Because we are close to the Summer solstice (June 21st), the June full moon appears over the horizon as a huge butterscotch orange orb and is called the honey moon.  June traditionally was the month that most weddings occurred and the time couples spent alone after their wedding became known as their honeymoon.

Michael and I were out on the Higgs beach pier to see this beautiful moon rising on Friday, the 13th.  The horizon was cloudy so it took a while for the moon to appear but it lived up to its description and was beautiful.

After peaking through the clouds, it disappeared again for a short while and then triumphantly lit up the sky – smaller and whiter, but reflecting beautifully off the water.  The breeze was strong and welcoming cool as we and the other moon worshippers waited for this event that will not occur again until June 2098. (a June, full moon on Friday the 13th)

Earlier, we strolled downtown to the Pier House to support a charitable event and had lovely tapas and rum tastings.  We had some good conversations with other visitors to Key West and got a couple of great recommendations for things to do and places to eat.  The tapas were very good, rum is never bad but it was hot, hot, hot over on the western side of the island.   The sun was blazing, getting ready for its sunset performance and there was very little breeze.    It was a stark contrast to the eastern shore breezes we felt later and often have at our house.  Definitely something you want to consider if you move here or visit in the summer months.

We strolled over to Mallory Square to check out the action.  It was about 7:20 PM and there were people gathering for the sunset celebration but because it was still over an hour away, not too much performance art was going on.  It was fun seeing the ships coming in and out of the harbor.  We will definitely book a sunset cruise one evening soon.

Because we were shooting the moon rise, we left to meander back to our car.   Key West is a great walking town with lots of interesting places to see and people to watch.  And, oh yes, of course the chickens!