New Years in Key West | FindPenguins

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Trip start
December 28, 2024
New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 1: Travel Day
December 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
Headed out today to start making our way to Key West. The weather was gray, chilly and foggy until we were almost to Florida. We had hoped to make it to Chad & Bree's in Indian Harbor before sunset, but alas, Florida traffic had other plans. The perk of arriving after dark was seeing the palm trees wrapped in lights, which Holden kept calling Florida Christmas Trees.

Chad and Bree welcomed us with big hugs and the kids quickly gelled over video games. They treated us to a feast of freshly harvested stone crab that they caught that morning from their own traps. They were INCREDIBLE and the boys got to try cracking the shells on their own. It really doesn't get much more Florida than that.

We stayed up late talking in their backyard while the boys swam in their street clothes in the pool. It was a pretty lovely first night in Florida.

We settled in for the night in their lovely newly built MIL suite. Just as we were about to fall asleep and alarm started chirping somewhere. We finally found it in the boys' room and Nate climbed up to take the fire alarm down. It kept chirping. We took the battery out. It kept chirping. Finally I took it to the garage where it chirped again and in my late night fog, I shoved it into the deep freezer by the door. We slept peacefully thereafter.Read more
TravelerI’m glad you got there safely and hope the Air B & B situation got worked out. Have fun! I’m excited to follow along.
12/30/24Reply
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New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 2 - Indian Harbor Beach & Area
December 29, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Today, Chad and Bree took us to some of their favorite area spots. We started the day at the beach. Naively, Nate and I thought the boys would be content to just walk along the beach. WRONG. In no time they were jumping in the water, sprinting up the shore, tumbling in waves. At some point, I sent Nate and Chad back to the house to fetch towels and new clothes for our ocean-drenched duo.

For lunch they took us to one of their favorite restaurants, Backwater. Chad built the building several years ago, so if was fun to see his handiwork. And the food was so good.

Next we headed to a wetland refuge to walk off our enormous lunch and try to find some alligators. It was a really beautiful area with so many bird species. We only spied the back of one alligator, but that was enough for me! E and I nearly stepped on a Black Racer Snake which lives up to its name. It was so fast it was hard to keep track of!

After that, they took us by Lake Washington where we saw a Cottonmouth Snake (from a safe distance) then back over to the river that separates their island from the shore. We were keeping an eye on some storms rolling in but they wanted to make one last stop to see if we could spot dolphins. This was what Holden wanted to do more than anything. Eventually we saw a dolphin fin in the distance, then another. But sweet Holden was always looking in the wrong direction.

As the wind from the approaching storm was kicking up, Holden was getting upset that he wouldn't see a dolphin. We started to slowly head back to the car when he finally saw a dolphin fin in the distance. He was pretty pleased, at that sighting and was THRILLED a few minutes later when a pair of dolphins appeared really close to us and we got to watch them surface several times as they worked together. At this point the wind was really blowing and we made a beeline for the car.

We made it back to Chad & Bree's before the storm let loose. For our last night there, Bree made us a fajita feast with her amazing homemade salsa and Everett got a lesson about trying to wrestle a jui jitsu guy like Chad -- you shouldn't even try.

It was a really great day seeing so much wildlife and Chad & Bree's home turf.

Tomorrow we head to the Keys.Read more
TravelerSo fun! I miss the beach!
12/31/24Reply
TravelerIt had been so long since our last visit. It was really refreshing to be back. Hope you can make it again soon.
1/2/25Reply
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New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 3 - Endless Travel Day
December 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 75 °F
We got a late start on Monday. Everett had been up much of the night on Sunday with a cough. Who knew Florida had so many allergens? Not us! So we accidentally slept much later than we all expected.

After a late breakfast and packing and many more college tales, we hugged Bree and Chad goodbye and headed south.

Aside from big roads and fast cars, our main observation about driving through South Florida is that if you see a big hill, it's definitely a landfill!

Before venturing beyond the mainland, the boys made one request to stop at the Inter-Miami Stadium. We didn't get a Messi sighting, but did get to see where he plays. Fun fact: a private airport is right next door. The boys also scored a couple of bottles of Mas+, which E said "might be the highlight of the trip!" (Mas+ is Messi's version of Gatorade)

As it turns out, we were not the only folks who thought winter break in the Keys would be a good idea, because traffic was a MESS getting down Highway 1. The trip was supposed to take around 6 hours. I think we pulled in around some time after 8 hours in the car.

The condo that we're staying at was hosting a New Year's Eve Eve party, so after we unpacked, the boys got on their swimsuits and we headed to the pool for glow sticks, burgers and a fun evening swim. Once they tired out, we headed back to our apartment to watch a fireworks show from the balcony, then we doped E up with all the allergy drugs we bought on the way down and we all collapsed for a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow: explore Key West and Snuba Dive!Read more
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New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 4 - Key West & SNUBA Diving
December 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
After our eternal drive on Monday, it was a delight to be in the car as little as possible on Tuesday. Our big adventure for the day was SNUBA diving in the afternoon, so we spent the morning meandering around Key West. Unsurprisingly, lots of folks had the same idea but we did our best to avoid the crowds.

We snagged coffee & smoothies at the Southernmost Point and met some local roosters. The boys declared they had no interest in standing in line for the iconic picture with the dinghy, so we meandered on. We walked by Hemingway's house and onto the calm part of Duvall Street then headed back to the hotel to get ready for our afternoon outing.

When I was in Hawaii a billion years ago, we went SNUBA diving. It's basically shallow SCUBA diving, with the tanks on the surface and hoses connecting you. When I saw it was offered in Key West, I knew it was something we'd all want to do.

We set out on a boat called GOOD TIMES with 4 other tourists and a crew of 4. As we sailed out, I smiled at the array of quirky houseboats in the marina, no doubt part of the original Key West charm.

As we got closer to the dive site, the guides gave us basic instructions and tips. On the ride out I saw a sea turtle which was pretty wonderful and unexpected. The weather was absolutely perfect and the blue green of the ocean was unreal.

Once at the reef, we geared up and jumped in. It was mildly chaotic getting into place and managing the tubes and humans. It was all a learning curve, for sure. But despite the chaos,we immediately saw sea life - a stingray and gorgeous fish I don't know the names for. As we got our bearings, we began to explore a bit at the surface. In between Holden chastising me for not holding the raft exactly as the guide had instructed, Holden said a few times that he was a little nervous. He took a few breaths and didn't let those nerves deter him as he got the hang of it.

The excursion did not go without hiccups. Everett and his 0% body fat got super cold in the water and started coughing. Eventually the guide said it would be best for him to go back on the boat. The captain got him a warm towel and water while we continued on. Meanwhile Holden's weight belt wouldn't stay on, so he couldn't really descend too much, but he still saw a ton.

It was pretty amazing exploring underwater and seeing the coral up close. Every so often I would have a mild moment of panic and not be able to see Holden until I would look up we he gave me the okay sign as he hovered above us, happy as a clam.

As the dive went on, I began to feel a little nauseous. Being under the water that long was definitely a little disorienting, so I surfaced to catch my breath and feel the fresh air. I waved to E to make sure he was doing okay and he gave me a thumbs up. While I was above, Nate and Holden saw an eel swim below and Holden swears he saw a barracuda. The guides were great about pointing out wildlife and getting our attention with tapping sounds. Before getting out, I went down again and saw a puffer fish and more beautiful unnamed fish.

By the time we were all back on the boat, Nate and I were both battling a little nausea, so the ride back was a little more quiet but just as beautiful. Once back in the harbor I began to feel more like myself.

The biggest surprise as we got back to harbor was realizing that one of the houseboats I admired on the way out had suffered some kind of damage and was actively sinking as we passed by. The Coast Guard was on hand as everyone just stood by and watch the inevitable in progress.

Back on shore we waved goodbye to our guides and headed back to the hotel to shower off the saltwater and rest a bit.

Next we headed out to watch the last sunset of 2024. With so many folks on Key West, we decided to head up Highway 1 to catch the sunset in a place that wouldn't be crowded. We pulled into a boat ramp area and got out and talked about our favorite parts of 2024. Once the sun set, we headed to an Italian restaurant Nate found where I had the best lobster ravioli and the boys all enjoyed fantastic pizza.

We headed back to the hotel and bid farewell to 2024 long before midnight, happy & tired and ready for what the New Year has to bring.

Tomorrow, snorkeling and kayaking through a mangrove forest.Read more
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New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 5 AM - Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park
January 1, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Continuing our quest to avoid crowds, Nate scored a big win with the suggestion to visit Zachary Taylor State Park on the westernmost part of Key West. On the way out to the reef yesterday, we noticed folks on a rocky outcropping, so Nate looked it up and read a bit about it and tossed it out as a morning outing spot. It was a good choice!

It was gorgeous to walk through the natural habitat and see trees and plants that have thrived in this subtropical climate for centuries. The trail opened up to the most lovely ocean view.

We spent a good while investigating tide pools and collecting coral piles and just admiring the sheer beauty of the place.

About the time we realized the boys were getting hungry, we stumbled upon the most robust and alcohol-filled state park cantina of all time. We enjoyed a decent meal with white sand beach views. The smoothies, sandwiches, pizzas and iced coffee fueled us up for the main event of the day, Snorkeling & Mangrove Island Kayaking.Read more
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New Years in Key West Traveler
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Day 5 PM - Snorkeling & Kayaking
January 1, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Nate is notorious for disliking beach trips and only begrudgingly suggested Key West because the boys have been asking for a beach trip for a while, so one of my goals was to make this trip an enjoyable adventure for all of us. Queue this snorkeling and kayaking adventure!

We set sail early afternoon and didn't return until after dark. The guides were great and filled us in on the history of Key West, talking about shipwrecks of the past and pointing out recent ones, too.

We dropped anchor at a shallow spot for snorkeling a ways out from Key West. It was a little chilly in the water, but once we got moving, we warmed up. This spot didn't have quite the diversity as yesterday's, but we saw a lobster, huge ocean sponges, schools of white striped fish and Holden saw French Angelfish

After snorkeling, we sailed over to a mangrove island where the crew unloaded kayaks. The mangrove coves were incredible and filled with bird life. We could hear all kinds of bird calls, it was really wild to hear so much in one spot.

As we came around the curve of the island we were treated to an absolutely lovely sunset as we paddled back to the sailboat for the last ride home.

Back on land we warmed back up and grabbed dinner at a place that claimed to be the "Southernmost Microbrewery in the US." It had good beer, filling pretzels and truly terrible Mac & Cheese. Holden and Nate went head to head for many rounds of tic-tac-toe then we headed back to pack and settle in for one last sleep before rolling out to start the long drive home in the morning.Read more
Traveler Beautiful!!😊🥰
1/4/25Reply
Traveler 💖
1/4/25Reply
Traveler Looks like a wonderful, fun, successful vacation!! 👍💖🥰
1/4/25Reply
TravelerIt was a really great couple of days. Super fun.
1/7/25Reply
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New Years in Key West Traveler
Day 6 - Travel Day Home
January 2, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 34 °F
With great relief, the drive home was much, MUCH smoother than the two day drive down earlier in the week. Based on how miserable the inbound traffic was, we were sure it was going to be a nightmare getting home and would be staying the night somewhere. Thankfully we were wrong. And while it was a VERY long drive home (943 miles and about 16 hours) we made it home for our first sleep of the new year in our own beds.

This was a fast & furious trip and we packed so much in. Key West, you were a blast. Until next time!Read more
TravelerThat’s a little too long for me 😬😉
1/5/25Reply
TravelerIt's not my favorite, that's for sure. But when the option is drive a couple more hours and sleep in my own bed vs. sleep terribly in a hotel room with my kids, will almost always choose to finish it up as long as we're not too tired. But I don't think we got into the car again for a couple do days after we got home!
1/7/25Reply
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Trip end
January 2, 2025