Ringling Museum - Sarasota

[Mike McCarty]

As I began my journey toward Florida, Hrrrricane Agripina I think it was, approached the eastern coast of Florida. Each night in the motel I would watch as it made it's way across the state and headed north. It seemed obvious that we were going to meet one another in the northern part of the state.

I made my way south from Memphis to Biloxi where I spent an extra night trying to allow the beast time enough to pass (The fact that there was a hookers' convention going on at the time had no effect on my decision. Although, It looks like I'll be painting fishnet stockings and spiky heeled shoes long into the future).

The next night, as I approached my turn to head south into Florida, it became apparent that I should have waited another day. I was one of the few vehicles on I-10 being blown left and right. I pulled into a small town and got the last room at the inn. It blew all night, and rained hard until noon the next day as I drove south.

And so, to answer your question Steven, yes, there will be no more hrrrricanes in Florida, ever. During that storm the night before, I made a pact with that higher authority, that if he would get me through that night, and promise never to allow another hrrrricane to hit Florida, I would pass on the next three hookers' conventions I encountered. He/She also promised to make this burning sensation stop.

All things considered I think I got the best of the deal. I haven't always.

[Steven Sweeney]

The fact that there was a hookers convention going on at the time had no effect on my decision.

I would be remiss not to applaud your sacrifice in being willing to compassionately witness their stories.

Word to the wise: there's no real sand in Key West -- it's all trucked in and I'm sure the hrrrikns took most of it out. But go see the six-toed cats at the Hemingway House anyway, and always stand with your back to a wall.

[Michele Rushworth]

...and while in Key West go see the street performers on Mallory Pier at sunset. Back in my wild youth, I was one of them.

[Mike McCarty]

I saw an ad the other day about a high speed boat transport from Fort Myers to Key West. They claimed a 3 1/2 hour trip, instead of a 15 hour drive.

In addition to that, there is a dinner train from here to Fort Myers. I may have to make this journey some day.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Originally Posted by Mike McCarty

I saw an ad the other day about a high speed boat transport from Fort Myers to Key West. They claimed a 3 1/2 trip, instead of a 15 hour drive.

In addition to that, there is a dinner train from here to Fort Myers. I may have to make this journey some day.

Mike such adult luxury! You must go by bus from Miami... then you can get over to Coconut Grove and also check out Vizcaya.

VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

This is an Italian Renaissance-style villa and formal gardens built in 1916 as the winter residence of industrialist James Deering. The house has 34 rooms of 15th through 19th-century antique furnishings and decorative arts. The grounds include over 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains. Vizcaya is one of only two officially designated National Historic Landmarks in Miami-Dade County. Open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The house remains open until 5:00 p.m. and the gardens remain open until 5:30 p.m. The ticket booth closes at 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are often available. Group tours may be arranged by appointment. Wheel chair accessible first floor, complete info at the web site.

[Michele Rushworth]

Ah yes, Vizcaya..... I spent many an hour sketching and painting there. So did Sargent. Too bad none of his brilliance rubbed off on me while I was there!

[Mike McCarty]

If I understand you correctly, I'm to forgo the dinner on the train, the scenic 3 1/2 hour boat ride, and make a 15 hour trip by bus.

Do you think I could split this into two trips?