Last week I was headed to Orlando on a business trip and planned to drop off my son at the airport in Ft. Lauderdale on the way (which was my secret plan to have help with the driving). Just as we landed at the dinghy dock I got a call from Jet Blue and Phillip's flight was canceled due to a snowstorm in Boston. He wouldn't be able to fly out until late Friday night. So right there on the spot I decided he would just come with me with and I'd drop him off on my way back instead. Next thing you know Coleen headed back to the boat to pack a quick bag, and we were off.
The kids had lots of fun at Universal Studios while I was at work. It was a bit cold, but not crowded so they managed to do it all and still pick me up from work by 6 p.m. Next day they slept in while I went to work, then I picked them up and we headed to Ft. Lauderdale. I decided at the last minute to use some of my Hilton points and soon we were checking in to the very posh Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort. They gave us an amazing room on the 18th floor with a balcony. The view from the bed was the Atlantic ocean, and from the balcony you could see the Intercoastal Waterway. Without a doubt the nicest hotel room I've ever seen and best of all it was free :-) We had a nice walk along the beachfront, ordered room service for dinner, and then sent Phillip off in a taxi to the airport. Coleen and I both had luxurious bubble baths in the huge whirlpool tub and then wrapped up in the velvety robes.
Next morning we slept late and then headed down to have breakfast by the pool overlooking the ocean (again complimentary). This was living large! Too soon it was time to head back on the road and by evening we were settled back on our new boat.. missing that super luxurious bathroom!
The next day we still had the car, so we decided at the last minute to drive to Key West for the afternoon. Coleen and I packed a quick picnic and our beach gear and headed out. We had a lovely afternoon at the State park beach, relaxing and watching a huge sailboat race. I've never seen sailboat move so fast. They all had spinnakers. I've just got to learn how to do that!
I sure was tired on the drive home and that's when I realized that within 5 days I'd driven from the Keys to Orlando and back and then to Key West and back. No wonder I was tired!