Fla Keys

A substantial portion of the entire roadway was re-built in the 1980's.

It is no better or no worse than most two lane highway in the nation, except the views are wonderful!

The old Flagler railroad bridges were replaced in the late 70s and early 80s with wider bridges. I worked on that job doing inspection work and running a diving crew.. Lost a few pickup mirrors on those old bridges..

You won't have any problem with the roads if normal 2 lane roads don't bother you. However, the campground fees may cause heartburn.

7 mile bridge is significantly wider than the old one. Now, two semis approaching from opposite directions can pass without fear of losing a mirror. Years ago, the Sheriff's office used to close the old narrow bridges after midnight to bring a mobile home across. Time has significantly changed the complexion of the keys. It's largely unlike anything we remember from 30-40 years ago. I hardly recognize Key West High School, which I attended from the early to mid 60s.:)

There are more things to do but a lot of the charm of the Keys for me is that there aren't huge theme parks and high rises, so you can enjoy the Old Florida pace. Lots of nice thatched tiki bars. Deep sea fishing charters easy to arrange.

There are four state parks worth visiting, though tough to get a camp site especially winter months. All have ranger walks on certain days of the week.

John Pennekamp SP has a marina, small aquarium at the Visitor Center and a water sports shop. There's a glass bottom boat ride you can take to the coral reef offshore. Curry Hammock SP has a nice stretch of sand with waters popular with kayakers and windsurfers. Long Key SP also has canoe and kayak rentals.

Bahia Honda SP has a very nice beach, and is down on Big Pine Key fairly close to Key West. On that key, you also can see the little Key Deer in certain places, like Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge campground, where they walk around the sites.

At Marathon Airport, we enjoyed touring the EAA air museum and walking around their parked planes. Director of Operations Avery Loucks will take you aboard the old Ozark Airlines DC-3, which I loved.

Then of course there are the sights in Key West, like the Mel Fisher treasure museum. One of these years, I want to take the day trip by ferry to Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Plenty of other things I haven't mentioned. Best of all, it is usually warm in February.

DH and I are fairly new to this and when we've read how popular the Keys are we were thinking who in the world would take an RV on those bridges?? Great to hear how things have changed. Would like to make a visit but those cg prices are awful. Will have to give this some thought. thanks for the feedback.

bigblueok wrote:
DH and I are fairly new to this and when we've read how popular the Keys are we were thinking who in the world would take an RV on those bridges?? Great to hear how things have changed. Would like to make a visit but those cg prices are awful. Will have to give this some thought. thanks for the feedback.

You are right about the prices, (location,location,location) but everyone should visit the area, at least once for the experience.

The road and bridges are fine. The vistas are amazing!

Yep, the only problem with going to the Keys is now the DW wants to go back and stay longer.

Did the day trip to Ft. Jefferson/Dry Tortugas NP. Worth every penny!!!!!!!

Keith

The first time I went to the Keys was in 1971 and have been there probably 15 or 20 more times as far as where to stay cheaply you should do what we've done. Get your parents to retire there. They live on Ramrod Key mm 27.5 Some of our favorite places are No Name Pub for pizza the Looe Key reef resort tiki bar (at the end of my parents street) and El Siboney in Key West for a great Cuban meal Also catch the Cat Man at Mallory Square my daughter was in his trained cat show when she was about 8 and loved it