Key Largo > Miami > Columbus

Went and found another great breakfast spot this morning! Doc’s Diner.

Afterwards, we headed back and loaded up my luggage.

Dad took me to the airport and then he went back to Fort Myers for the day.
Mom stayed in Key Largo.

The flights back were good.

It's was nice to be home again!
I have tomorrow off too!

Holy crap look at my garden! 

Don't look at the weeds growing on the patio though!

Key Largo

This morning I spent a few of my pre-dawn hours at the “TV Lounge” in dad’s SUV stealing the internet from afar. It’s what I have done every morning on this vacation. We have limited internet access in the trailer and its use is intended for Trimcraft.

I spent my daylight morning hours at “South Beach” soaking in as many rays as possible.

We went to lunch again at Sundowners and the spent the afternoon in the bay near Pennekamp.

A very peaceful afternoon for all on our last family day.

Key Largo

We hung out in the back bay in the morning.

Then we headed out to the Atlantic for one last chance of snorkeling.

Mom and I snorkeled on Grecian Reef.

Later, dad and I tried to get to the Jesus statue, but the water was too rough. There wasn’t an open ball close enough for us to tied up to.

Oh well, maybe next year!






We did however have some dolphins ‘run’ with us!

Excuse the camera work – it’s rather hard to keep balance at that speed!

Thank God it was only that kind of “Fins” and not the other kind of “Fins”!

Key Largo

The Captain needed another “Land Day”. So we headed out to breakfast to a place called “The Hideout” or “Hiddenout” – depends on who you ask and which sign you read at the place.

It was very Keys-y, but also VERY good!








Nearby, there was also the “Boatel” – which intrigued us for sure, so we checked it out.

That was the “nice” one. It was basically an apartment built on a barge that was permanently docked.






The rest were makeshift house boats built on former pontoon boats. Also permanently docked. Wish I had taken photos.

Next we drove around to look at the fronts of the houses we have been seeing the backs of from the water. We were also on the lookout for rentals – always looking for new places to stay!

After that, we headed down to the Hilton where mom and I had stayed for Spring Break. We had wanted to show dad how awesome the place was.

Then mom & dad took me back so I could lay out in the sun at “South Beach”.

In the evening I made flank steak for dinner.

Key Largo

Another day spent in the Gulf of Mexico.

It has been disappointing since we have the Gulf of Mexico back in Ft. Myers. We are in the Keys – we should be in the Atlantic! Plus I wanted to snorkel.

Oh well – can’t control the weather. The sun is out and there is nothing like a day on the water!

We needed some gas so we headed over to the marina. The Sh’Ed II holds 200 gallons of gas, so filling up is costly and takes a while. Marina gas is anywhere from $1.50-2.50 MORE per gallon than at a regular gas station.

The only time dad uses a marina is when he is in the Keys. It’s a lot of time & effort to get the boat out, trailer it to a gas station and then put it back in. And the further South you get in the Keys, the more gas costs even at regular stations. (the further the tanker truck has to travel from the mainland).

Anyway – while they were filling up the boat

I ventured over to the Boatominium

It’s always interesting to see the boats in there.
Yah see.. it's a condo for boats!




When I came back out, the guy next to us was filling up his boat. His GPS had like a 20 inch monitor. He also had another enormous screen for radar. Holy Crap! He also spent over $1,000 on gas!

We then wandered over under US1 and just floated around for a while. Dad fished. Mom and I read.

Wait, does that sign say “crocodiles” ?

Apparently this is the only place in the US where there are crocodiles. Nice.






In the late afternoon, we headed back since low tide was coming.

The pass is always interesting.

That is how you get from the back bay of the Atlantic over to the Gulf of Mexico.

Nice houses and boats to look at. However, this time, it was kind of depressing. A lot of rotting houses & boats due to the economy.





There is always wildlife to admire as well.

Didn’t get very good photos since they blend in, but almost every Key in the Keys is being overtaken by iguanas. For years people have let them go after they decided they didn’t want them anymore. Well, they grow to the size of their environment. When they are not in a 20 gallon tank, they tend to get really big and VERY nasty!

They can knock you off your feet with their tail!


Look for the black & green stripes on his tail – then you should be able to see him. I don’t even have the tip of his head or tail in the photo!

Key Largo

Rough waters again today – so headed back to the Gulf of Mexico.

Floated around for a few hours.

For lunch we tried a place called Sundowners.

Did I ever hit the jackpot here!

Key Lime Pie Martini!!

It tasted like a liquid Key Lime Pie – right down to the crushed graham crackers on the rim!

Lunch was good and we had a nice view.

Afterwards, we walked around the marina.  When looking at the deep sea fishing photos… sure enough – there was an Ohio State fan in the mix.

I swear, I can not get away from them!

After lunch we explored for a while longer and then headed back in.

Key Largo

I got up around 6:15a and headed over to the “TV Lounge” where there is free wi-fi. Got caught up on a few emails and research I needed to do, but are difficult to do on my phone.

Got back a little after 7a and joined mom under the tiki hut on our dock. We had coffee, read our books and enjoyed the morning breeze.

Around 8:30, we got on our bikes and headed over to Publix to get some provisions for the day. We never seem to go a day without going to Publix! Lack of planning ahead I guess.

Once we got back and unloaded, we headed over the “South Beach” with our new chairs, bottled water and books in tow.

It’s always a scene – trying to balance all our crap without dropping it in the water. See we put the chairs in the water to help keep us cool.  (there is no video of this for a reason!)

Spent about 2 hours basking in the sun and then headed ‘home’ to cool down and for some lunch.

After lunch, we went back to the beach and spent another hour paying homage to the sun gods.

After cooling down and cleaning up, I started working on much overdue expense reports. Such fun!

In the evening, I worked on making salads for a late dinner – dad is returning around 9pm.

While waiting for him to arrive, I worked on the blog for a bit, while relaxing under the tiki hut on the dock… sipping a boat drink. Tonight’s special – homemade sangria!

I can honestly say that my day of pretty much nothing, has completely exhausted me!

Key Largo

Due to the Tropical Wave down in Dominican Republic, our weather in the Keys was forecasted to be a bit nasty in the coming days.

We had planned on being out on the water by 7:30a, but considering the Captain and his First Mate didn’t get up until 7, it was more like 8:15a before we got underway.

Even the water in the estuary and canals was quite choppy. Seas inside the reef were supposed to be 2-4 feet, beyond the reef 3-5. Well we found out on Saturday and Sunday that they were at least a foot higher than NOAA had predicted. So we didn’t even try the Atlantic.

Nothing special about this video – just want to share my beautiful home state.

We headed over to the Adams Cut and ventured into to the Gulf of Mexico.

Mom and I cracked open our first Miller Lite of the day around 8:45am. Why not? We are on vacation!

We read our books while dad ‘fed’ the fish breakfast. He eventually did catch something, but it wasn’t a keeper.

We had to head back in around noon because the tide was going out and we wouldn’t make it back to the dock at low tide.

Good thing we went we did as the water in the estuary was 1 foot, 2 inches. The Sh’Ed II draws 12 inches.

I made mom and dad a late breakfast of eggs, toast and bacon. Afterwards, mom and I took two of the patio chairs, towels, bottled water and books down to “South Beach”. The patio chairs were very uncomfortable, but did the trick. We wanted to sit in the water too keep cool.

After about an hour, we felt we had soaked in plenty of sun. Plus, it probably wasn’t helping my sun poisoned arm much!

We got cleaned up and headed to the dive shop to get a part mom had broken on her BC over the weekend.

And of course, our daily pilgrimage to Publix!

While I was at Publix, mom and dad went to K-Mart to get mom and I real beach chairs.

After we returned to the trailer, dad decided to head back to Fort Myers. He had a lot of checks to sign and paperwork to deal with. Since the weather is supposed to be bad tomorrow, he figured he might as well spend it working.

Once he set out, mom and I set out on a bike ride around the park. Also, depositing our bags in the recycle bins.

After we got back, we sat on our dock for a couple hours reading. Again, enjoying the cool breeze and shade.

Eventually, I made a late dinner of sloppy joes and coleslaw.

We cleaned up the kitchen, checked on the boat once more (to make sure it wasn’t moving too much in the winds) and then went to bed.

At 1:08am, the storm hit. But thankfully it only lasted for about 20 minutes.

I was surprised that I was able to sleep – considering the fact that I started taking steroids today for my ear. My doctor told me that I would likely not sleep for the next 10 days.

Key Largo

The Captain needed a break from the boat for a day.

Have I mentioned how small my bedroom is?

I only slept in it the first two nights. Since then I have been moving the living room furniture around so I can fit the Aerobed in there. Much better! Plus there is a TV, so I am able to sleep.

Didn’t do a whole lot today. Mom and I ran some errands and then mainly just sat and read magazines & books.

Key Largo

We got out around 9:30 this morning.

When we arrived on Grecian Rocks, only to find that there were no balls available.

You can’t anchor while on a reef or in a protected area as you will ruin the live coral with the anchor. So there are big white balls that are connected to the ocean floor that have a tie line attached. When there is an open ball, you tether to it for as long as you want.

We stalked a few boats for awhile to no avail. So we headed to the North Dry Rocks.

It was way too rough there, so we turned back to the Grecian Rocks and just waited until someone left.

At first, we tethered to ball 14. We were over a grass bed and it seemed that it was a bust. Mom went off on her own and eventually I decided if I wanted to see anything, I was gonna have to let go of my tie line to the boat.

I told dad to watch me cuz I was going to join mom.
This was a pretty bold move for me. I am basically terrified when not attached to the boat. I am not the best swimmer and the first sight of a shark turns me into an Olympic swimmer!

I was able to catch up with her and we just floated at the edge of a reef. The water above the reef was only 2-3 feet and if we swam over top of it, we ran the risk of the swells of the water to force to touch them. Touching the coral kills it and it also leaves a pretty nasty burn on your skin!

After about 20 minutes we ventured back to the boat.

Next we tethered to ball # 11

It was really rough there because we were at the edge of the reef. It was about 20 feet of water – but because we were at the edge, it was going to allow dad and uncle Hugh to swim out and around to the outside of it to dive.

After they went down, mom and I ventured out. Aunt Mary stayed on the boat to keep watch since it was so rough.

It was quite the swim and the current kept pulling us in the wrong direction. But we finally made it and started to see some pretty cool stuff. That’s about the time I looked up and realized how far from the boat we were.

I told mom that we couldn’t go any further – we were too far for me.

We floated around for about 5 more minutes and she said we should go back.

Which usually means she has spotted a shark and doesn’t want me to know. So I said, sure!
She swears she only saw a barracuda – but she has told little white lies about sharks in the past.

Soon after we got back, dad & Uncle Hugh surfaced

They had a great dive and saw lots of cool stuff! And a few sharks.

But they assured me it was on the outside of reef in 30 feet of water – no where near where I had been.

We had wanted to go see the Jesus statue, but couldn’t find it. It’s been years since any of them dove/snorkeled there.

Christ of the Abyss is a 8 ½ foot statue standing in 25 feet of water. It has been seen by millions since being placed there in 1965 in the John Pennekamp Underwater park.

Oh well, maybe next time.

The sun poisoning on my left arm is getting worse. And my left ear has yet to open.
Ugh! So annoying!

Here is a recap of our day....

In the evening, we grilled hot dogs, burgers. Yum!

Key Largo

Today was a fishing day. Not my thing, but the rest of the family enjoys.
I was just along for the ride.

Seas were pretty rough.
Probably 3-5 feet – we went about 6-7 miles out from Key Largo.
I think the deepest water we sat over was 355 feet. Yowza!

This was the first time I saw the outriggers in action. I have heard endless stories, but never saw or understood how they actually worked. Here is a very condensed version of setting them up.

Yes, that was edited down – A LOT!


Not any ‘keepers’ – but lots of family fun!

Dad did have a big one – he fought it for a while – but it got away.
We think it was a Dolphin (fish, not a porpoise)

The biggest catch of the day was snagging my ‘doo-rag’ out of the water. I have to wear a bandana on my head because my freakishly sensitive scalp burns instantly. I look like an idiot; but it’s better this way.

Lesson learned: NEVER put sunscreen in your hair!
(found out the hard way a few years ago)
It was a CRAZY hot day. Near the end I covered myself with a sheet because I couldn’t take any more sun.

I managed to come down with sun poisoning on my arms and left foot. Mainly my left arm. It just itches like a mother. Basically it’s a rash - an allergic reaction to the sun.

(Pictures didn’t come out well)

Leave it to me – Ms. Allergy – to also be allergic to the sun!
I have gotten it before. It will go away eventually.

After a few hours of unsuccessful fishing, everyone got cranky, hot and tired and we came back in.

Showers and naptime!

In the evening we went to a place call Fish House. It was ok. Everyone else really liked it. But I never have high hopes for chicken at a local seafood place.

When we got back, we decided to let Harry come outside for a while. Dave wanted to know how he was liking the boat – so we took some photos of Captain Harry.

Key Largo

Got the boat loaded up and set out a little before 9am.

It’s about 15 minutes thru canals to the open water.

We headed out to the French Reef.

Mom, dad, Uncle Hugh and Aunt Mary got rigged up and went diving.

Since the ‘rigging’ part takes about 30+ minutes, I picked some clips and let the editing software compile it into a little over a minute. Much simpler than cutting it down myself!

Then here is a clasic "mom" moment..... listen closely

After they left, I got in the water to snorkel for a while. Which is wrong, someone is always supposed to be on the boat when there are divers down. But it was hot!!

Once I got in the water, I panicked a little bit when I realized that I was all alone. I was about to get out and then made myself stay in for 15 minutes.

The visibility was good, but it was about 18 feet of water, so I couldn’t see much. I hung on to a line from the boat because that makes me feel better. Especially since I was alone!

Thankfully, I didn’t see any sharks, so that helped immensely!

I got back up on the boat, showered off and dried out a little and then settled in with my book.

All morning we had been listening to the VHF radio - a 38’ vessel was taking on water. The idiots had a boat of that size and had no idea where they were and did not have a GPS. They just new they put in at the port of Key Largo and were headed towards Miami. So we had been entertained listening to their conversations with the Coast Guard and the other vessels on the look out for the sinking boat.

Apparently they were rescued while I was in the water because the “all clear” message from the Coast Guard shortly after I got back on the boat.

They soon surfaced and all of the drama ensued of them getting out of the water.

We snacked on some fresh fruit and found then set out for a new buoy to tether to.

This spot was about 25 feet. This time I decided to snorkel while they got rigged up. I didn’t want to be in the water while they were diving. I didn’t see much since it was even deeper.

I got out and again settled in with my book while they dove.

We headed in shortly after they all came up. A storm was rolling in.

Made it ‘home’ without rain.

Got the boat and gear cleaned and then had some lunch. We all then took naps!

After naps, it was time for boat drinks… tonight – Margarita’s with fresh lime and lots of salt on the rim!

This evening we gilled steaks and veggies – yummy!

Columbus > Miami > Key Largo

Slept for 3 hours and was up at 3:15a. Ugh!
But today – I am going on vacation!!!!

Was out the door by 4:45a and headed to the airport.

Thankfully, I was upgraded for both legs of the trip so I was able to nap.

Upon landing in Miami, I headed to the SkyClub to check email one last time. I will have very limited access for the next 2 weeks.

Then I called Uncle Hugh & Aunt Mary to see where they were – we had planned on rendezvousing at the International Mall. They were just about there and told me to meet them outside the Macy’s.

So I got my luggage, hailed a cab and was on my way!

They were easy to spot in the parking lot – they had their RV in tow. That’s why they didn’t pick me up at the airport.

We got underway and Harry was quite the show off!

Let me start by saying I am not a fan of animals having free range in a moving vehicle, however, my "cousin" Harry disagrees.
In my opinion, cats should be in crates that are buckled in. Dogs should be in crates or harnesses that affix to a seat belt.  But those "later in life children" tend to be spoiled.  :)

In other news.....My left ear is really messed up. Can’t hear a thing. Ugh!! I hope it opens up soon!

The drive down to Key Largo took just over an hour. They got checked into the campground while Harry and I waited in the truck.

They dropped me off at my parents rented unit so I could check it out, while they got the RV parked a few spaces down from my parents.

I also checked out the beach.

Hmmm...  it HAS been a few years since I've been to South Beach...  not exactly like I remember it.

Later in the afternoon, “The Sh’Ed II” arrived

Once we got unpacked and settled, we had a nice cook out and made plans for morning.

Clemson, SC

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals – Alabama vs Clemson
Oh what a day!

Clemson built a 8-1 lead, but then in the 9th inning Alabama scored 5 runs. The tying run was on 2nd base – but thank God for Jake Smith’s fly out to left! (I was pretty nervous there for a few!)

More yummy BBQ was delivered to the truck late in the game.

After the game, I headed back up to Greensboro to spend the night near the airport.

YAH!!! MY SEASON IS OVER!!!!! I AM OFFICIALLY OFF for the next 15 days!
(ok, I do have a RWB meeting tomorrow, but that doesn’t really count)

I did it!
Another year of "living the dream" baby!

Clemson, SC

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals – Alabama vs Clemson

What a game! Clemson won 19-5
So much scoring!!!

Alabama didn’t win, so that means there will be a game three tomorrow. Ugh.
Oh well.

In the outfield, there is a ‘restaurant’ called the Cajun Café. Oh my goodness! I am not at all into BBQ or Southern food in general. But they started delivering boxes of dinner to the truck so we would talk about them on the air. (works every time)

WOW! That was some good eatin!

When I got back to the room tonite, the housekeeper had left me the nicest note ever!

Wow! A week ago, the housekeeper at my last hotel robbed me. This housekeeper has a heart!

Clemson, SC

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals – Alabama vs Clemson

Today was good. The drugs are kicking in, so I am feeling a little better.

I checked out the booth before the game…. Everyone was complaining about how small it was, so I wanted to see first hand.

Alabama won 5-4, so I am now a HUGE fan of the Crimson Tide!

Clemson, SC

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals – Alabama vs Clemson - Set Dat

Yup, I am sick.

Need to find a pharmacy so I can call and beg for some Rx’s to be called in.

Stopped at McD’s for some coffee on the way to site.
Must be in the south – they sell sweet tea by the gallon at the drive thru!

Got on site and asked the runner where there was a pharmacy. He found one for me, I called them and gave them my insurance info and then called my doctor. I asked for the usual – a Z-pack and a bottle of cough syrup with codeine. The combo always does the trick!

Since the cough syrup was a controlled substance, the runner couldn’t pick it up for me. So at lunch, my AP drove me to get it. Also grabbed various cold remedies and tissues to help me survive the weekend. I sucked down the first dose with lunch.

The rest of the set day was ok. I was so sick, all I cared about was the series only going 2 games.

Columbus > Greenville, SC > Clemson, SC

Two days at home… opened some of the mail… paid some bills… unpacked… did laundry… packed … back on the road again!

But this is it! My last road trip for 5 weeks!! Well, I am going on vacation next week – but this is the last work related trip at least.

This morning I had a Red White & Boom meeting at Channel 4. Pretty much the same show lined up.. different year. Still lots of work though

Flew to Greenville-Spartanburg and then drove to Clemson. This is my first trip to Clemson – yah! I always love going somewhere new.

We are staying out by the interstate at the exit for Clemson.

I guess it’s about a 20 minute drive to campus.





Didn’t do anything tonite, I am still exhausted from the past few weeks.

And I think I am getting sick. Seems right… it’s time for my annual summer sinus infection.

Columbus

Big day today – I got to FINALLY meet baby Isabella! She is 2 weeks old.

She is so incredibly precious!

Oklahoma City > Columbus

I am not gonna lie to ya.. I am pretty hung over today.
Slept til the last possible second and then headed downstairs for a cab.

I may or may not of thrown up at the airport.

Thank God for my 1st class upgrade for the ride home.

It’s good to be home again! This was a 12 day road trip.

I am beyond exhausted. One more week and my summer begins!!