A BREAK IN THE TRAVELS BEFORE THE KEYS; KAY LARGO

CLEVELAND, SOUTH CAROLINA 

We had a wonderful experience when we met up with 118 fellow Airstream rigs at the Alumalina Rally in Cleveland, SC in view of Caesars Head State Park.

A day before the rally was set to start and another 50 rigs are still expected.

We met so many people who enjoy camping and traveling like ourselves.  Some are full timers and some are still working and can only get out on the weekends, but all were excited about welcoming newcomers.  Many experienced campers shared their wisdom about Airstream care, camping and caravan travel.  Open House Saturday featured remodeled, renovated and vintage Airstreams. Trips are scheduled by a host of volunteers to places from Alaska to Newfoundland.  The entire excursion is planned like any other tour, however your accommodations are trailered behind you for this adventure!

Notice the mountains in the background.  That area is Caesars Head State Park, no camping but lots of hiking.

View from Caesars Head looking at the gathering Airstreams.

These beautiful South Carolina mountains are getting us ready to see the Rockies this spring.

What a location for a church!

FLORIDA KEYS

It was back to Charlotte, NC for another short visit before traveling to Florida.  We did make a short visit to Cocoa Beach simply because we wanted to see the area.  Our stay was extended by one day so we could see a rocket launch which appears to be an important event here.  We, however, were less impressed.  After the launch, people sped away to other activities and so did we.

The speck of a rocket was so small, we hardly realized it went up.

We landed a day early at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Florida.  A more southernly location would have been preferable, but we took what we could get.  Reservations for the Keys fill up quickly 11 months before you want to vacation there.  But the park is nice with opportunities  for snorkeling, a trip in a Glass Bottom Boat and of course, warm temperatures and beach sitting.  It is just a little far away from other interesting locations.

Forty Five happy people came on the boat, but only 4 remained that way after the tour, Denny being one of them.  The rest of us were sea sick

We were expecting a little more color and it was interesting.

  One of the highlights was a trip to KEY WEST to experience the architecture and history.  The area was very prosperous before the 1929 Depression, but poverty stricken afterwards. It did come slowly back, but a variety of hurricanes delayed the steady progression.  I thought it was a a beautiful little city with  small darling homes everywhere.  However, we missed the celebrations that would "make a sailor blush".  I guess we better keep looking for our piece of paradise.

Metal roofs limit wind damage. 

It is typical to have the underside of the porch painted sky blue.

Roosters roam the streets, descendants of famous cock fighters.  They help control the bug issue.  But they pause, as shops close, for the nightly gathering to watch the sun set.  We had a long drive ahead of us, so we left early.

They freely roam all over.

Sunset location is a beautiful plaza.

Art galleries are everywhere.  Here is that pesky man again trying to relieve this woman of her bag of groceries!

 We had the opportunity to stop and visit with family who live in Marathon Key.  David and Jo Grego welcomed us into their home for a lovely supper.

The Gregos, O'Rourkes and the extended family.  Dave is holding a smaller black poodle.

Back north we go to Sebastian State Park, Atlantic side.  We have left the mountains behind, and for the next 6 weeks, we will see nothing but water.