This day has been something we have hoped and planned for. Our whole trip was built around it. And it was perfect.
We took a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park!! This place was amazing to explore, from the fort itself to the island surrounding it. The seaplane was a first for both of us; it was as magical as we had hoped, including the views of marine life, Key West and the National Park area. The takeoffs/landings were so smooth, and the pilot so informative/fun. If you ever have the opportunity, do it! (Steve & Jill, you were so right)
It was extra special since we had planned to do this in fall of 2022 when we were in the Keys for Octavian’s birthday, but our date was cancelled due to hurricane damage. And on that same day, we decided to rush home due to Rick’s dad having increasing health concerns. We were so glad to have made it home to spend a couple of days with him before he passed away; we both have said that any subsequent visit to the Keys will make us think of that very sad time. But we also really wanted another opportunity to experience it, even while facing those feelings. Rick’s parents travelled very well throughout their lives and we consider them an important part of our inspiration! We are so glad that we did.
Everything surrounding it worked out as well. As you now know, Rick is the ultimate planner. But we hadn’t yet figured out our Key West transportation for the seaplane (including a drop off/pickup at a dog sitter), so this was making us pretty anxious. We really didn’t want to take the RV. Well, the staff at KOA agreed that Uber was probably not reliable enough (and $$$$ to boot), so they recommended Key West Adventures. Wow, what a great thing! Rick called yesterday and we had a 24 hour rental delivered to us, almost immediately. We loved being back in the drivers seat, literally. The dog sitter was wonderful, too (thank you Rover).
Topping it off, we finished our short time in Key West at our favorite spot, Schooner Wharf. I have special memories here from my time here with Mark and Grady where “Life is Not A Dress Rehearsal” became the motto to live by. When Rick and I came here in 2022, he agreed it is the best spot on the island. So we enjoyed a fabulous fresh seafood lunch, with entertainment both from the singer and the locals at the bar. It was the perfect end to this journey.
Glad to be safely back at this great site for a relaxing evening, reveling in all that we experienced today. Rick is setting up our photos page since we have so many, especially today. (Uncle Gary, we could put together a slide show but we will just tell you stories instead!). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner outside, still appreciating the cooking we did at home before getting on the road. Knowing how much we have looked forward to this day, we will both sleep with big smiles that it has been so perfect!
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