I'm staying on Sugarloaf Key for the next 10 nights.

Sun Outdoors - Sugarloaf Key RV Resort

At a pretty nice RV resort that has just been totally renovated. Most of the amenities, are in place, and they're having a grand opening next week. I prolly wouldn't be able to afford to stay here next year 🤣! The Honda is my TURO rental for the week.

Sun Outdoors - Sugarloaf Key RV Resort

These little "cones of silence" are called "Aqua-banas." They're detachable from the dock, and I think the eventual idea is that you can have one dragged up the the shore by your campsite.

Key West

I picked up my TURO rental car at an address in Key West. Walked up, identified myself in the app, got in and drove away. If you've been to Key West, or watch TV, you'll already know they're everywhere. I drove the car to a grocery store, then to a laundromat in Little Cuba before heading back to Sugarloaf key.
2/20/2024

Key West

I wanted to get an early start for my tourist day in Key West. My TURO car has a "resident" sticker on the windshield which allows me many more parking options than a regular tourist. I had a close-in resident parking lot loaded into my phone GPS, and was just three blocks away, when I ran into a road closed for utility work. No problem I thought - it will recalculate the route... but no, I have ATT service which experienced a service failure and left me with a blank GPS screen.
2/21/2024

Key West

Anyway... thanks to my dead reckoning skills and an obsessive need to know my way around, I remembered enough to get to Duval St, Key West's primary tourist strip, and find a map.

Key West

First stop: Jimmy Buffet's original Margaritaville, where I had... wait for it... a 10am margarita.

Key West

Then a few blocks down Duval to Sloppy Joes's, where I had... wait for it... a 10:20am margarita.

Key West

Now, with a little morning buzz on, I toured Truman's "Little White House." It was interesting, and represented an era just recent enough for me to recognize familiar furnishings and fixtures. This was apparently before Presidents started living in the lap of luxury, because it's a pretty spartan place. Current and past presidents have visited - even stayed the night - since Truman, the latest being the Clintons. It used to be on the beach, but during WWII, the navy reclaimed about a quarter mile in front of the house in order to build the pier out far enough for deep-water vessels to dock. Now the view from the porch is an old navy warehouse that has been converted to condos.

Key West

The southernmost point in the U.S., and "Mile Zero" for U.S. Highway 1, and Florida Highway A1A. Sorry about the fat tourists... there was a very long line to get a moment with the monument alone for photos. I figured you were smart enough to imagine me in front of it.

Sugarloaf Key

Back at the resort, Augie and I set out to find a place to throw the ball. Sun Outdoors - who operate the Sugarloaf Key RV Resort - has a small office building about a quarter of a mile away, right at the corner where you turn for the park. They have a great, mowed lawn right behind the building. Feeling that it is easier to ask forgiveness rather than permission, we adopted it as our "Florida Keys Ballpark." We'll be here every evening until told differently.

Sugarloaf Key

"Nice sunset," said Augie...

Sugarloaf Key

..."I agree," said Dan.

Keys State Parks

Bright and early, Augie and I hit the road to visit all five state parks south of Marathon. It was a bit underwhelming, as these parks don't have much real estate for hiking. Long Key State park was an exception, with a beach-side trail about one and a half miles long.

Keys State Parks

One place I knew we'd be able to get our steps in was the National Key Deer Refuge. It consists of one, paved two mile trail. We did it out and back for a four-mile hike and Augie was ready to get back to camp...

Sugarloaf Key

...and take up her guard post, where she barks at those who deem to walk by our spot.

Sugarloaf Key

If you look carefully, you'll see her in the shadows, standing her post.

Sugarloaf Key

Knowing Augie had our security in paw, I relaxed with a cigar that I bought in Key West. Supposedly an illegal Cuban, I suspect that the proprietor of the shop may have been stretching the truth, but it was an excellent cigar.

Sugarloaf Key

Breezy and beautiful. About 75... It does my small, bitter, heart good to see it's currently 34 in Columbus...

Sugarloaf Key

Here are some shots of the resort. The grand opening is actually tomorrow. These are the Aquabanas.

Sugarloaf Key

They are floating cabanas that are detachable from the dock.

Sugarloaf Key

I think eventually you'll be able to park one of these in the water at your campsite.

Sugarloaf Key

You can sit at the table and dangle your feet in the water. The lake is man-made and has no floatable connection to the ocean or other waterways.

Sugarloaf Key

There are also kayaks and paddle boards available to guests. Currently free - after grand opening... who knows.

Sugarloaf Key

Very nice dock surrounds much of the lake.

Sugarloaf Key

Adequate pool.

Sugarloaf Key

Common areas and gas fire pits...

Sugarloaf Key

Pavillion area where they have live music four nights a week. I think this guy was somebody's brother... he was truly awful. Pretty sure the entertainment will improve after the grand opening.

Sugarloaf Key

There's also a Dog Wash. Augie didn't think much of it after her close encounter there - but she smells like dog shampoo now. 🤓

Northward

My time in The Keys has come to an end. It was the primary goal when I started this journey last August. It was great, and having the car made everything easier. I saw the sights and toured the attractions, but mostly I sat in the sun by the pool and did nothing else except walk Augie regularly, and play out some epic ball games! See you back in the world.