Day 81 – Ocean Reef Outing

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Day 81 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Miami Traffic

I’m curious to know the population of the Miami Metropolitan Area.  I have never seen so much traffic. I feel like I can say I successfully drove in New York City while being in South Florida.  The eighteen toll booths decreased to four lanes and later two. I would have happily participated in an alternating merge, but I quickly learned the word “merge” is not in the Hispanic dictionary. I wondered if the next part on VANilla I might have to replace would be a bumper or my steering wheel squeezed into pieces by my white knuckled grip. 

While in the past I’d classify myself as an aggressive driver, as of late, the country roads and the pick-up power in VANilla have transformed me to passive one.  Fending for my safety (VANilla was about to become an accordion between a semi and a tow truck), I abandoned my cautious approach and began cutting off “muscle cars” blaring with salsa music, a decision that seemed only slightly more prudent than a guaranteed fender bender.

It was clear that neither Cubans nor Puerto Ricans like to be outmuscled by a girl in a camper.  With a little rev of the engine and lurch forward, they tried as hard as possible to regain the lead.  By the time I picked Carol up at the airport, I was wound tighter than a top!

North Key Largo

Carol and I continued in the dark to Ocean Reef on North Key Largo where we stayed with my dad’s fraternity brother, Shakey, and his wife, Jennalie.  Their three bedroom home with a screened in pool was just lovely.  We couldn’t wait until morning to tour the island in daylight.

Jennalie made us a nice breakfast before Carol and I took Scout and Petey for a long walk.  We needed to wear them out as they weren’t going to be able to join us at Buccaneer Island or for Vintage Weekend.

Buccaneer Island

Buccaneer Island, a resort, included a fresh water adult pool, a “urine” pool for the kids, and a saltwater pool complete with a manmade sandy beach.  Its pavilion provided free pastries and coffee to members and water activities such as kayaking were available to adventurous guests.

16th Annual Vintage Weekend in Ocean Reef

Ocean Reef served as the congregation point for the 16^th Annual Vintage weekend.  Restored yachts moored in the harbor and along the canals while automobiles of all sorts were parked on display in a nearby lot.  We watched as the car owners steered their prized Cadillacs, Rolls Royces, Fords, Aston Martins, Mercedes and the like in a parade past the gathering crowds.

The announcer broadcasted the make, model, and unique features of each vehicle.  We even saw a Mini retrofitted with a jet engine.  According to the sign taped to the back window, a 0-60 in 3 seconds demonstration was planned to take place at the airport at two.  We visited the airport, but it was well before two as we wanted to see the vintage planes including air force, navy, and marine jets as well as a mig.

After checking out the planes, Shakey continued our Ocean Reef tour via golf cart to the golf course to see a local friend known as “one-eye”.  The endangered crocodile rested quietly on the pond’s shore.  I’d suggest; however, not to miss the green to the right!

Fishing in Key Largo

After a morning touring the island on land, Shakey took us fishing on the flats.  We started out looking for bone fish and barracuda, another first for me.  Outside of a few deep sea fishing trips, I have only fished for trout, bass, perch, and crappie.  The weather was too chilly to have much luck, but Shakey knew where we were guaranteed to hook a snapper. That, we did. In fact, we hooked several.  It was like dropping a minnow in a stocked lake with a cane pole.  Every 45 seconds we hooked a fish.  It took longer to release the fish and bait the hook again.

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The snapper weren’t much bigger than the shrimp we were using as bait. So rather than provide a nice dinner to the hungry monsters, we each caught five or six and called it the day.  Frankly, we were just happy to be on a boat and fishing was added entertainment.  After a lovely afternoon, Shakey and Jennalie took us to The Fish House for dinner.  I’m told this is my dad’s favorite restaurant on the island. I can see why. The fish was delicious! ETB

Map of My Road Trip Across the USA

For a summary about my road trip across the USA, click HERE. For the interactive map, see the below link.

Other Articles About Florida You May Like

• Day 78 – Northeast Florida
• Day 83 – Road to Flamingo – The Florida Everglades
• Day 84 – Gulf Coast Drive Along the Florida Panhandle
• Day 85 – Gulf Coast Drive Along the Florida Panhandle – Part 2

Shop

Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop.  Each card has a travel story associated with it.  20% of proceeds are donated to charity.

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