Back from short vacation

 We arrived back from vacationing in Key West.  Not at the moment got much on the gaming front to report on. 

 

 

Did find out that if the Blue Angels are in town, the scheduled departure times of commercial airlines are subject to adjustments.  The jets are inspiring to look at.

 Oh and a bit on the Conch Republic. My new favorite, micro-nation.

 

 

Key West is the last of the keys as you move from the mainland of Florida.  There is only one road to the next island,  and each key has the same set up to get to the mainland. 

Up through the 1970's,  tourism was not the driver for Key West that it is today.  A closing of a US naval base was a major blow.  Some smuggling of drugs was part of the new economy,  which raised problems. Federal agencies set up a roadblock/ inspection on the only road out of town.  Local government protested , but no relief was given.  

Enter  " drastic " measures by the local government.  The government of Key West announced that it was seceded from the United States.  It was to be known as "The Conch Republic. "

Reports differ, the first and only day of sovereignty was April 23, 1982; a sprited defense was made using loaves of Cuban bread and toilet paper as ammo and catapults to launch.

 The US Coast Guard used its infernal water cannons in retaliation to clear the docks. By 5pm it was over for the Conch Republic....but evidently you can still get a passport from said micro-nation.

As it has a strategic position in the area, Key West could be a great place for alternate history as the Conch Republic. That's my story, and I am sticking to it.