February 10, Tuesday
Jerry and Judy decided to split up with us and begin their trek back north, so Deb and I loaded up Bear and took off for Key West. We stopped once or twice for coffee, and after checking with the Ranger Station at Bahia Honda State Park, which was all reserved 11 months in advance, we ended up at the KOA campground on Sugarloaf Key, at about mile marker 20 something. A tent site was going for $60 a night, but if you spent $24 to become a KOA member, you got 10% off. I became a member, saved the $12 for two nights, and figured I'd use the membership again once or twice to make it worthwhile. The KOA had hot showers, laundromat, and a pool/hot tub, plus a nice little beach, but it's still pretty steep in price. I have no idea what the RV's paid for a night's parking. We set up, had some supper and met Mike Olmstead who told us all about Mexico and got us thinking about making the trip down to Vera Cruz. Apparently most of the trouble is along the drug trafficking trail from Mexico City, Guadalajara and up
to Ciudad Juarez and/or Tijuana. If we stay more east central to east coast, we'll be fine. Mike is heading west also, so we may meet again. He is driving an old red pickup, towing a camper and has a green KLR bike in the pickup bed.
February 11, Wednesday
A late awakening, coffee, and we headed down Route 1 to Key West. We found the end of the road, but the 0 mile marker had been mis-appropriated. On to parking and a stroll up and down Duvall street and along the harbor. Beautiful boats all over of course, lots of money around Key West. Cute shops, and great Key Lime pie. We had a late lunch/ early supper at the Conch Republic, bought a few t-shirts, a pair of Teva's for me, and watched the sunset occur at Mallory Square, otherwise known as Sunset Point. Back in the dark to KOA after another short coffee stop, and into bed. It was a pretty day on Key West.
Part of trip:
Wandering the Americas 2009