The Keys

Islamorada Sunset

Our family takes an annual trip when the kids are out of school for spring break. We have been blessed to be able to go to some interesting places, mostly cities like Barcelona, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and of course that most cosmopolitan of cities, Disneyworld. This year we decided to go a little less urban and chose a week in the Florida Keys and in particular, Islamorada. Fariba and I had our introduction to the Keys in world class style back around 1993 when we were the guests of the late Dick Moroso at his beautiful house here in "the Fishing Capital of the World". At that time we had the opportunity to go fishing in Dick's custom built sport fishing vessel, a 61 footer featuring twin Mercedes diesel locomotive engines. We enjoyed some frozen drinks topped by Bacardi 151 (back in my drinking days) and rides through the mangroves in a speedy motorboat. And feeding the tarpon at Robby's, a local tradition. So we have returned, and Dick has long since passed. But memories of our times with him have helped inspire us to have a big week with our children. We left North Carolina Friday night at about 10 p.m. and drove all night. Stopped in Palm Beach on the way and viewed the astounding mansions. Had a late lunch at a rustic waterside diner. Snorkeled in the "backyard" of our condo. Watched the Heels as they made it into the championship game and everybody but me fell asleep. And got to see a patented sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Yeah, this is quite a place, a different planet which is attracting folks from all over the world. Driving down to Key West tomorrow.