Thank you. Just found it on Tripadvisor. Looks good, if we are ready for food when in that area we will have a look for it. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restau...d-Holmes_Beach_Anna_Maria_Island_Florida.html
Great to meet you, hope you were not too late getting to your hotel.
This is our first time staying in Key West, been twice on cruises but only for a few hours.
Our first day from Miami to Key West has used about half a tank but we have a 7 seater Chevy Traverse, probably not the most economical car but great to drive.
Exhausting day so no pics unfortunately. Just quick post.
Landed in Miami(via Atlanta) yesterday about 10 mins early at 7:45pm had a short walk to the airport hotel. The hotel could do with a little renovation but did the job perfectly well. Threw the cases in the room and went for a bite to eat at BK(with 10% voucher from hotel)
Early start this morning, alarm woke us at 6:30am, all showered and packed for 7:45, left the hotel to find the Hertz car rental area. Arrived there just after 8am to find my name on the Gold board, there it was with a car parking space number. Found a silver 7 seater Chevy Traverse parked there, exctly what I ordered, slightly high milage at 29k but drives like brand new. Hertz Gold is definitely the easiest and best way to collect a car.
We then set off to Miami beach, arrived in no time, a look at the Art Deco district, walk on the beach then on our way to Key West. We found quite a few Geocaches on the way down. One cache I found was right next to a restaurant. Its just a shack but got good reviews so we gave the Hungry Tarpon a try, really busy area, lots of boat trips etc going on. Enjoyed our meal then off again, next stop Big Pine Key. Karen wanted to stop off and see the deer roaming wild, saw loads. over to Blue hole where we saw a gator.
Arrived at our hotel in Key West at about 5:30pm, lovely room. releaxed for half hour before going for a walk to the Southern most point then to the Blue Heaven restaurant. Found it eventually but 60-90 min wait, we sat at the bar and had a few drinks and then ate. Prices a little high(as everything in Key west) but food was very good and excellent Key lime pie.
Back at the room now relaxing with a Blueberry vodka a coke but eyes are closing. Its been a long day but probably one of my most enjoyable since I drove to the Grand Canyon.
Matt has managed a few photos on his blog from yesterday http://mathewgillings.wordpress.com/
Car hire is usually last thing we do but the deal Hertz were offering in their 40% off sale last year I had to book, paid about half what it was worth, £230 for 14 nights 7 seater SUV.Great trip report Wayne,
I'm really looking forward to following it as it's a trip that we'd love to do as a family.
Off to check out Hertz now for next months trip. The car hire is the last thing that needs booking.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Miami was just what I expected, fitness fanatics running and stretching on Ocean drive, art Deco buildings. etc. We were only there about 1 hour, no way could I comment on what its like to stay, I am sure its great to see all let up at night.Glad you arrived safely mate, been following Matts blog, I look forward to it each day!, looks like your having a fab time, what did you think of miami? Will we enjoy our 2 days there in August you think? Enjoy the rest of your holidays catch up soon.
Sounds like a lovely start to your trip, Wayne. We've eaten at both The Hungry Tarpon and Blue Heaven and both were excellent. We'd love to go back to Key West.
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The Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven was the best I've ever tasted (you woudn't bring me back a piece, would you)
This morning we visited Hemmingway House, as we are all cat fans it was a great place to visit, they have 45 in residence just now, I think we met about half of them.
No he didn't but Karen told him not to when we saw it. She said "Thats where Daniel fell in, don't do the same"Matt didn't do a 'Daniel' and fall in the stream at HH then
Matt's blog is brilliant x I'm living reading and seeing the pictures x The fluidity of his writing makes it such a pleasure to read x I may be sharing with some of my students after Easter!
Please pass on my thanks to him (and you) for keeping us up to date. I am keeping notes for future trips!!!
Never expected it to be this tiring, still not settled down this evening and we want to be up for free breakfast tomorrow and get off again. Themeparks next week will be so relaxingDriving so much really does take it out of you, we've done a couple of roadtrips in the US and know just how exhausting it can be
Sorry to hear about memory card. Might be worthwhile seeing if you can find someone who will do it at home.
Our 1Tb external drive failed. Manufacturer quoted €800 for data recovery. Local tech shop recovered entire drive and quoted £60 - £95. Billed me £89.