Tuesday, July 11, 2006

My Windshield on the World, Part 4: The US-1 Edition

There's just something about the road. Maybe it's the consistency. Maybe it's the idea of beginnings and endings. Maybe it's everything in between.
Come rain or delayed planes or lack of sleep due to the loud hotel, I was going to drive down
US-1, through the Keys.
Don't ask me why.
(Please. My mother does that enough for everyone).
Just something I had to do.
Map. Car. Buffett. I was on my way.
___________________________

I reserved a rental online. They called it something like an "economy car." I'm generally very economical.
They ran out.
Here's what I was issued instead:

Let the cliche begin.

I think it was fate.

I started the drive early, watching the sun rise over Miami.

When I finally hit US-1 past Florida City (I think), I had my first sight of the Two Lane Temptation. I was all Christmas morning excited- you know, where you get that feeling in your gut that you're in a great moment? That feeling. It would last most of the drive.

The sight of the ocean on the right AND the left never grew old. I was amazed each time I looked out into the never ending horizons.



The Bridge?

Nice.

All Seven Miles of it.

And finally, I reached the end.

Mile 0.

Naturally, it was time for some rest and a drink.

A trip I'm so glad to have taken.

Time well spent.

9 comments:

Runner Girl FL said...

You had a beautiful day for your trip!! Even for those of us on the coast the never ending sea in all directions is amazing when we make that drive. I'm glad you had a good time. I know you had your KLP but did you also get the Cheeseburger for the paradise local?

Legs and Wings said...

Driving does something to us...kind of like what happens on a long run. Great pics. I'm glad you're having a good trip.

justacoolcat said...

I'm there soaking in the warm Carib relaxed and weightless.

Ok, really I'm not. I'm here in MN and very jealous.

deepThoughts said...

Love those pictures and the cool car!!

I know where I am going for my next vacation :)

Just don't know when!

Sizzle said...

man do i MISS the ocean.

great pics. good for you for taking a solo adventure. i need to plan one of those.

Bre said...

I love that car. Honestly, I LOVE that car and have been plotting to get one for my very own for a few years - so naturally I'm terribly jealous that you got to drive one!

Your trip looks fan-tastic! I hope you drank one for me! :)

Ginger Breadman said...

I was just thinking on my run today that I hadn't seen pictures of your drive yet. You did a great job of describing the feeling of 'being in the moment'. Cool to watch the sunrise over Miami too. What a great drive.

puerileuwaite said...

Love the keys. You have me reminiscing about my trip there back in '98. It's been too long. Hope you had a chance to get out on the water.

Celina said...

Sounds/Looks like it was an awesome trip! And, the car suited it Just Right!