Granny’s Sail Away Adventure – The Cruise Day 2 – Key West!

Heading in to dock at Key West Early Morning!

Key West….Yeah, that is in the USA!  Located 150 miles from Miami Florida and 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is  Southernmost tip of the continental US.  Originally called ‘Cayo Hueso’ (Bone Key) because of the many indian skeletons Spaniards found along the shores when they came in the 16^th century. Key West is loaded with many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. Past residents include Earnest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Oh… let’s not forget Robert the doll, whom you need  ask permission to take his picture. How do you get permission? Well, Duh, you ask him (yes, I am serious).

We decided to take the Bone Island Tour Ghost Tour. What interesting spooky things and people in Key West. I could tell you all the stories but must keep it down to just one or so.

Since we are on the cruise because of the Oak Ridge Boys, it is only fitting that we get the whole story behind one former (or should we say current)  Key West resident named Elvira.

On Key West you will find Captain Tony’s Saloon. 

One of the oldest saloons in Florida (1852) has a tree that grows through the middle of the chamber. This tree is known as the ‘hanging tree’. An estimated 75 people were hanged from the tree, most of which were murderers or pirates. But the town vigilantes once hanged a woman in a blood-stained blue nightgown who supposedly still haunts the bar to this day.

There are many stories about Elvira floating around the Keys. One has her killing her husband and child. The one we were told on our tour is  she was abused by many of her man’s friends and one night she got them all so drunk that she cut their throats while they slept. Townspeople tried to hang her but she did not die. The chained her up and decided to try again the next day. As they tried the next day, she still did not die when they hanged her. They left her hanging until death did come finally. So how much is true? Who Knows!!!!!  People have experienced weird sensations and locked doors when entering the ladies bathroom. Hmmmmmm!

What else is wild about Capt Tony’s, well he was some what of a womanizer and could talk women out of their bras. Ladies Bras are still left for Capt Tony to this day!!!!!

BUT, that is not all that happened in Key West….. Stay Tuned…….Spoooooooooooky!