Day 2 Summer Trip 2018- Key West

Day 2 - Road trip and the adventure actually begins

We were up at 4:00 to get the hell out of Homosassa.  I set what I thought was my timer on my table to awaken me at 3AM because I couldn't get out of there soon enough, but my tablet didn't update and with out the change to eastern time, we were actually leaving at 4AM.  Oh well, that's the time we wanted to leave anyway.  Hopeful to arrive at Key West by 1PM for a hopeful early check-in. 

We wanted to do some stops on the way but seeing that we had about 8 hours to go, we got to the tollways on I-75 and moved through Tampa/St Pete/Naples area before rush hour, which was good.  These cities were bustling at 5:30 am!  We were able to hit the sunshine Skyway Bridge just before dawn, which was kind of a bummer, because I wanted to grab a photo or three of this beauty.  We didn't stick around to see it. Oh well. 

I read on a blog that Shark Trail in Everglades state park is a 15 mile loop for bike rides, that allow you to climb a ranger tower at the halfway point and check out the Everglades.  While riding bikes, I've also read that there are very large alligators that sun on the path. As much as I wanted us all to do this trail, it just so happens to be 110+ with humidity in the Everglades in summertime, coupled with not getting a lot of 'biking miles' this year, we decided to forgo the stop (this time).  

We made Miami relatively early hitting the outskirts of the city off I-75 Everglades toll road corridor and getting to Rte 1 in not a bad amount of time.  I decided to gas up on the mainland, not knowing the price of gouging for gasoline on Key west.  Where ya gonna get gas when you run out that isn't less than .60 on the gallon more?  

It was my turn to drive the 1 after we filled up the minivan. Like I said in a previous post, the 1 is basically one lane, with two lanes in the bigger areas, allowing about a quarter mile to pass the slower cars.  There are a lot of slower cars and older folk in Key west on this road.  After stop and go traffic for about an hour and a half on the route, I decided to pull over into nearby Curry Hammock State Park, to eat, hang out and take a few pics.  We were on the Keys!  

The first State Park we stopped at didn't have much to do. It was HOT, for sure, but we stopped  and walked around a little bit, took a few pics and then got back on the road--this time with Jen driving.  Yes, 70 miles on a two lane and occasional 4 lane road stressed me out for sure. The rest of the way got more beautiful, so I got a lucky driving time, as i could concentrate on the views around us.  It was time to get to Key West for a hopeful early check-in. 

I've always read and wondered about the seven-mile bridge. I've seen pics, watched it on shows and in movies, and always thought it was a marvelous thing, especially since it was originally built in the early 1900's by Flagler, who used it for locomotive travel. 

What an amazing scene!  Once the roads opened up and we passed Marathon (aptly named for the amount of road we've traveled) the sights became more of the Keys we expected!  

The leftover train bridges, the islands with houses and shanties on them, "Fred" which is a tree that is actually growing on the old bridge, and all the other beauties of the combining Gulf and Atlantic ocean, the boats in the water--simply breath-taking.  Yes, the daughter slept through most of it. 

shanty by boat only

"Fred" and "Fred Jr" some want to call it "Wilma"

Unfortunately the leftover smell of decay from Hurricane Irma and the devastation was present along this route. I know the after-effect and smells of hurricanes all too well.  The smell of rotting seaweed, and trash in the wind-blown areas of the islands took my memory back to 2004, and getting home not long after Hurricane Ivan struck the panhandle.  That smell will linger in my mind forever. You just can't forget it, as it's etched in memory of a horrible thing.

 We arrived at the hotel at 1PM.  Pretty good timing.  I went to check in early. NOPE.  They hadnt' got to our room yet, but they gave us a parking pass for the hotel.  Knowing we had about two hours to kill, Jen and I made the decision to walk around a little and explore with the kiddos; maybe knock out a few touristy things before our room opened up.  

I was amped up.  It was hot in Key West.  I was thirsty. We stopped at a local food joint to grab some easy food and drink.  I also grabbed my camera since we were close to the 'southernmost' marker (which I later found out wasn't actually the southernmost point). Oh well, we got our family pics. I gave my mirrorless camera to a guy behind me who had a beautiful new 80D canon Kit with a 135mm lens.  Once I was that he had his camera set to 'automatic', I decided to set the manual controls so all he'd have to do is 'point and shoot' it.  Hope he learns how to actually be in control of his pics someday! 

The results were decent.  I just wish he'd've gotten closer with my wide angle 22mm lens on there. Oh well, crop and live with it!.  

GT peering out wondering what type of fish were out there

an artist on the side of the road by the line, painting

got our pina coladas after a 20 minute wait in the heat

chickens. are. everywhere. 

Since we already had our parking pass, we decided to go back to the hotel pool to wait for the phone call that our room was ready.  It was stifling hot out there, and Garrett jumped in the pool as soon as we got back to the hotel.  Met a couple from Florida that had lots to say about how things were in Key West, so gladly we listened to them.  Then our room was ready. 

We got situated, did a little swimming in the pool some more, then decided to hit the town for some happy hour hors d'oeuvres. The weather started to cool down just a hare, and we decided to ride bikes to a local mermaid type seafood bar. Got some Apalachicola oysters and a couple other appetizers, then left to go across the street for some groceries.  Later, we went back to the room after exploring by bike some, did some shopping on the main drag and hung out by the pool. The kiddos went to bed early this night with plenty on the plate for Saturday, then Jen and I walked Duval St, down to the Mile Zero marker in order to get used to some of our surroundings.  

Summer Trip 2018 - The Florida Keys (Key West)

The Florida Keys: July 5 - July 9, 2018

The trip decision this year was hastily made, but we sided with my son, for a shorter, swimming and fishing trip. We usually take off on July 4, but, being that Avery won the argument that she actually wanted to spend a fourth of July at home, we waited a day.  I rented a hotel room for three nights about a month ago for this trip, not knowing what to expect, but I was able to rent a room a block from Duval Street and easy access to everything, but then again, everything is pretty close to everything on Key West. 

Key West is 13, yes thirteen hours by car from Pensacola. Three of those hours are approximately 130 miles on 'Rte 1", which eventually terminates at the famous "Mile 0" off Truman Avenue. 

Our plan was to spend the first night, again after some hasty planning--I had three months to do so--oops, in Crystal River and swim and snorkel in the waters there. We left early on July 5 to get there six hours later and make some other stops along the way.  We chose Homosassa Springs, and a cheap hotel for the night, right near the state park. 

I can't control the weather, unfortunately, and in Florida, there might be a 10 percent chance of rain, but that basically means it'll rain on you with thunderstorm and whirlwind force at the most inopportune time.

This is what happened to us.  We arrived at 3pm with the park to close at 5pm.  It seems everything closes at 5PM in this little town. We got rain, and lots of it.  We also got construction barriers and accompanying flooding. Not good.  Not to mention the hotel was on the 'very cheap side', complete with bikers, and what may have been a few meth heads on property.  

We even looked for places to eat nearby, drove around (almost flooded out Ivanka, the minivan) but found nothing of interest.  So, Day one, our only stop and get out and about was at the beautiful St Marks Wildlife preserve just south of Tallahassee.  Easily spent the $5 for a picnic lunch and a light house picture opportunity.  That's pretty much all I'm going to say about this day.  I wanted to be on the road by 4am eastern, so we all went to bed early. An adventure of sorts for sure.  Never again will we stop in Homosassa Springs. No thanks. 

An 18 year old's 12 hour almost permanent state. I don't think she was awake longer than 5 hours on this trip

St Marks lighthouse, through the wildflowers

Our lunch/picnic spot on the way out.  It was a beautiful, lowly humid day at the park.  Not pictured, multiple crows that wanted our food. 

Day 12 - Decisions and a visit with Kate and Jerry

Monday July 10, 2017

The kiddos have been super good sports this trip, but I could tell they were bored and wanted to get back to Florida to be with their friends and get back into their Floridian routines.  GT has football conditioning starting next week, and Avery is ready to continue her dance practices competitively. 

I was running out of ideas and things to do. We had finally hit the wall.  Jen and I went for an early morning bike ride to start the day, By the time we got back, we decided on walking to Dunkin Donuts (family tradition in PA every time we visit) and getting some breakfast and coffee.  Always good time to bond and talk, no matter what ages the kiddos are. It was actually pretty nice, and reminded me of easier to please time with these two. 

The morning started on a good note after breakfast. The only thing on our agenda was to try and get up with Kate and Jerry when they got back in town after celebrating her 60th b-day in Atlantic City.  I was able to call her and set up plans to meet up with them around 3-4 at their house once they got back and settled in.  I also asked if we could swim at the cabin in the creek.  She told us anytime, so we decided to go immediately while waiting for them to get home.  We brought Dave and Taylor along with us too.  It was awesome, the water was cold. The pics say it all!  

took this same pic of Avery when she was about 7 years old.

The look on both faces in this is priceless..Good to experiement with my 70-210 F4 Minolta Legacy lens!

my 35-80 Macro lens by Rokinon.  Like the way this turned out on my Canon Eos M

We left the cabin around 2pm, to get home and get a nap before going to Kate and Jerry's house. 

When we got to Kate's it was like we didn't miss a day.  We hung out with them and caught up, possibly thinking about a return trip next month with GT for the LLWS?  Jerry and I had a traditional cigar and beer.  Because Kate had to work in the morning, she retired to bed around 7:30 and Jen and I headed home to pick up the kids, and head to the Genetti to look for ghosts and have a beer.  We met Vicki and Dave at the Mountaineer for a final dose of wings around 8PM. 

We decided to leave early in the morning so we could have a full day off at home before going back to work. It was a wonderful time in PA again with everyone.  Off to bed at 10:30 and out of there, with car pre-packed the night before at 4:00 AM. 

We were home in 17 hours and 10 minutes. I think that's some kind of record for travel. 

Another crazy destination packed vacation in the books.  Will it be the last with all four of us? Only time will tell.  

Day 8 - Williamsport and an affinity to find cheap cameras

Friday July 7, 2017

In case you hadn't noticed, I have acquired a gear-junkie affinity for older film cameras, SLR, Rangefinder, TLR, you name it, if it's cheap, I'm interested. I think we awoke around 10:30 am this morning, which is perfect being that we've been going strong for a week. I welcomed the slow change and the need to actually relax. We hit the local thrift shops after breakfast and on this trip hit our second food destination--Newberry Subs.  Far and away the best sub this year, so that will win our business before we leave.  

A check of local Goodwill stores did not find me anything but cheap plastic Vivitars and a Canon point and shoot, but it was a large slow lens one. I passed.  We hit a couple of estate sales this day too, but nothing good was found. It was a hot Pennsylvania day, and after the trip to the photo store, we went back the house to hang out with our awesome cousin Vicki and her husband Dave--our awesome hosts for this leg of the trip.

I also search for photography stores each leg of our trip and found Hoyers. The kids and Jen waited in the car for me to check out the store and see if there was any Rodinal available. When i asked the owner, his eyes kind of lit up and he asked me if i was from the area. He said he didn't think I was, and we started to talk a little bit about what I did. I told him i was into black and white film photography and was looking for chems since I was out of Xtol and internet businesses don't ship.  He then asked if I used an enlarger or if I'd be interested in one.  I knew these are heavy beasts and take up a lot of space, so I told him we had a little bit of room in the  minivan if it's a smaller one.  Then I asked him how much he wanted for it.  He said he'd GIVE IT TO ME!   I'm going back on Monday to make contact with him and see if it will fit.  I'm really hoping it will, but will understand if it wont.  That's a part of photography I have yet to explore, but would more than likely require building an actual darkroom. I'm up to the task though, I think.  

Later that afternoon Vicki mentioned first night Friday's in the city--similar to a Gallery night in Pensacola, but first we wanted to watch a District Championship game between 2 local little league teams for their chance to go to the series.  My son has suddenly acquired an intense love of baseball and statistics, so we went to the game, which is free. The crowd was amazing.  I don't get this kind of excitement from pro fans or Minor league fans.  It was amazing, especially having seats behind home plate.  Jen, Avery and I left after the second inning (time constraints--postponed due to rain) but GT and Dave hung out to watch the rest. The team I did not think had a chance, ended up pulling out the victory 4-3 in the 6th inning.  Best baseball there is.  I'm actually thinking about coming back in 6 weeks with Garrett if he still shows interest to miss a couple of school days and watch the actual world series, or at least the championship series. 

We went downtown to check out First Friday.  Vicki and her bestie Ann met us on 4th st.  Avery was there for the shopping and Jen and I wanted to try out a new local brewery, Boom City.  Apparently Boom City was bust city as we couldn't get service from anyone, nor did they want our money, so we left after waiting for 15 minutes.  We were all starting to get hungry, so we drove back to Vicki and Daves, then walked a block to another favorite place, the Mountaineer Lounge for some extra crispy chicken wings.  I had the kamikaze and it had me the next day. Love the Mountaineer.   

Day 11 - Shopping in Lewisburg and time with Ernie and Alicia

Sunday July 9, 2017

I awoke this morning with every intention of riding my bike at sunrise. I don't really know how I can go to bed so late and wake up so early, refreshed, and ready to take on the day.  The intention of riding my bike left me quickly when I stepped outside and felt the chill of FIFTY-SIX degree air in my face. No I did not bring any sweats, fleeces, or snowmobile suits.  This was summer for chrissakes--I guess the cold front blew through. I found coffee, a warm cubby and chose to update the blog instead :)

Vicki had told us about Lewisburg and the street of 100 shops. Avery and Jen were excited.  I wasn't, but Avery had not found a place to get very cool presents for her friends yet, and it was something to do (on Sunday nontheless), so we headed out around 9AM to check out the flea market and the street of shops. GT stayed home of course. Thirteen year old boys aren't interested in shopping. At all.

We were hungry on the way and it was a 40 minute drive or so, so we stopped at Perkins Pancake house (a staple while up north) for some breakfast and coffee. About 9:45 we hit the shopping place. 

Lewisburg is a very cool town.  I only know it from driving through it and stopping about every 10 feet due to bustling growth and traffic lights on Hwy 15.  This time we made a turn to the city and found the shops. 

It was very cool, over 300 vendors / consigners who all had booths. We couldn't even explore it all, as there were nooks and crannies; aisles, and so many different rooms.  I was on the hunt for older cameras--unfortunately they were all overpriced, but Jen and Avery really liked the place, and were able to buy things or get ideas. Hell, I even took pics of stuff for ideas when I actually feel like crafting! We hung out there about two hours just checking out stuff. As we were leaving I noticed an old rusty train bridge and just had to double-back and park and get pics.  Avery and Jen were both interested too as it was in a type of park.  An impromptu photo shoot?  Yes please. I was able and happy to get some great shots of the bridge up close, along with Avery and some modelling pics in front of these old utility railroad and power time stoppers.

Avery wanted to walk on the bridge, even though there were fences telling us it was a bad idea.  For me, it was the amount of bees in the overgrown grass that made me stop and take the pics from afar.  I used my 100mm and some old legacy glass for some of the shots. 

There was a Goodwill store on the way back near a flea market which used to be awesome, but is now like all the other crappy flea markets.  Just vendors selling china garbage with maybe one or two rooms of stuff which barely interests any of us. I'm not real sure why Goodwill stores are opened on Sundays, but this one opened at 11am and the timing was perfect to check it out.  I did not have any luck with cameras so far on this trip, but figured this would be a good place to try.  

I went in with Jen and had a quick look around, as we were supposed to go to Ernie and Alicias house around 1 to swim and have a BBQ.  Nothing. BUT, just as I was leaving I glanced at the glass case at the register by the front door.  There it was--a tan what appeared to be camera case in the display.  I stopped. Jen had already walked out of the store and got in the van.  I waited patiently for the clerk to help me, giving Jen the 'i'll be out in a minute sign' thinking it was nothing. There are usually old video cameras in these bags. Not this time.  Inside was a meticulously kept Minolta X700, with a Rokinon 35-80mm F3.5 lens, flash, impeccable 50mm 1.7 prime (none of mine are in as good condition as this one) and a film winder for continuous shooting.  $25. Sold.

I was glad to get this because I could use the legacy lens on my Canon EOS M b/c I have a lens adapter for minoltas.  I couldn't wait to shoot it!  We left (all happily) and headed to town for one more stop before heading to the BBQ. 

We arrived at Ernie and Alicias around 2pm after going for a quick bike ride downtown for coffee.  The food was wonderful, and GT got to swim, as did I. The water was cold, especially when the sun went behind the clouds, even though the temp from the heater on the pool read 80 degrees. We had a lot of fun catching up.  Speaking for everyone except Avery, who spent most of the time in the 'florida room' trying to fix her friends arguments. I'll be ready for age 17 to subside any time now. 

We hung out with Ernie Alicia, Dave, and Vicki at Ernie's house for about 3 - 4 hours.  Afterward, we left and headed back home. Got in a late evening ride and retired to bed early.  

Day 10 - more cousins, graduation parties, and a little more shopping

Saturday July 8, 2017

We retreated to the porch after filling ourselves with Kamakaze chicken wings last night.  We were up until 1AM. Time just moves faster (and we lose an hour) while on vacation in the Eastern time zone.  Of course the company did not hurt--as always, Vicki and Dave hung out with us on the porch in 60 degree weather. Guess the cold front was trying to move through.  

We woke up early this morning, around 7AM to attempt some garage sales locally.  I usually let Jen and the kids sleep a little later, and find a cubby with my computer and work on the blog, but this morning was made for garage sale-ing with Vicki. We had to get gas, and checked out some places--the first one that allegedly had camera and photo equipment.  Unfortunately it was an underwater camera that had rust on the innards, and a foggy lens.  All other places were fails too as far as garage sale-ing. We tried to hunt stuff for about two hours then called it a morning.  Lame. 

Today's big plan was to go to my cousin Stephanie's daughter Taylor's graduation party in Hughesville around 2pm.  Steph was glad that we were going.  They had just bought almost 21 acres in Hughesville. An old early1900's farmhouse (re-done) with about a 4000 sq ft barn on the property.  They're going to raise chickens, ducks, and other animals in the future, and farm here. Not sure how they'll have time with their current jobs with the oil companies working 45-50 hours a weeks.  

When we arrived, I was blown away by the size of the place.  Nate and Steph took us on a tour of the barn and area. I was hoping to see my uncle Chris while there but he has to take care of my grandmother who's health is starting to fail in her late 90s. I was hoping to see her this year, but unfortunately was unable to. 

Jen and I went on a walk after the kids found the pool table and decided to play one another.  The pool games last a LONNNG time when kids don't know how to shoot.  We took advantage and checked out the property and went hiking after the rain subsided and the humidity kicked in. 

wayyyyy up. Couldn'tt explore the whole property. There was just too much of it!

Checking out the Corn Plots on the steep hills

Congratulations, Taylor--Bestt of Luck at Indiana University of Pennsylvanisa

We hung out for about two hours, then decided to head back to town.  

After a late stop at a HUGE Antiques barn in Hughesville right before they closed, we headed back to Vicki and Daves.  We ate too much at the party, as Nate makes his own BBQ and had multiple beers and other beverages on hand. We were all tired though, and since none of my side of the family's relatives were there, we decided to leave and call it a day.  

Boredom kicked in around 6 and the kids wanted to do something.  Cosmic Bowling was mentioned.  Kids were interested. Jen was interested too, and Avery could get a chance to shop for shoes nearby.  I really wanted to get on my bike and ride to Faxon lanes, about 3 miles away.  it was also on part of the bike trail I had yet to explore. 

The trail was awesome, and I could avoid the dreaded hill-climb back by simply putting my bike on the van once I got there. The ride was perfect weather, a tail wind, and mostly down-hill.  Can't complain.  I met the fam at the lanes, and played a game of bowling with them too, which I barely won. After we got back, we hung out on the porch again with Vicki and Dave, listening to the birds that the neighbor says sing the tune "drink beer"--I might have heard that song tonight.  Another late one, bedded down around 12:30 AM, which I'm not used to!

Love my socks

Day 9 - Wind Down time in Williamsport

Friday July 7, 2017

It's always good to get back up with the cousins.  This time we again stayed with Vicki and Dave for the trip.  The kids sleep in the cellar in recliners (no they're not being punished) and Jen and I share what I like to call the 'taco bed' in the spare bedroom. It's a very soft bed, especially in the middle, and I usually find myself on the floor mid-trip.  This time was no different, but I brought our sleep air mattresses we use for camping, just in case.  Glad I did. I moved to it on night one, and as I usually do, sleep awesomely on it.  

I'm glad we are able to relax and just hang out after doing all our running around what seems like 24/7 for 5 straight days.  No more driving until the trip home; no more schedules--just do what we want, and, although there is plenty to do, it is on a much more relaxing schedule.  For example, we basically hung out all day-sleeping in until about 10 AM.  

When we finally got up and going after hanging out with Dave for most of the morning, we decided to continue our 'sub tour' and went to Newberry Subs for a Roast beef Cosmo (heated) "in the garden" (loaded with veggies and all oil and mayo, salt and pepper and hot peppers). I still think it's the crusty bread and the way it's prepared that make these 'hoagie sandwiches' bar none the best in the nation.  I still consider opening a shop like these down south. I still think I'd make LOTS of dinero!

Continuing the relaxation theme, we went back to Vicki and Daves, grabbed a long nap, then tried to decide what we wanted to do that night.  A thunderstorm crept up (are we still in Florida?) late day. I remember Dave mentioning there was a district championship at the Little League field this evening at 6PM and the original plan was to do the game, then head into town with Vicki to check out "First Friday" (similar to a Pcola Gallery night) for community gatherings where they close down the street and keep the shops opened.  Great opportunity for Avery, who hasn't been able to find decent shops yet.  Unfortunately, the storm delayed the baseball game until around 7PM, but Dave was able to find great seats behind home plate, even though we got there about 20 minutes early.  

Little League games will always be free. They'll also always define what baseball should be and is, as they're kids playing a sport--no salaries, no free-agency; no money; no college scholarships (for the most part) just kids being kids playing a sport that they love and adore.  

Recently my son has taken a great interest in baseball (even though his favorite team is the Marlins--that's tooo bad) so we thought it would be a great idea for him to check out the game. He was excited to go. 

Nothing compares to Little League baseball.  The electricity in the crowd of the parents whose children have a chance to play in the LLWS in a month is beyond anything you could ever expect to experience.  It is ten times more exciting and louder than most minor league stadiums (including the Blue Wahoos) and is a fraction of the people that attend games.  If your kid is a baseball fan, and around the age of 11-14--this is a must-do.  There is no other way to explain it than experiencing it.  I love my hometown. 

This night, the team I expected to win (and the team that advanced two years ago to the nationals) got beat in the 5th inning 4-3. They never came back.  I left with the ladies to experience First Friday after inning number 2.  Even though I did not wanna leave, I told my cousin I'd check it out and give Avery a chance to shop. Sometimes I wonder about my choices.  GT stayed with Dave and had a much better time, I'm sure. 

First night Friday was pretty cool.  Lots of newly opened bars and patios, beers, concerts, bands, and people. I wasn't used to seeing this type of thing in Williamsport of all places, but it was pretty cool.  Jen and Avery went shopping in a couple of shops, and then we planned on getting a beer at one of the local breweries.  Unfortunately, the Bullfrog was packed, and as we tried to get into Boom City, apparently they did not want our money, as in current PA fashion, service sucks or is non-existant.  After sitting for about 15 minutes with no one at our table, we got up, asked for a to-go beer (denied), then left post-haste. What I found funny was that the waitress that was going to wait on us had no problem picking up our menus the minute we left.  Boom City Brewery sucks. Screw that place.  Go to Bullfrog--much better. Even if we did neither--we picked up two craft sixers from Great Lakes Brewing and something about a rabbit brewery.  Much better, more, and cheaper.  Win.  

Ended up eating about 10 PM at the Mountaineer Lounge--another favorite.  I love that place and was still a little full from the sub I ate 8 hours earlier.  Oh well, throw me some extra crispy wings and some water--I'll manage. A good relaxing, yet busy day. 

My cuz showing us around. The patio section on Pine St.

Concerts on Pine