2004 October Florida Keys

 Florida Keys - Oct 2004

We are off for our long awaited trip to the Florida Keys, Jerry, Kathy Jim, Debbie and us. We had been planning on caravanning down but we decided to take our motor home into the Monaco service center early for some repairs on October 4th. That’s where our world fell apart.

We were informed that we had major repair that needed to be done on our cracked tile and it would be 4 to 6 week at best to be fixed. Well to make a long story short. We made calls to Monaco regarding our dilemma and they were very helpful, kind and understanding that we work and live in our RV and the hardship would be catastrophic. So, with their help and hard shopping we were in a new coach within two weeks and down the road to meet up with our friends in Key Largo. Key Largo is 50 miles south of Miami, it is the first and largest of the dozens of “keys” (from the Spanish word cayos, meaning small islands) that the highway links together. The water is so clear scuba diving; snorkeling and boat trips are a must.

We caught up with everyone in Key Largo, FL Friday the 22nd of October around dinnertime, where we were greeted with a wonderful dinner of grilled NY strips, baked potatoes, salad and margaritas and a whole lot of warm welcomes. It was a wonderful evening and all were happy to be together at last. We stayed one night a gorgeous campground right on the bay. The breathtaking white sand and clear blue water was like stepping into bath water it felt so good. We found ourselves up early to watch the sun rise and drink coffee in our cabaña right out side our RV. We all seemed to be in no hurry so we took our time on easing down the road 50 miles to our next campground in Marathon Florida, where were staying. Along the way we saw the “World’s Largest Lobster,” standing in front of the Treasure Village gift shop. He hasn’t yet been boiled or grilled, so he’s a naturally green-brown color, not bright red. It looked like something out of a scary movie.

Flowing US –1, the elegant multi-arched Long Key Bridge supports a long flat causeway where the road finally earns it other name, the Overseas Highway. Unobstructed view of the distant horizon is yours in all directions, with the narrow ribbon of highway seemingly suspended between the sky and the sea. The long bridge marks the northern end of Marathon, a sprawling community that’s second- largest in the keys, stretching between MM 65 and MM 47 over a series of islands that brought us to MM 59, The Jolly Roger RV Resort.

Kathy and Jerry camp here every time the come to the Keys and we were all looking forward to staying put for the next week. We had reserved sites along a wall that faces the water, so directly out the front porch is a 6’ sea wall placing the water very close. Listening to the water lap the sea wall is relaxing and fun. We all had a good time setting up camp, by early afternoon 

Tom and Jerry decided to get the boat that Jerry brought and take a spin around the lagoon. Jerry had a new engine that he wanted to try out, it would be great to take fishing and snorkeling. It didn’t quite work the way they planned; you see the engine was just a little to big for the boat/raft... when the put on the gas, they lost their ass. And I mean lost it...that rear end went so far down in the water Kathy and I thought we were going to lose it laughing so hard. Even the couples out for a swim couldn’t believe their eyes. Jerry’s hat went off course in the water and Tom dropped the paddles. It didn’t take them long before they headed back. But never fear...they will come up with something and will make it work.

Saturday the 23rd, we went into Key West for a day full of adventure. Key West is closer to Cuba than to the U.S mainland, and still proudly preserving the anarchic sprit of a place that was founded by pirates, Key West is definitely a world unto itself. We traveled down to the Key’s and saw the Overseas Highway, imagine a narrow ribbon of asphalt and concrete hovering between emerald seas and azure blue skies, and lined by swaying palm trees and gorgeous white sand beaches. Add a generous taste of exotic wildlife, including alligators and dolphins, the country’s only tropical coral reefs and a romantic history rich with tales of buccaneering pirates and buried treasure. Hang it off the far southern tip of Florida, and you have the Overseas Highway one of the country’s most fascinating scenic drives.

We heard the Fantasy Festival was starting. It was like Mardi-Gra in New Orleans, LA. But somewhat calmer. So off we went to see what the hoopla was. But to our surprise we found out that nudity was the main event.... they do that down here this time of year. People paint their bodies, wear beads, hats and anything goes. But hey... we came all this way to go to the Key’s and it’s not our fault this is Fantasy Festival week, so what else are we to do? BUT GO... We decided that this is once in a lifetime, we are here so what harm could it be to take a peek. And peek we did.

The weather was beautiful, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque day. We stopped at the Hemmingway House, an overgrown mansion on Hwy-A1A, where the burley writer produced some of his most popular works, including To Have and Have Not and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Writing in a small cabin connected to the main house by a rope bridge, and spending his nights in the roughneck bar (originally called “Sloppy Joes”, now known as “Caption Tony’s”). “Papa” Hemingway lived in Key West for about 10 years until his divorce in 1940, when he moved to Havana.

Jim and Deb had eaten at Sloppy Joes before and were looking forward to another “Sloppy Joes” before we got started. The music was great, the food was good and the people were fun to watch. We all decided to walk off our lunch and headed down Duval Street, the main drag where it was all to happen. The building were old, with but with the charm of old world Key West. The shops were painted in Bahamas colors, out door eateries and open-air bars. We found many people sitting taking in the sights. We all seemed to be looking for a little more skin. But to our disappointment the real show was not to start until Monday. So we all headed to do some shopping, gawking and walking.

The ladies wanted to do some shopping as they walked the through the shops. Deb was looking for some sundresses and Nita needed items to decorate the new motor home with. She was looking for some artwork of the Keys, showing palm trees to go with her Bahamas theme she already has. Kathy and Jerry enjoyed seeing the sights again, Kathy and Nita purchased some matching hats that looked quite charming on them. Nita was feeling like a little girl when two guys tried to pick her up on separate occasions and Deb was hit on and some guy told Jim her husband “He was a lucky Dude”. The girls were giggling about trying to be picked-up on all evening. Needless to say we were all acting like schoolgirls enjoying our youth.

Our feet needed a rest so we decided to go watch the sunset at the pier at the end of Duval Street, along with a whole lot of people. They had a variety of entertainment that we all found amusing. We walked and all enjoyed the sights and spectacles that surrounded us. At the end of Duval Street, was where we wanted to go especially at sunset- is Mallory Square, which faces west across the Gulf of Mexico and the open Caribbean Sea. Street performers juggle and play music on the broad, brick-paved plaza all day and much of the night. Old warehouses and some fascinating museums line this historic waterfront area.

Sun set was at 6:45pm so we found the perfect place on a wall over looking the water for the perfect pictures shots we all wanted to take. And we did. Walking back we noticed a Mime... he was painted silver (with clothes on) and was glad to perform for you if you approached him with money. Nita tried to get Kathy and Deb to walk up to him and see what he would do for a little cash. Well, seeing that they were chickens... Nita decided to make this fun. So with a few bucks in hand, she tucked it ever so loosely down her breast, or what is left of them. Anyway, with some enticing, to display the bills she caught everyone off guard with a little jiggle... the Mime was in good humor and receptive and played back. He quivered, moved his body and fingers slowly, took the cash, kissing her hand ever so gently. Needless to say it was a crowd pleaser and we all had a good chuckle.

 

The sun had gone down and the temperature was delightful. We all were getting a little hungry and decided to get a bite to eat. Tom was able to find a quaint restaurant in a garden with little lights decorated in the trees. The price was right and the atmosphere was relaxing. The only complaint was Carlos and Caroline, two large Iguanas were in a cage above Jerry’s head and they would spit on him from time to time. But Jerry seemed to go with the flow... using his napkin on his arm when he felt something out of the ordinary. So with a farewell to the green reptiles in the overhead cages, we all headed over to get some fabulous Key Lime Pie. Jim and Deb told us that they had been to this bakery before and a little old lady was the first one to introduce the tart but sweet pie to the south... and it was wonderful. We were served large slices and good Cappuccino. The sad news was the littler old lady just died 3 week ago at the age of 98. She had a magnificent life... eat a lot pie, maybe there is something in that pie that is better then we think.

As we headed back we stopped for one more picture of us at the “Southernmost Point”. It is a large Buoy showing 0 miles to Southernmost Point, Key West, FL and 90 miles to Cuba.

Sunday we all decided to stay around the campsite and do some cleaning, reading and sunbathing. The guy’s tinkered on the RV’s then around 2pm we decided to get the snorkeling gear out. We all ended up purchasing the new gear at K-Mart. Kathy and Jerry had their snorkeling equipment but to Kathy’s surprise Jerry forgot to pack it. Kathy was so upset she fussed with Jerry about leaving it at home. So we all have new matching snorkeling gear. Lord help us, if they all end up together. After snorkeling for a few hours, we all decided to get the grills out and cook. Tom marinated BBQ wings, zucchini and yellow neck squash on the grill. Jim & Deb fixed potatoes with onions. Kathy and Jerry fixed sweet corn on the cob and Nita brought

 cake for dessert. We put the picnic table on the wall to gather for dinner, said the blessing and thanked God for the wonderful time and fellowship we all were having as we all watched the sun set.

Monday morning we all had coffee and discussed going to the Bahia Honda State Park to do some snorkeling, swimming and of course fishing for Tom. We all packed lunch, drinks and snacks and were off for a day of fun. The Channel between the old and new Bahia Honda bridges is one of the deepest natural channels in Florida Keys. Bahia Honda is unique among other islands in the Keys because it has extensive sandy beaches and deep waters close enough offshore to provide exceptional swimming and snorkeling.

The subtropical climate throughout the Florida Keys has created a natural environment found nowhere else in the continental U.S. Many plants and animals in the park are rare and unusual, including marine plant and animal species of Caribbean origin. Trees in the community include yellow satinwood, gumbo-limbo, and sliver palm. When we were leaving the park, Jerry wanted to look for cocoanut trees to see if we could find any on the ground. Jerry spotted and Tom was hopping out scanning the ground shaking them to see if the had milk in them. After the great hunt, Tom was able to retrieve 3 cocoanuts.

Sooner or later all good things must end, we depart the Keys with regret having spent a wonderful time with friends and fun thing to do. The route out was along the Taimani Trail which is the old route across the Florida Everglades. Very interesting the old souvenir shops along the way and we had an interest in a air boat ride so stayed over in Everglades City. Unfortunately, there was an infestation of mosquitoes, and we did not take the air boat ride, if we had there would not have any meat left on any of us.

Stopping over at Lazy Days RV to have Tom and Nita get some repairs to the coach, everyone took the opportunity to see the new model coaches available.

Kathy in particular found one she liked very much, yet the dealer would not meet her price so NO DEAL.

We part company now for each one of us has another destination to go to, yet we all vow to meet again next year for more fun.

2004 April Tom, Mom visit Doug in TX

 

Tom, Mom Visits her Great Grandchildren

April 2004

We meet again in Atlanta International airport, Mom arrives from a good flight without mishap. Tom had arrived the day prior in the RV to meet her. The flight had been arranged with assistance to ensure mom would make all the connections and the result at the final stop was unexpected. Tom had identified that all passengers would pass through a particular point regardless of what terminal they arrived upon. As he waited for Mom, he began to get worried then when more time passed he went over to check baggage area and find her there. After greetings Tom asks how did she get over here? She said they took her on an entirely different route missing all the crowds.

Mom said she was a little stiff but ready to continue so we return to the RV and get clear of Atlanta traffic before it gets too busy. Only driving for 1 1/2 hours put us in Tuscaloosa, AL at a discount campground where we gladly stopped and set up. A walk was in order for Mom had been sitting all day and we met interesting people (always fun people in a campground)

Next day we know we must make allot of miles for to spend time with Doug and his children we must get there as quickly as possible and so we had no stops other than for fuel and sleep for two days as we go to Fort Hood, TX. We did have lunch along the roadside that first day and found interesting spring wildflowers to place on the dashboard. Very pretty flowers we enjoyed them and kept a lookout as we traveled for other kinds. The ones in Texas were large poppy style and we didn't expect them to last long yet they did last a week the first time. The last addition was a set of bluebells, this is the only ones seen the entire trip and they set off the arrangement so nice.

Meeting Doug and his family and setting up in the campground on base within a mile of their home was great, the grand children had grown some since Tom had seen them last and this is the first time Mom had seen them at all. After catching up on events happening so Doug could move from Texas we determined that Mom and Tom would take the grand children for the daytimes and set up meals for everyone so there would be nothing to hold up the movers at Doug’s house.

Kendra (Doug’s wife) would spend day and night packing sorting and cleaning and Doug would help when he was not at work. Mom and Tom got to take the kids to the park (one was right inside the campground) playing on the swings, jungle gym, slides and once each day we would pull a leaf from the money tree and go to Walmart for a gift for the kids. The money tree is a flower made of money that Mom had given Tom many years before, its was in return for travel expenses when Tom and Nita visited Mom in Oregon. The kids got a kick out of the money tree and even more so out of the trip to Walmart.

A week of packing, cleaning and finishing items around town and Doug's family is ready to depart. We wish them a safe trip and we shall meet them in North Carolina next month. Mom and Tom go to Dallas, TX (Tom had some work there) as well as some tourist stuff for Mom. Along with the JFK assassination site we enjoyed the larger than life bronze statues depicting a Texas cattle drive.

A restaurant that Tom and Nita had learned over a previous visit was closed on Sunday, so we returned on Monday and it was well worth the stop. We toured some of the other areas in Dallas such as a restored homes and shops from the 1800's, specific shops in other areas with unique names.

Moving on toward Arkansas we stopped over in Texarkana, TX where we were very fortunate to be there while a bluegrass festival was going on. Mom finally found some people to play cards with as Tom wandered the collection of players listening to the different music. No pictures for we did not even think of it we were having such a good time.

Next day we stop during midday in Little Rock, AR to see more 1800 homes, the theme here was Arkansas Territory period. The tour was very nice and informative, but the best part was the host of the Inn who was a fiddler and taught Mom the Virginia Reel.

Much work to be done in Arkansas so Mom departs from Memphis, TN for home.