanesque Revival Architecture and is thought to be one of the top 5 most significant buildings in the state.     This building was built by the U.S. Treasury Department to house the Federal Courts, U.S. Customs, Lighthouse Service, and the Post Office.     Thomas Edison was said to have worked here during the era when Key West was Florida's most populous and important seaport.     The Custom House has been the cite of many notable historic events, the most important of which was the inquiry into the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.   

Custom House during the operational days

     This history of Custom House somewhat follows the history of the economics of Key West.     Built in the era when Key West was the richest per capita city in the United states and declared surplus in the 1930's when the city of Key West was in bankruptcy.     The building after being used by the U.S. Navy as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico operations headquarters was abandon for nearly twenty years.      In 1993 the State of Florida purchased the building for use as a museum of art and history.




The abandoned Boarded up building

      Today the Building has been restored to it's previous splendor.     The restoration took 9 years at a cost of more than 9 million dollars, but the big red brick building has been brought back to her formal glory.       The building today is administered by the Key West Art and Historical Society, and is being used to house the Key West Museum of Art and History.     Following the path taken by Key West this grand old building has seen the likes of wreckers, pirates, politicians and now artists and the history of Key West to become one of Florida's most important historical buildings.    This is another of the don't miss stops when in Key West.     ;o)

Finally Seeing the Light in Key West

     The schedule has been really hectic for the past month or so, and I'm feeling the energy leaving my body and sleep in the chair instead of getting things done.     So today, I got myself up and started wandering in Old Town Key West looking for something new to write about.       As I left the Southernmost Point and headed down Whitehead Street I saw the spire of the Key West Lighthouse in the distance and  like a beam in the night it gave me an idea.     

     I've told visitor's a thousand times to stop by the lighthouse when you visit Hemingway's House it is right across the street.     Here I've been writing about Hemingway and other historic Key est sites and I've forgotten the lighthouse.



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      The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 to aid the ships that navigated the dangerous reef off of Key West.      Key West residents were getting very rich from the salvage business that booming prior to the installation of the lighthouse.     The original light house was 46 feet tall and had 15 oil lamps and a 15 inch reflector, but it was raised to 86 feet tall in 1894.      The lighthouse was built at it's current location after the original lighthouse was destroyed  by the hurricane of 1846.     Today this is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in America.    

     Barbara Mabrity took over as the lighthouse Keeper after her husband died in 1832.     She tended the lamps for 32 years until at age 82 she was fired for making statements against the Union, which controlled the Key West and the Key West Lighthouse during the Civil War.     In 1846 a hurricane destroyed the light station, killing 6 of her children after the family sought shelter in the tower.     The original keeper dwelling was torn down and replaced with the present building.

     The Key West Lighthouse was deactivated in 1969, and turned over to Monroe County.     In 1972 the lighthouse was turned over to the Key West Art and Historical Society, who has added safety features and restored the tower and the turned the Keepers Quarters into a museum.     In 1998 the entire site was nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Landmark.     This gives the Key West Lighthouse the same status as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. 

     The Key West Lighthouse is open to the public daily and is so worth the walk up the 88 step spiral staircase to look out at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.     The story of Barbara Mabrity and her family and the effect that the lighthouse had on the Key West economy of the day makes this a very special place that shouldn't be overlooked when in Key West.     ;o)

Dry Dock for a Day

Today is another out and about day taking pictures and searching for new Rumstylin' ideas to keep this blog going.     ;o)

Sunday Sights

Sundays are such a calming day, I have different images of Sundays that make me feel good.




What makes your Sundays ?












This is my kind of Sunday Morning just cruising in my mind.

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)