We actually arrived in Key West Sunday afternoon, the first of February, where it is–as promised–warm and weird, but I’m a bit behind with my posts, so here are a few shots of the three-day road trip down from Folly Beach.

Tom and Lexi came down with us and we all took a break at the Caroline Cherry Company, which sells, jams, ciders, pralines (YUM), and even canned condensed she-crab soup. Plus there were samples of other irresistible treats, so that ended up being a pricey little stop.

None of us had ever been to Savannah, Georgia, so we decided to have lunch there along the river. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea, since finding parking was nearly impossible.  We eventually found a parking garage and drove around and up, around and up, traversing about six floors until finally ending up on the roof. On the plus side, we had excellent views of some great architectural details:

Since we were driving, you’ll be happy to hear we did NOT eat (drink?) here. →

Instead we chose Huey’s and ordered regional and New Orleans inspired cuisine like po’ boys and red beans and rice, all excellent, and then drove the rest of the way to St. Augustine, Florida.  The historic part of town was all lit up and gorgeous when we arrived, but I didn’t get even one picture of that. Only the sunrise over the Atlantic from our balcony:

Saturday we drove to the southwest edge of Miami — and actually survived the experience — no thanks to the INSANE people on I-95. Lexi white-knuckled it all the way, and she wasn’t even driving. Seriously. The absolute worst,  most-reckless drivers any of us have ever encountered and not even ONE state patrol car. Probably afraid for their safety! Way too many NASCAR wannabes, including one idiot who took an exit from several lanes over, but mistimed it, so he had to drive over dirt and grass to exit, all at about 70 miles per hour. YIKES.

But, ah-h-h-h-h-h-h, evening at the Sofitel Hotel, where the staff speaks French, as it happens, so fun for me to chat a bit in French. David just enjoyed NOT driving:

The crazies were still out for the first bit on Sunday, but things slowed down on the Overseas Highway that links the Keys. And the blues of the water on both the Gulf and the Atlantic side of the road were absolutely breathtaking and soothed our frazzled nerves. I promise to get some photos for you.

Until then, here’s hoping you thrive this weekend, not just survive!

“We’ll never survive!”
“Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.”  ∼William Goldman, The Princess Bride