Some stories take a little longer to write.
It's been more than three months since this Florida adventure, and I finally feel ready to put it into words. At the time, Don and I didn't realize this getaway would become a much-needed pause before life changed completely. Just days after we returned home, my mom's health declined rapidly, and the weeks that followed were spent supporting her through the final chapter of her life.Looking back now, I'm especially grateful for this trip. What began as a peaceful escape exploring the Everglades together became a joyful reunion in Key West with three of our favorite girls. It was a vacation filled with nature, laughter, connection, and moments that quietly prepared our hearts for the season that was about to come.
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Some vacations are all about one destination. Others feel like two completely different adventures rolled into one—and that's exactly what made this Florida getaway so memorable.
Don and I began our journey immersed in the wild beauty of Everglades National Park. We traded busy schedules for quiet boardwalks, winding waterways, incredible wildlife, and the peaceful rhythm that only nature can provide. After a few days of exploring together, we headed south to Key West, where three special girls joined us for a completely different kind of adventure. Suddenly, our days were filled with colorful streets, waterfront restaurants, sunset celebrations, and the simple joy of spending time together.
Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. The Everglades gave us space to slow down and reconnect with nature. Key West reminded us that some of the best travel memories come from sharing new experiences with the people you love. Together, they created the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and connection.
It was the perfect reminder that retirement has given us the freedom to enjoy both kinds of travel—peaceful time together as a couple and unforgettable moments with the people we love most.
Here's a look at one Florida adventure that offered the best of both worlds.
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Wednesday, March 25
We boarded an afternoon flight and headed straight to our hotel to check in. This first leg was all about Everglades National Park, so we stayed in a hotel in Florida City, just a few minutes from everything Everglades.
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| Tru Hotel in Florida City - definitely a hotel for the younger crowd. :) |
Thursday, March 26
The next morning we woke up early to check off a bucket list item, an airboat ride through the Everglades Swamps. It was exactly what we expected, so much fun and we had a private boat also.
After the airboat ride, the rest of the day was exploring the Everglades. We had to stop at this roadside stand, Robert Is Here, it was highly recommended as one of those roadside attractions you can't miss and it was about 5 minutes from our hotel.
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| the smoothies came highly recommended! And they delivered. |
Next stop...entering Everglades!
Lots of boardwalk "hikes" along the water. Lots of alligators and beautiful views. It was a great day exploring!
Friday, March 27
The next morning we began the trek to Key West from the Miami area. I had researched stops along the way and we had a great time driving the Overseas Highway!
First stop was Rain Barrel Village on Islamadora. It was fun and we got the obligatory picture in front of Betsy, the famous lobster!
Next stop was Marathon Key and we had a great luch with a view at Island Fish Co.
We arrived at our 3 bedroom AirBnB in Key West in time to relax before picking Katie up at the Key West airport. The house was right off Duval Street and we were able to walk everywhere. The inside was beautiful and we appreciated the back yard oasis...lots of space to relax and enjoy family time with the girls.
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| It wouldn't be Key West without a bar at the baggage claim area |
We picked up Katie and spent the evening exploring Duval Street and the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Carleigh and Elisabeth weren't scheduled to land until closer to 10:00 pm.
Saturday, March 28
With the family all together, Saturday was a beach day. We headed to Fort Zachary Taylor and enjoyed their beautiful beach!
Sunday, March 29
On our final day together, we found a great breakfast and then made our way to the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. It was a lot of fun, especially the time with the butterflies and birds flying freely.
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| Lovebirds!! |
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Afternoon cocktail break at Willie T's - another perk of traveling with your adult children!!
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| Another epic Key Lime Pie |
Monday, March 30
Katie had an early morning flight home, so after dropping her at the airport we headed to tour the Earnest Hemmingway House with Carleigh and Elisabeth.
As our Florida adventure came to an end, we made a last-minute decision to change our plans. Instead of driving back across the state, we returned our rental car at the Key West airport and caught a flight home. At the time, it simply felt like the easiest way to get back. Looking back, I'm grateful we trusted that instinct.
We returned home with more than photos and memories. We carried the quiet beauty of the Everglades, the laughter of family in Key West, and hearts refreshed by time spent together.
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