The adventures of Tiggerdad (A collection of camping locations, mishaps, reviews, alterations, food, and whatever else I can find)

[tiggerdad]

So I should of had this done few days ago, but when you take vacation when you return it's usually to a mess at work and this was no exception.

So Randy and I had to cancel Yellowstone (which by strange coincidence would of been closed while we were there due to recent flooding) so we opted to plan B which was skip campers and split cost of a house in Key West for the week.

I left my house last Friday morning and met Randy at his house in Grand Bay, napped a few hours and hit the road. 16 hours drive straight through. We delayed our departure a few hours to let the tropical storm roll through. Randy took all three Bassett hounds but they were a little cramped in his truck so Fred rode with us. DW provided the bed for him.



We arrived safe and sound in Geiger Key just east of Key West and right off runway of NAS Key West.














So Saturday was long travel in rain, but when we got to the house the rain had cleared and the sun was a shining. Tomorrow I'll post pics from our Sunday, which was essentially a sit and rest day, explore around property day.

 

[Teamubr]

The house looks great. Where was it? In Key West, proper?

You'll have to let me know the "go to" places. We'll be down in October, staying at Boyd's.- It's been about 5 or 6 years since we were in KW.

j

 

[friendofeeyore]

Pictures looks great. Glad all went great! Your Mom still in my prayers!

 

[tiggerdad]

Jim, it's located in Geiger Key. On 3 acres by itself. The original plans around it were to put up lots of other houses, but it never happened. The canals we're cut and there was a picture from the early 70s upstairs that showed the plans and house lots but ultimately it got turned back into a wildlife refuge. Just an FYI, it's on the market, 2.3 mil I believe. Pocket change for some of you likely.

In pic below it's the blue dot. You can see the other canals dug but never utilized


Panning out a bit you can see the shallow bay around it and the overseas highway running east to west.


You can see the NAS just west of house. We got pretty goodshowsof jets including f18 fighters coming and going alot.


In next pic you can see Key West. About 15 minute drive, not bad at all.


Randy brought his kayaks with him so on our first full day he took them out, along with Cletus in his life jacket.


He was helping with catch and release too.


I tried a shot at it in his smaller kayak.


Randy, not going to be outdone, broke out the motor... Yes, the motor.


I tried to keep up, but he shamed me heavily.


That evening we watched the sunset from upstairs balcony.


Next day, Dry Tortuga's National Park. Will post them tomorrow, it's a bunch!

 

[4077]

Jim, it's located in Geiger Key. On 3 acres by itself. The original plans around it were to put up lots of other houses, but it never happened. The canals we're cut and there was a picture from the early 70s upstairs that showed the plans and house lots but ultimately it got turned back into a wildlife refuge. Just an FYI, it's on the market, 2.3 mil I believe. Pocket change for some of you likely.

In pic below it's the blue dot. You can see the other canals dug but never utilized
View attachment 677327

Panning out a bit you can see the shallow bay around it and the overseas highway running east to west.
View attachment 677328

You can see the NAS just west of house. We got pretty goodshowsof jets including f18 fighters coming and going alot.
View attachment 677329

In next pic you can see Key West. About 15 minute drive, not bad at all.
View attachment 677330

Randy brought his kayaks with him so on our first full day he took them out, along with Cletus in his life jacket.
View attachment 677334

He was helping with catch and release too.
View attachment 677335

I tried a shot at it in his smaller kayak.
View attachment 677350

Randy, not going to be outdone, broke out the motor... Yes, the motor.
View attachment 677349

I tried to keep up, but he shamed me heavily.
View attachment 677351

That evening we watched the sunset from upstairs balcony.
View attachment 677352

Next day, Dry Tortuga's National Park. Will post them tomorrow, it's a bunch!

Beautiful! Haven’t been in years… makes you want to go back for sure!

 

[tiggerdad]

So the next day was Dry Tortuga's. Now for this, you got two options: ride large boat or go by plane. Bring as I haven't won the lottery we took boat. You can sit inside in air conditioning or ride out on main deck. After a bit there is nothing behind you but open gulf.

We went up front to look around after breakfast, which was a bagel with cream cheese and juice. There is a counter service option available, water, soda, mixed drinks, burgers, coffee, etc.


After about two hours the island appeared.




Oh, I did mention the higher ups could go by plane.


Finally can say I've made Dry Tortuga's National Park


Looking down the full length of lower wall


The lighthouse on the fort.


Powder magazine is the rounded roof building in background. The remnants of one of two barracks there as well. Each of barracks was 3 stories tall.




Too many pics for one post, so after church I'll post some more.

 

[Stratman50th]

Loved Fort Jefferson!
While we walked around for a bit, we really went over for the snorkeling. Before we went we got my wife corrective lens inserts for her face mask. First time she's had her face under water since she was seven. I love the Keys! Thanks to you guys, it's Time to head back down!

 

[friendofeeyore]

Enjoying your adventures!

 

[tiggerdad]

Sorry, things is quite busy as of late so I am back and trying to post up more pics. I'm finding it is actually easier to post reports while I'm still on vacation.

More from Dry Tortuga's.

The views out to the gulffrom the fort are great.









Some views back inside the grounds




A closer view of lighthouse.


Oh, and this the boat that we all rode on.

 

[tiggerdad]

I should be giving you guys a trip report from Gulf State, but we had to cancel. Finally settled on plan for mom's cancer and she has opted for surgery over treatment. Problem is her blood pressure is almost as stubborn as she is and new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation had to be gotten under control.

Plan was to have surgery this morning but surgeon had to move it to tomorrow morning. Works out honestly. I was already on vacation so didn't have to move and of my patients around.

Will update as we go.

 

[garneska]

Good luck to you and your mom.

 

[FtW Mike]

Michael we will add your mom and your entire family to my discussions with GUS and ask he show his love for all of you in ways you may come to see and understand

 

[JETS70]

Prayers for your mom Michael and all those providing her care.

 

[bama_ed]

Great pics of your trip, @tiggerdad. And good luck with your mom. ED

 

[tiggerdad]

Surgery took about 4 hours but they feel pretty good they removed all the cancer. Surgeon did not see any abnormal lymph nodes. We wait for the pathology report.

ICU reports she had an uneventful night. Painful but no concerns.

 

[FtW Mike]

That sounds like very good news Michael. Send your Mom our hopes for a full and speedy recovery

 

[garneska]

Good news. Good thoughts for her and a speedy recovery.

 

[Teamubr]

That's great, Michael.

j

 

[Part-Time Paradise]

Surgery took about 4 hours but they feel pretty good they removed all the cancer. Surgeon did not see any abnormal lymph nodes. We wait for the pathology report.

ICU reports she had an uneventful night. Painful but no concerns.

Good news.

 

[friendofeeyore]

Great News on your Mom! Prayers for a quick recovery!