Taking off the winter chill

We just got back from a week-long vacation in Florida.  Phil had to go down for a Marine Technician's class and we decided to take full advantage of it and tour the state as well.

Started out in Daytona, the 18+ mile beach that Phil loved driving on,  Also toured Daytona National Speedway. 
Spent the next three days in Islamorada, a small fishing town in the Keys that was absolutely perfect for the kind of vacation we had in mind.  If you're ever down there, you must check out Chesapeake Beach Resort.  Laid out by the pool.  Took a paddle boat over beautiful corral reefs in shallow water, watched stingrays and large fish swim by.  Our room was very nice with a great view of the Atlantic with a private balcony. There were maybe 3-5 other couples there at the time, not crowded at all.  Right next door was Wahoo's Bar & Grill that overlooked Whale Harbor Marina.  Delicious food and drinks (mmm Rumrunners!) that also overlooked the Atlantic. 
Drove down to Key West for an afternoon, since our charter fishing trip we had planned got rained out.  But that's the nice thing about Florida, there's so much to do and see you can just go with the flow.  Stopped in at Robbie's for some Tarpon feeding fun, which are these HUGE fish near the docks that pretty much swallow your hand.  Phil fed them while I was attacked by a damn Pelican.  And without a doubt the best piece of Key Lime Pie was found at Lorelei's Cabana - They served it frozen and oh my was it good! 
Next up was the Everglades.  First we stopped in the national park and walked the Anhinga trail, crazy to see 8 foot alligators just feet away from a bunch of tourists.  Also along the way were many different bird species.  We loved it.  After the park we had to go to a seperate location for the airboat ride that we were really looking forward to, but unfortunately it was just a tourist trap, the ride only lasted about 10-15 minutes.  Still neat though, we saw a handful of gators and also a few very large iguanas hanging overhead in the trees.  The driver did a few 360's that threw water on those who sat in the front - yes of course that was the two of us.  We need to get one of those boats! 
After touring all that, checked out the Gulf side of Florida which included collecting shells and taking in the beautiful Sunset.  Visited Beverly Hills to see my friend Kathy.  And then it was time to head back to the Orlando area and fly out the next day. 
Amazing, beautiful and warm vacation overall.  Can't wait to return one day and do it all over again.  Well, maybe not all of it being that we drove exactly 1300.0 miles.  I'll take a drink in one hand with my feet in the sand - planted for hours soaking up the sun and laughing with girlfriends.  Yes...that's the next trip I have in mind!  :)