Wednesday, December 4, 2013

We made it to Key West !

We finally made it to Key West, Florida after being on the road, full time, for a year. What a fantastic year it has been!  We have traveled 8,941 miles through 31 states and spend time in 54 RV Parks/Resorts. 

I am so happy Andy decided to join me on this adventure.  WITHOUT HER... IT WOULDN'T BE WORTH IT!  We have been living and traveling full time for 21 months out of the last 24 months.


The road traveled here, for me, has been long and hard.  I have worked, sweat and saved over a decade to get here.   I have read anything and everything I could get my hands on.  It was first sailboats, then trawlers, and finally onto RV's.  I have put my family and friends through hell talking, planning and dreaming of retiring and traveling. 

Heading south down Hwy 1

 My poor co-workers on the night shift at St Vincent Medical Center, thanks guys for putting up with me.    You know who you are ! 

Some people have dreamed along with me... while others thought "He will never do it" !  Guess what...Panama Jack is alive and well !

My sons Brent and Adam have always supported me through all of this.  We miss each other so very much ! I have missed a lot in their life these past two years, however, we understand this adventure won't last forever.

What we do know about Key West, which isn't much, they do have their own time.  Never in a hurry !  Even the mailman has his own time. I don't think anyone under 35 has ever seen one of these strangely dressed people. Look at those funny hats.

When was the last time you see one of "these"
Yes there are still chickens and they do cross the road
 Many beautiful homes that are BB's

Of course we had to check out the local watering holes  Day time only so far!  Not brave enough, yet, for the nightlife. We will slowly work up to that.  Should be very interesting to say the least.




Oh yes we did !   "The Fun Bunch Gang"   !


For you yucky wine lovers
This is for "ME"

We went looking for a place to snorkel and to lay on the beach.  There isn't really a natural beach in Key West with great sand.  It is mostly trucked in and applied to the beach area.  However, there are some nice beaches.


South Beach is a nice but small beach
View looking back at the South Beach
Looking out from the beach
View again from the beach


We were told that a good place to go snorkeling and to lay on the beach was Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.  There is a small daily entrance fee.  We were going to go there until a person in our RV park said we should go to "Truman Annex". Truman Annex is another military base that shares the same beach. We would have our side, military side, all to our lonesome and it is free !

I feel so special ...but was it worth 21 Years !
Our private beach
View to my right
View to my left
Very nice beach to snorkel and to lay on the beach


Andy enjoying the Key West Garden Club. It is an old fort that was never finished.  If you like gardens and flowers it is worth the trip to see.  It is right by Smathers Beach and it is free. You can give a donation if you would like.


Relaxing in the shade and smelling the flowers
Look closely...what do you see
Bits and pieces
GO SEAHAWKS   11-1


2 comments:

  1. Okay, now you're cooking. You need to get to Mallory Square at sunset, this will start off your nightly downtown visit. When you're down by the Navy base, there is a restaurant named Blue Herron that has a wonderful breakfast. Did you hear the story of why there are so many chickens? You're making us experience this trip again!

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  2. We will be checking out the square and the Blue Herron that's for sure. No I don't know or can't remember the chicken story. I am sure you can tell me. You can get your butts down here and experience this trip again. Only a few days drive. Oh by the way; The gate to walk through at Coast Guard Station is "ONLY FOR ACTIVE DUTY" now. They changed it this year. What a load of crap. I think the "Chief "should get right on that.

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