Hi friends! Long time, no write. I’ve been busy trying to keep both arms and legs inside this wild ride I call life and you can only imagine how that is going. But I did carve out a little time for a much-needed adventure. I landed in Marathon, FL for 4 days of island life without the RV. I ate and drank and explored my way around my new favorite spot in the Florida Keys. I even serendipitously met another solo traveling lady I’ve only spoken with virtually for the past few years, what a wild story that is! But all around it was an amazing getaway.
So much happened on this short little trip, it’s hard to pick just one story.
Such as the fishing charter captain that eagerly greeted me with, “GOOD MORNING!” as I turned to look at him at the gas station at 7am. It’s ok buddy. It’s early and I excitedly mistake complete strangers for people I know all the time too.
Or the fact that I TWICE tried to get into the wrong car! Apparently, I think every dark grey car is mine. They weren’t even the same model or even make for crying out loud. “Nope, that’s not my car,” was said 2 too many times out loud during this trip.
And then there was the long line of cars that I’m sure wanted to toss a Molotov cocktail out their window as I turned off the highway. You’re in the Keys dummies, what is the damn hurry? I was going 3 miles an hour over the speed limit passing police officers every other car. Anyway, this gigantic IGUANA (Why are they even a thing? They creep me the hell out.) jumped out of the bushes in front of me to eat something in the middle of my lane of travel, presumably something dead. Dirty lizard. I slowed down and swerved to miss his dumbass. Let’s be honest if I would have hit that monster, knowing my luck it probably would have totaled my car. Could you imagine how hard it would be for me to find my RENTAL car when I can’t even find the one that I have driven every day for the last year now? No thank you. My life is hard enough as it is.
Anyway, on to the real story that I brought you all here for. First order of business upon check-in is always, strip the bedding back to check for any rando short and curlies or creepy crawlies. Neither of which I will be sharing accommodations with. All of this happens before I bring one shred of my personal items inside any rental. I’m funny about that, well, I’m funny about A LOT of things but that’s another story for another day.
Opening drawers, cabinets, closets, I decide the place has passed my inspection and I will, in fact, be staying at this adorable little cottage complete with my own private patio. I take a load off in one of the outdoor chairs after a stressful drive to research local establishments to kick off my rum runner tour. As I am minding my own damn business, this locust or an equally enormous and terrifying bug that obviously has no sense of direction nor personal space flies right into MY HAIR!
I jump up, screaming and swatting wildly and trip right over the chair I was just sitting in. Of course, at this point, we all know I have trouble staying upright under normal circumstances, and down I go. But not before I bounce off the decorative shrubs and land half on, half off the outdoor table. One hand is positioned on the table and the other? lands directly next to these, inches from MY FACE…
Give yourself the gift of spontaneous, solo travel to The Keys, it never disappoints.
