A guest narration of a stay at Key Lime Sailing Club, from a writer who'd lived in Key West forty years earlier and hoped to find that old bohemian atmosphere one more time.
Turning off the Overseas Highway, the property greeted them with boats, masts and machinery in every state of repair, hand-painted signs ("Tiki Bar This Way," "Cuba 189 Mi."), a skull on the gate, and a skeleton chained to a palm tree — plus owner Paul, all smiles and energy, leading a personal tour.
Paul showed off the water toys — canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, a Sunfish, rowing dories, even inner tubes — plus fishing gear and dive flags, all free to use any time. As sailors, they were told to meet "The Captain" the next morning at 9 AM at the tiki hut for an area familiarization and a sailboat assignment.
A walk out to the docks brought a rundown of nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and other things to do in the area — a warm, personal welcome that set the tone for the stay.