We are still in the experimentation stage with our travels
to the Florida Keys….what time of year to go (or not to go), how best to get
there, etc. For this trip (booked months
ago), we flew Boutique Air from Muscle Shoals to Atlanta, caught a cheap Frontier
Air flight to Miami, and snagged a Greyhound bus that was headed to Key
West. The timing just fell into place
(not to mention the cost). Having flown
Allegiant Air from Memphis to Fort Lauderdale on our last trip, we were just
about over the no frills, low budget airlines.
But Frontier wasn’t bad….the plane was clean, the employees were nice,
we didn’t check bags, no carry on, and didn’t get a seat assignment… so $58 one
way to Miami wasn’t bad.
We walked to the Intermodal car rental/train/bus station
part of the airport. While waiting for
the bus, we visited with a very nice lady from New Zealand that was traveling
alone. She had been on the bus all day
(from Orlando) and was headed to Key West….her first trip. We managed to get a seat right behind the
driver, so we were somewhat separated from the other passengers. Air conditioning, wifi, and not having to drive the turnpike through Miami.....priceless!
Our stop was the Marathon Airport, which is about 4 miles
from our house. Richard asked the driver
if he could just open the door for us if he stopped at the red light at MM 53
(in front of the Holiday Inn). He began quoting some DOT regulations…..but then
said “Sure, why not”! So we were able
to get off at the entrance to Key Colony Beach and walk home, but not before
stopping by Sparkings Landing for a cold beer!
Its good to be home!
