March 2011: Just Passing Through The Fort To The Keys

[bama_ed]

Being from Alabama, we have made an (almost) annual journey to WDW and the Fort these last almost ten years. Not being a local, we can't get by there for long weekends or off-season trips. As the years have gone along my kids have gotten older (now adults in the eyes of the Disney leadership) so a visit to a theme park costs us nearly $400 a day.

One school of thought says "don't come until/if you can afford it". Last trip on Thanksgiving week 2009 we did one day in the park plus lots of days offsite. In the past we did the Cape, ICE, water parks, and other attractions.

I've made ressies for next year's spring break week that include the Fort but not the theme parks. Last year in March 2009 my younger son and I went with the Boy Scouts to Florida Seabase:Brinton Center on Summerland Key (MM24) down in the Florida Keys. It was wonderful. I used to live in Jupiter, FL (just north of West Palm) a long time ago and have fond memories of weekends spent south of Miami. So I've made plans to go back to the Keys with the entire family in March 2011.

We'll haul the pop-up down from Alabama and spend one night at the Fort on the way down (a Saturday night). Then we'll head south on Sunday to Boyd's Campground in Key West. Yes, I know Boyd's is expensive; Yes, I know the Boyds sites are small; Yes, I know Key West is expensive. Yes, I know all that. But we'll have five nights in Key West then head home for Alabama, stopping (again) at the Fort on the way north for one night before going home the next day. I envision a Giddyup & Go from Trail's End, a little souvenir shopping at the Meadow TP, a campfire/singalong/movie and an early departure the next day.

So we will hit the Fort "coming" and "going" in both directions but I will not alter my plans to drop a lot of $$$ for the theme parks this year. One day in the theme parks will pay for all my snorkeling/fishing/kayak costs down in the Keys.

I've watched and tried to get into the Florida State Parks like Bahia Honda, etc. in the Keys but they fill up 11 months in advance and I don't have the patience to play that game. My oldest will be a senior in high school next spring and this could be the last of the ol' family vacations. So I love the Fort and will be there next year but the theme parks can kiss my a$$ goodbye.

Bama ED

PS-maybe in a subsequent post I'll tell you how I really feel!

 

[liv luvs disney]

I'm looking forward to hearing how you really feel Ed.

Not that my opinion matters, but your plan sounds good to me.

 

[stacktester]

Ed, I am traveling to Key West tomorrow to test the power plant at Stock Island. No camper this trip. We're planning on going this summer for a few days and like you I want Bahia Honda but it's a joke getting in. If you need any pics I may be able to go to Boyds as it's right next to the plant.

 

[AuburnJen92]

Ed, I am traveling to Key West tomorrow to test the power plant at Stock Island. No camper this trip. We're planning on going this summer for a few days and like you I want Bahia Honda but it's a joke getting in. If you need any pics I may be able to go to Boyds as it's right next to the plant.

Donnie, make sure you wave when you pass my house on the interstate tomorrow!

 

[bama_ed]

Donnie,

That would be great if you had the time to stop at Boyd's. I've seen it from the air via Google Earth etc. plus their website has a couple pictures. If you could snag a campground map that have the site numbers that would be most excellant too. They said they were reserving site #92 for my pop-up (which supposedly is an interior site on the peninsula part that sticks out into the water).

I've read lots of reviews on Boyd's lately and the most common complaint is the price and the small sites. Given the scarcity of land and corresponding high prices (Economics 101) that's a given in my book.

Have a safe trip down and back - it's a long haul for you from J-ville.

Bama ED

PS-plus John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo is closing its campground in August 2010 (or somewhere around there) for a total overhaul and will be closed still in the Mach 2011 timeframe I'm shooting for. So that has further limited Supply and driven up Demand in the remaining RV/snowbird/camping spots.

 

[stacktester]

Ed, we went to Boyds on the way to the hotel today. I took a couple pics of your site facing it and looking away at your view. As long as no big moho's are in the way you're going to have a nice view. If we can't get Bahia Honda I think we're gonna do this one too.

The comfort station is about 100' away and it looked well maintained. There is an arcade, gift shop and laundry in the front office bldg. Really looks nice. I'll post the pics later.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Ed, we went to Boyds on the way to the hotel today. I took a couple pics of your site facing it and looking away at your view. As long as no big moho's are in the way you're going to have a nice view. If we can't get Bahia Honda I think we're gonna do this one too.

The comfort station is about 100' away and it looked well maintained. There is an arcade, gift shop and laundry in the front office bldg. Really looks nice. I'll post the pics later.

Awe, how kind of you Donnie!

 

[bama_ed]

Awe, how kind of you Donnie!

Olivia,

That's the kinda guy the Mayor of FW is.

Donnie, if you get to Boyd's before I do next spring, I want to hear all about it.

Last March in Key West we went to Fort Zachary Taylor which is a part of the old Naval Station on the far side of Key West that was turned into a state park. Fantastic beach, picnic tables, grills, rest rooms, food stand, trees, much nicer than Smather's Beach and other municpal beaches. It is actually more "southernmost" that the "Southernmost Point" which is famous in pix. But there is a piece of the Naval Base that is more Southern than that.

I also wish I could take the ferry out to the Dry Tortugas National Park and tent camp there one night but that won't fit in our next trip.

I look forward to your pictures. Thanks - you're a good guy! (despite what's said on this Board).

Bama ED

 

[stacktester]

Olivia,

That's the kinda guy the Mayor of FW is.

Donnie, if you get to Boyd's before I do next spring, I want to hear all about it.

Last March in Key West we went to Fort Zachary Taylor which is a part of the old Naval Station on the far side of Key West that was turned into a state park. Fantastic beach, picnic tables, grills, rest rooms, food stand, trees, much nicer than Smather's Beach and other municpal beaches. It is actually more "southernmost" that the "Southernmost Point" which is famous in pix. But there is a piece of the Naval Base that is more Southern than that.

I also wish I could take the ferry out to the Dry Tortugas National Park and tent camp there one night but that won't fit in our next trip.

I look forward to your pictures. Thanks - you're a good guy! (despite what's said on this Board).

Bama ED

The DTNP is something I'd like to do as well Ed. I think they charge $150 per person to do it. It includes breakfast and lunch and I believe admission to the park.

I can't help all the haters Ed.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Two comments:

1. This sounds like a great trip, BamaED. I know you are an experienced camper, so if you want to set-up your trailer for one night on the beginning and ending nights of your trip, that's your business. You are a good man to be willing to do that for your family. You got to get your Fort fix one way or the other.

2. No matter what people say about Stacktester, he knows how to take care of his constituents, and I really think he will be mayor for life.

I would like to see pics of Boyd's.

As you know, I am also exploring campgrounds other than the Fort, and I would consider a Keys trip.

TCD

 

[bama_ed]

Two comments:

1. This sounds like a great trip, BamaED. I know you are an experienced camper, so if you want to set-up your trailer for one night on the beginning and ending nights of your trip, that's your business. You are a good man to be willing to do that for your family. You got to get your Fort fix one way or the other.

2. No matter what people say about Stacktester, he knows how to take care of his constituents, and I really think he will be mayor for life.

I would like to see pics of Boyd's.

As you know, I am also exploring campgrounds other than the Fort, and I would consider a Keys trip.

TCD

TCD, I'll do a one-nighter if I don't have to set up the full Monty. Just back it in, pop it up, slide 'em out, and plug it in. No awning, no water, no full unload. My crew is pretty experienced and they can do this in 15-30 minutes. I usually don't do one-nighters with the pop-up but if I can get in by 2 or 3 pm and have some relaxation time, I'll go for it. Especially at the Fort.

Bama ED

 

[john59]

Bama Ed:

We (DW & I) just completed a great 2 months. Month of March in the Keys. Then Pine Island/Ft myers, Dis, then finished up in St. Augustine. My wife and I were reallly impressed with St. Augustine.

Started in John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo. I am a kayak fisherman. Caught quite a few Mangrove Snappers and Grunts on a Fly Rod. Snorkeled off the beach there, but had to wear our wet suits--Water really cold.

Spent 2 weeks in Sunshine Key (private) across the road from Bahia Honda. Kayak fishing was spectacular. Hated to leave. You name it I caught it and some finnies caught, that I had no idea what they were. Cerro, Spanish and the King Mackerel wore me out.

Grassy Key (Marathon) Whatever I didn't catch the 1st 2 stops, I caught out of my kayak at Grassy Key. A spinner shark went airborne and almost landed in the kayak. He also snapped my line. Best guess around 6 feet. Some nice barracudas up to three feet.

Before I left home I bought 30. 6 inch 20 lb wire leaders---Came home with none.

If you fish the Keys, chumming is almost a must.

A great swimming/snorkeling beach (Marathon)---Sombrero Beach.

The biggest, unreal hi-lite ; almost 2 months on the road a total of 10 minutes rain at DIS----Timing is everything in life.
john

 

[liv luvs disney]

I can't help all the haters Ed.

Hey now, who is hating on Donnie? I was being serious, not facetious, when I said it was kind of Donnie to take pics for Ed. I like anybody who knows where Glen St. Mary, FL (my hometown) is.

 

[stacktester]

Hey now, who is hating on Donnie? I was being serious, not facetious, when I said it was kind of Donnie to take pics for Ed. I like anybody who knows where Glen St. Mary, FL (my hometown) is.

It's the one's who hate that I visit the fort often. Although I've only had a weekend stay this year. Hopefully some trips coming soon.

 

[liv luvs disney]

It's the one's who hate that I visit the fort often. Although I've only had a weekend stay this year. Hopefully some trips coming soon.

Hey, we're gonna be at Hanna Park June 12-24 and if our schedules allow, I would love to say hey in person. I'll pm you a little closer to time.

 

[moseycat]

We spent 5 nights at Myaaka River SP near Sarasota after the Fort in February. I thought it was a lovely park, the campground was really nice, Old Prairie section, and lots to explore in the park. For those of you branching out into other CG's. Wish NY state parks were as nice!

Karen

 

[bama_ed]

Bama Ed:

We (DW & I) just completed a great 2 months. Month of March in the Keys. Then Pine Island/Ft myers, Dis, then finished up in St. Augustine. My wife and I were reallly impressed with St. Augustine.

Started in John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo. I am a kayak fisherman. Caught quite a few Mangrove Snappers and Grunts on a Fly Rod. Snorkeled off the beach there, but had to wear our wet suits--Water really cold.

Spent 2 weeks in Sunshine Key (private) across the road from Bahia Honda. Kayak fishing was spectacular. Hated to leave. You name it I caught it and some finnies caught, that I had no idea what they were. Cerro, Spanish and the King Mackerel wore me out.

Grassy Key (Marathon) Whatever I didn't catch the 1st 2 stops, I caught out of my kayak at Grassy Key. A spinner shark went airborne and almost landed in the kayak. He also snapped my line. Best guess around 6 feet. Some nice barracudas up to three feet.

Before I left home I bought 30. 6 inch 20 lb wire leaders---Came home with none.

If you fish the Keys, chumming is almost a must.

A great swimming/snorkeling beach (Marathon)---Sombrero Beach.

The biggest, unreal hi-lite ; almost 2 months on the road a total of 10 minutes rain at DIS----Timing is everything in life.
john

John,

I followed your Key trip intently on the Community Board. I'm not a fisherman but I am an outdoorsman so it sounded great.

Ya'll should have heard the tone in the voice of the CastMemeber on the Ressie line when I made these two one-night ressies at the Fort. Although she said the right words, her inital tone was "what, only one night each way??!".

No sweet <heart>.

No big bucks this trip <for DIS>.

No dining for bad, average swill <no DDP that is>.

I want fresh air and a Fort Experience.

I want to Fiend my way around Pioneer Hall and the Meadow TP.

My bathing suit is ready for the slide and hot tub with DW at the Main Pool.

I'm ready to watch "Apple Dumpling Gang" at the Campfire/Singalong/Movie and laugh at Tim Conway and Don Knotts till my sides hurt.

I'm ready to hear the "toot"s of the boats coming into the docks at the FW beach in the dark.

I want to hear EPCOT's fireworks from Illuminations (or whatever they call it now) to rumble through my camper as I fall asleep.

My free refill mugs are empty and we'll be thirsty.

I'm ready to see the slanting sunrise through the Spanish Moss of the trees between the Meadow TP and the 900 loop.

I'll be at the Meadow TP door when it opens that morning to get my newspaper and sit in a rocker and find out what happened yesterday in the outside world while I don't care.

I'll ride my bike fast while it's cool in the early morning when there's no traffic and pretend I'm faster than the busses.

Then I'll wake up, pack up, and head out. Oh well even Cinderella enjoyed her dream for a while...

Bama ED

 

[m1tchells]

I only have one thing to say about Stock Island and that is......ya gotta go to the HOGFISH BAR AND GRILL!!!! One of my favorite places in KW!! They serve an absolutely fantastic hogfish sandwich! It's HUGE! Ya gotta go....i'm counting on you!

Now, so much great food in KW proper....but two of our favs are:
1. Red Fish Blue Fish right at Mallory Square...kinda commercial for my taste BUT they have THE VERY MOST FABULOUS AHI TUNA appetizer!!!! Fantastic!
2. The Waterfront Market....I have heard rumors that this wonderful market is being torn down and I do not even want to talk about that! But assuming it is still there, you MUST enter the store, go to the seafood counter and finance (yes, they are pricey!) a couple of SMOKED SEA SCALLOPS! You won't be sorry!

Have a great trip!

 

[stacktester]

I only have one thing to say about Stock Island and that is......ya gotta go to the HOGFISH BAR AND GRILL!!!! One of my favorite places in KW!! They serve an absolutely fantastic hogfish sandwich! It's HUGE! Ya gotta go....i'm counting on you!

Now, so much great food in KW proper....but two of our favs are:
1. Red Fish Blue Fish right at Mallory Square...kinda commercial for my taste BUT they have THE VERY MOST FABULOUS AHI TUNA appetizer!!!! Fantastic!
2. The Waterfront Market....I have heard rumors that this wonderful market is being torn down and I do not even want to talk about that! But assuming it is still there, you MUST enter the store, go to the seafood counter and finance (yes, they are pricey!) a couple of SMOKED SEA SCALLOPS! You won't be sorry!

Have a great trip!

We ate at Hogfish a couple times last week. The 1st time I had the pound of steamed shrimp and the second I had a grouper sandwich. Definately a rustic hole in the wall but the best food. We also ate at Conch Republic which is kinda commercial as well but had a great pan seared mahi dinner.

 

[bama_ed]

m1tchells,

I will definitely try the Hogfish. For the record, though, since DW has found this thread and given me grief about it, is Hogfish family friendly? As in safe for a very conservative DW? We're all about dives and good food but if Mama ain't happy, well, you know.....

We actually ate at Blue Fish Red Fish on our trip last year since it's right down at Mallory Square and it was okay but I'd like to try new places first (and no not Sloppy Joe's or Margaretaville). Like at Disneyworld, if I do too much eating out with my 3 teenagers plus me and Momma the food bill can get run up pretty fast and blow the budget. But if we pick out the good spots like Hogfish and hit those then that is wonderful.

The Market sounds interesting. I need to start keeping a list. Thanks!

Bama ED