So, we had an amazing time in Key West. We were up in Pennsylvania and there were no loads, I mean no loads available heading South. Normally we would just follow the money and head somewhere else but this was vacation on the line. So we just ran empty to Chattanooga and found a load from there to South Florida. Rates out of Florida looked amazing and that almost never happens. Usually if we book a load to Florida we demand a round trip rate because there is no freight out of South Florida. What we have been seeing, however, is a huge shortage of trucks throughout the South and the West Coast. After delivering we drove to the Flying J in Fort Pierce FL and parked the truck and Bandit (Jim) drove the 60 miles North to pick us up. We went out for a nice dinner with Sandi and Bandit and headed out for Key West in the morning. It is about a 4 1/2 hour drive from their house to Mile Marker Zero on Hwy A1A. Anne had never been to the Key’s so she was in for a treat.
We stopped at The Island Grill, one of my favorite little restaurants in Islamorada on Windley Key to start our vacation.
Bandit & Sandi
Ahhhh, Vacation
Then we headed out for Key West. The drive, if you have never done it, is stunning but long. We got into Key West and headed straight to our hotel, The Paradise Inn. Although we were a couple of hours early they had our room ready so we checked in and hit the town. I picked this little boutique hotel as it looked awesome and was in walking distance to all of the main spots off Duval Street. It was a VERY touristy kind of day. We stopped first at Irish Kevin’s, then on to Sloppy Joe’s and Capt Tony’s with a stop at The Hogs Breath, we then hit happy hour at Kelly’s (which was awesome).
We also stopped by the Curry Mansion Inn where Bandit and Sandi got married 15 years ago. Pretty cool.
Where it all began
From there, things got a little fuzzy and what really happened is a bit in dispute. I do know we ran into Scottty, who is the son of Bandit and Sandi’s old neighbor in St Louis. Great kid who is doing VERY well as a bartender at Bourbon Street Pub, a very crazy place. Ended up back at the hotel and a soak in the hot tub before bed.
The next day was more sightseeing with the highlight being we went sailing on a 85′ schooner. A perfect day for sailing and a ton of fun. We then got great advice from the crew to stop at Alonzo’s right on the water for their happy hour. Awesome food and great drinks. We ran into Scotty again here as it is a big hit with the locals.
Our sailboat
Sailing
Sandi and Scotty (yes, he is 6′ 8″
We stopped by Sloppy Joe’s to refill our Rum Punch coozies and went back to the hotel for a swim and some relaxation. Bandit and Sandi decided the party was not over and headed back out late while Anne and I had a relaxing evening by the pool. Let’s just say that Sandi had a very good time and is not very quiet at 3 AM. lol.
The next morning we walked to a great restaurant (thanks Yelp) for an amazing breakfast. I highly recommend Blue Heaven for breakfast or brunch. Huge sandy courtyard under the trees with lots of shade and a great experience. We then jumped on the trolley to go to the South side of the island for the obligatory picture at the Southernmost Point. It was then time to pack up and head North.
It was a crazy, fun three days that felt like a week of fun. We will definitely be back. We are thinking this needs to be a yearly trip.
Anne & Craigs Great Adventure 
Sounds like a great trip. Jacqueline and I visited Key West, probably in the 1980s, partly to visit my First Cousin, Nicholas Miller, who at the time ran an antique-Oriental stuff shop there. He told us his dream client was a guy who came in, ordered a raft of stuff and when asked how he wanted it shipped simply told Nick to send it out to the airport where his plane would take it all. Nick took us for lunch at a place called The Backporch or similar name. He lives now in southern Mexico and in Lexington KY where I think he still has a shop.
I am recovering from a ridiculous mishap in a French equivalent of Home Depot in the nearby city of Alencon. Looking skyward as is my wont, I tripped over a pile if metal rods left on the floor and took an horrendous spill. Ambulance, hospital et al. Fortunately my scalp was just bruised and my left shoulder and upper arm badly bruised but nothing broken. I must admit the French Emergency System works well, and of course I was the center of attention in the Emergency Room because of my nationality and ability to speak the language. It happened late Friday afternoon the 23rd, and I have had several miserable days and nights because of the pain and inability to use my left arm. Needless to say, I have been tres brave. One reads about old geezers taking falls, and now I can see why. Take care.
Love, Dad
Ouch Dad! How are you feeling? Hopefully much better and beware of looking skyward.
Actually, NEVER stop looking skyward!
I suspect the Key West restaurant you went to was Louie’s Backyard. Awesome place.
Get healthy