The Conch Republic

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Whew boy. I think I was more rested when I was still at work full time. This previous week has been a scramble getting everything together. We managed to fit the bikes and all our gear into 6 bags. Our friend Don was very kind and drove us to LAX.

Neither Rach or I slept stupendously on our flights so we turned up in Key West Saturday morning a bit drowsy. We took in the scene and lumped all of our luggage a few hundred yards to a selection of picnic tables and scraps of grass just south of the terminal and looking out over the ocean.

Over the course of the next several hours we joined the sun-worshippers and vagabonds and assembled our bicycles. All went well and we rode off in search of Leo's Campground.

So what is Florida all about? Getting cold drinks and finding some shade, in my estimation.

I got an early start to things and had the first flat of the trip. Thankfully there was a good bike shop within walking distance of our tent to replace my failed rim strip.

Today was for sightseeing. White and rocky beaches, wild chickens roaming, campground iguanas, sunny skies, palm trees, and more. We saw other tourists on jet skis, catamarans, motor scooters, and souped-up golf carts.

We also swam in the sea, saw some enormous fish zipping around the marina at the historic seaport, and joined the throngs at the southernmost point of the United States. Vacation mode is now switched on: Twix ice cream, potato chips galore, and frosty sodas.

Tonight is for resting and tomorrow we'll start day one of the real riding of our trip.

Packed up bikes

My new buddy

Mike's Dad's new boat project

Fancy Fancy

Built in 1926, the boat

Comments

  1. The Old GuyApril 22, 2018 at 4:04 PM

    The Old Guy:

    Ah, keep looking for another boat for me. That one looks like more work than I want. Remember, there is no such thing as too many chips (or crisps if Pete and Debbie are reading this). So Rach, eat more chips and feel no guilt. So glad you are making the trip. As Warren Miller used to say, "If you don't do it this year, you'll be another year older when you do.







    s

    ReplyDelete

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