Cabbage Key

On a calm day I took a long dingy ride from the anchorage at Cayo Costa to Cabbage Key. There were a number of other dinghies and small power boats at the docks. Shortly after I arrived a large ferry dropped off a large number of people who swarmed the restaurant so I took a walk around the island to let the crowds die down.

A trail leads around the island and the cottages scattered around the island. Behind the restaurant is a water tower. It was not open previously but now it had a nice set of steps to the top. It was much cooler up there and a great view all around the island. The stairs were reassuringly solid but at the top one of the beams had a big split.

The restaurant (www.cabbagekey.com)is located on the hi point of the island which is an Indian shell mound. It is supposed to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffets Cheeseburger in Paradise. The walls and ceiling are covered with dollar bills. The last time I was here you had to bring your own tape and pen but now they have them set out. I had several good rum drinks and lunch at the bar and found a clear spot on the door jam into the main restaurant to add my dollar. I looked around but if my previous bills are still there, they are buried under layers of subsequent dollars.

After lunch I managed to board the dingy and make my way back to the mother ship without embarrassing myself. Perhaps I should have had another round.