Key Lime Pie, Panthers, and Hot Tubs

Our timing for leaving the Northeast couldn't have been better, they are currently getting tons of snow that would have completely ruined our trip plans. It pays to be lucky,.



When we last left off, we were in Marathon about to eat lunch. The weather was beautiful, sunny and 80 degrees, so we grabbed one of the plastic patio tables by the water. Based on the recommendation of Corey Mathis, a frequent Keys traveler 3 of us got the blackened grouper sandwich, which was very good. Jami decided to be a rebel and get some fish tacos but in the end she was jealous of our sandwiches. We had been seeing a lot of signs for key lime pie, so when asked if we would like dessert we decided to splurge and get a couple slices. It was totally worth it, they do indeed make some great key lime pie in the Keys. Other than nearly having a heart attack on several occasions from dive bombing birds, lunch was about as good as it could have been. Reluctantly we left our waterside table and great weather and headed North.

Traffic was busy all the way through South Florida, but eventually we made it to highway 41 to head across the everglades. Shortly into the drive the rain hit, and to a downpour that slowed down our travel speed. It was so bad David drove an extra hour just because he didn't want to get out and switch drivers. Along the way we saw a lot of birds by the side of the road, and much to the excitement of the ladies, lily pads. Don't ask me. The other puzzling thing was the "Panther Crossing" signs. I, at least didn't know there were panthers in the everglades. I picked up driving once we hit I-75 headed North for my aunt & uncle's house in Dade City, North of Tampa. The rain continued throughout the drive and traffic was non-stop but we made good time and got in just before 8PM.

We had quite the spread waiting for us, with a choice between Italian beef and chili with all the fixings, and even brownies and snickerdoodle cookies. After dinner we retired to the hot tub for a while before heading off to bed. David and Jami even got their own guest room separate from the main house, complete with a coffee pot so they were set. This morning we woke up to a selection of fruit, cinnamon rolls, and 2 pounds(!) of bacon. After way to much food, we had to hit the road for New Orleans, and what will probably be a pretty crazy Halloween night on Bourbon street. We all have to give a huge thanks to Ron and Glenda Beasley for not only letting us crash, but feeding us too!