When I set out for our trip this summer, I had in mind to photo-document the trip. It is a goal to improve my skills and overtime increase the quality of my equipment.
It is a developing skill, and this first one might be a bit rough. But ultimately, the purpose was to capture the memories of a truly fantastic trip. So with that said, enjoy!!!
Reflections
It has been almost a week since we returned home from our epic summer trip to the Keys.
In the end we covered over 3200 miles, and spent just under $1200 in fuel. Tolls totaled around $90 with the SunPass.
Some of our reflections from the trip:
* With an RV, know your limits on how much road you can cover. Ours was 400 miles, or settle in by 4 pm - whichever comes first.
* We prefer the RV. The room will always be nice at the end of trail.
* Schedule in a short day after a long day or two, or better yet, a day to stay put before continuing on.
* A TMPS (tire pressure monitor) is a huge factor in peace of mind while traveling. We use TireMinder.
* An RVLock system is not necessary, but super convenient and more secure. Very helpful!
* Plan gas stops ahead, since finding a gas station that can handle a 30 foot rig are often hard to find. The two lane roads were less crowded for fuel than interstate stops.
* Toll roads, while expensive, do often cut down on the distance.
***
This was a trip that was totally unique compared to all of our others, and I hope it will not be the last. While travel is slower and gas usage greater, this was a more relaxing trip than the rust to a hotel, haul it all up and haul it all down, and move on to the next stop after that. The journey is as important as the destination.
And we will be returning to the Keys. The water, sunsets, and history are things that call us, and we will certainly be answering that call again.
Day 13
This begins our journey home. From Sugarloaf Key this morning.
We left out early and drove US-1, back through Marathon and Islamorada, and through Homestead in our best attempt to avoid Miami. There are many toll roads, so I am not quite sure how much this has cost, particularly due to the extra axles on the camper.
Traffic was heavy on almost all roads south of Orlando. We took the Florida Turnpike, while the rest took the interstate in an attempt to avoid the tolls. We arrived at our campground - Orange Blossom KOA Journey - a full 2 hours before everyone else. We hoped to swim a bit, but a thunderstorm and heavy rains came up, and it was still raining when we all came together again. Quick supper, then off to bed.
All told, it was uneventful.
The campground itself was very nice. The owners were kind and helpful, and the sites were spaced out well. Because it is a Journey, the sites were also long which allowed us to not unhook before a morning departure.
Day 14
After pulling out, and mapping a route without tolls, we immediately were separated. After a while was within about 15 miles of our convoy, and arrived at Avalon Landing RV in Milton, Florida, within minutes of each other. This was a nice part too, with a saltwater fishing lake and bridge, laundry room, and nice pads. The WiFi was poor and unreliable, though.
We all drove to Pensacola Beach, paid the toll to cross the bridge, and put our name on the list for a table at Peg Leg Pete's Oyster Bar and Restaurant. There was a 3-hour wait, so we walked the beach until a rainstorm drenched us, so we returned to the car and later play area to wait on our turn. It was well worth it. It was probably the best seafood we had on our trip!!! 5 Stars!!!
Day 15
Mom and Dad, and Brandon and family, left out from Avalon Landing around 8:30 am. We decided to stay another day in Pensacola in order to explore Fort Pickens and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It started out raining but cleared a bit after lunch, which meant we had some time on the beach. This was a nice beach - perhaps the nicest we have seen on this trip. We saw dolphins and a stingray swam right among the swimmers. Little moon jellyfish started washing up on the beach, but the lifeguard said there was not really anything to be concerned with. It is the wrong time of year for the dangerous ones, such as the Man 'o Wars. A large sea turtle next was cordoned off on the beach, so that was neat to see.
We returned to the campground, fixed supper, and settled in. Tomorrow we set out for home. After tonight, just one more night on the road.
Day 12
This morning is a chance to explore Key West properly. Mom is still on the hunt for a good family picture, so we donned our family shirts and parked in the free parking on Fort Street. We put a lot of distance underfoot today.
First, we walked to the Southern Most Point buoy, where we had pictures made. A black family from Alabama, whose mother's maiden name was also Ford, took our picture. We wished them safe travels, took their pictures, and set out for the Mile 0 sign on US-1. More pictures.
Then we did some shopping on Duvall St. It is much nicer during the day. In the evening it is a bit too much like Bourbon Street. We had iced Cuban coffee at Grand Havana Coffee Shop, bought Stephanie a Conch Republic tank, and Fergus a collar at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Then we walked the Ernest Hemmingway Rum Distillery for a tasting and bought a bottle of Papa's Pilar golden rum. All told, we were in Key West about 4 hours.
Many houses are very old. And very cool!
Then back to the car, and back to Sugarloaf Key. We did stop by the Verizon store, where the employee took out the sim on my dead phone, and salt poured out... The rice was a fool's errand.
Pool, then a nap.
Hamburgers for supper and drinks around the table.
Tomorrow we begin the trip back home. Next stop - Orlando. Goodbye, Keys! Until we return.
Day 11
This morning we got up early and drove the 30 minutes or so to Key West to catch the excursion ship Yankee Freedom III to the Dry Tortugas National Park/Fort Jefferson. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is 70 miles or so west of Key West, and is a little-known chapter of our history. There are also great places to snorkel and bird-watch. I took many pictures but unfortunately my phone, with pictures, took a swim in the Gulf of Mexico. It remains to be seen if it will recover.
Perhaps Stephanie will have some pictures I can share!
****
We left the camp around 6:20 and arrived at the parking garage and the wharf around 7 am. After checking in, we boarded around 7:30 for an 8 am departure. The ride was nice and much smoother than our fishing trip.
We arrived at the Dry Tortugas around 10:30. Our "cruise director," I supposed (Hollywood) led a 1 hour, 20-minute tour of the fort and helped Sadie with some of the Junior Ranger answers in his talk. After lunch aboard, we went back into the fort for some things we had not seen and then borrowed snorkel fins to explore the outer moat wall. I forgot my phone in my pocket, and the resultant swim killed the phone. I will be without one for a week or so.
The boat departed back for Key West around 2:45, and we were back by 5:30. We walked the harbor walk where the boats are, and a bit of Duvall St., bought a fridge magnet and a Christmas ornament and headed back to the car by way of Caroline St.
So many old houses! Some of the shops were questionable, and we left Key West a bit disgruntled.
Back to camp, and hot dogs on the griddle. And an early to bed. Brandon and his family went to Mallory Square and got home late. They were so tired that they did not really get to enjoy it.
This is a bittersweet outing, as it is the last outing with the 2020 Sportsmen. Three trips to Florida and a number to the coast, the RV ha...
