Key West Magic Bus Test Run

3/15/13 Key West or Bust!

Sunset from Mallory Square

     I decided to take the van down to Key West as a mini test trip to try out the van and make sure everything was copacetic. So I headed down through Miami and decided to follow I-95 down to its end and pick up US 1 the rest of the way. I had no idea South Miami extended down so far. Big mistake, probably added over an hour to the drive and for no good reason.

     I was excited to make the rest of the drive because a friend had recently done it and said it was very scenic and I also saw on a "Scenic Drive" website that it was listed as one of the drives you should do before you die. Well, I can now say I did it, but honestly I wasn't that impressed. It was nice.... and anytime time you come across a 7 Mile long bridge it's got to draw your attention, but to me it was a case of being over-hyped. However, I have done this trip actually plowing through those waters by boat and nothing can compare to that so take my being jaded with a grain of salt. The waters are incredible as well as the sunsets and there are a few parks/scenic trails along the way that I should check out on the way back up.

     I'm happy to report that Mage (what I'm affectionately calling the Magic Bus) did well. The fridge door popped open once, but other than that she did her job flawlessly. I'm even getting better than 15 mpg which is better than I thought I would get.

     I found a parking spot near the main drag (Duval St.) and docked her. Then took a stroll to see Key West in action during Spring Break and St. Patty's Day weekend. I would say that the Spring Break numbers aren't going to break any records, but the green were well represented. 

So an Irishman walks out of a bar....... No really! It can happen!

     After a night on the town it was time to spend the first night in the van. I blacked out the windows, turned on the fan and had a nice uneventful, undisturbed night with the exception of the neighborhood rooster who really must be screwed up by Daylight Savings Time. Someone buy that thing a watch! 

Day two to come......

   "Hi Mom- it's me.....and I'm not in jail!"

     I slept in and was woken up by the police. Apparently Key West is another one of the corporations that believe they have the right to mandate where and where not a person can sleep. There are probably 1000 homeless in Key West sleeping on the street, but Heaven forbid if a guy wants to catch some shuteye in his legally registered, taxes paid, not an eye-sore vehicle. Anyway, I was polite and cooperative and the cop was cool so I got a verbal warning and as bonus he gave me props for the van build.

Very Funny and Talented Street Performer!

     The rest was typical Key West, you know, Eat, Drink, Bar hop, Sun Bathe, Sightseeing, Sunset at Mallory Square.... yada yada yada. I won't bore you with the details. If you want the full experience.... head down there!