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And just like that, my vacation to the Southern Most Point on the Continental US is over...but it is one I'll never forget.

It all started on the 4th of July when Jessica, David & I flew down to Orlando to meet up with Allyson & Dave. They picked us up from the airport and we headed to Miami. This was the first time I drove down the Florida Turnpike and was introduced to "Service Plazas" that can be found every few miles. I don't even know how to describe these service plazas....they're basically gas stations with a food court. We stopped a one to grab a quick meal...wow...just wow...let's just say those KFC workers weren't too concerned about customer service. Good thing the service improved as the trip went on.

On Monday the 5th, we packed up again to start our drive South....our goal was to drive till the road ended. But, we had to make quick stop in South Beach. And what's a stop in South Beach without a stop at Nikki Beach?!

We made it to Key West by early evening and headed down to Duval Street for drinks & some food. We called a cab so we wouldn't have to worry about finding parking...or driving...as they have an open container law here....but I digress...the cab arrives, but it's an Escape, so I don't know how they expected to fit 5 people. So, Guinn, Ally, Jessica & myself jump in the backseat...well, 3 of us get in, but Jessica took a bit longer and before she's in the backseat, the driver takes off...so there she is, holding on to the door & hopping along side. We're screaming at the driver to stop...and when he does, she's able to get to begin our adventure. Thankfully she was not injured.

Remember my comment about bad service...well we hit up Sloppy Joe's for dinner & drinks...we find a 5 top and sit down...we sit there for what seems like forever and our server is no where to be found. Several other server's tell us she's on her way...but nothing...finally our actual server comes up to say that she'll be back for our orders in a bit....well that bit comes & goes...finally Dave goes up to the bar to get us drinks so we could bounce. We like to call Dave "Diamond Dave"...anyway, Diamond Dave tells the bartender what happened and next thing we know, our drinks are comped, the manager talks to our former server & we're seating in a new section. Horrible service had been redeemed.

Jessica & I post initial bad service

After Sloppy Joe's we took a stroll down Duval Street and end up at the Bull & Whistle...we go up to the second story balcony & met a few other SEC fans. Sadly, none of them were Vol fans, but Jessica, Ally & myself made up for it by singing Rocky Top before we left...we love our Vols.

Our view of Duval Street

The major "to do" item for Tuesday was our"Reefs & Rita's" FURY snorkeling adventure. Keep in mind that fish freak me out...but I figured..."you know what, I'm on vacation....why not..." So we get on the boat and start collecting our gear...the dude was trying to hand me regular black snorkel, but hello...I needed the pink one.

When it was all said and done, I was very happy I decided to give it a try. Not only did I survive, I saw a cute little sea turtle & a reef shark. Oh, and as we were walking off the ramp someone calls out, "are you a Vol fan?" Forgetting I had my camo Power T hat on, I spun around looking kind of confused. Turns out one of the FURY crew guys was from Winchester. The same Winchester that former kicker Jeff Hall & Phillip Fulmer called home.

I had to have a snack on the way back to the car...so I settled for key lime pie...on a stick.

We headed to Stock Island for dinner at the Hogfish Bar & Grill. In hindsight, I should have ordered the hogfish...it was amazing. But my rock lobster & crab cakes were out of this world. I've been up to Annapolis & Baltimore, MD and those crab cakes were good, but no where near as soft & moist as the one's I got at Hogfish.

If you're down in the Keys...I highly suggest you stop by for dinner...you won't be sorry. Everything about this place was amazing...the setting...the food & the service. Do you see a theme about good service yet?

After dinner we headed back to Duval Street so I could do a little tourist shopping. Had to make a pit stop at Margaritaville. We met Vol fan #2 there...the cashier was from Middle Tennessee and moved to the Keys a few years ago...hum...I'm seeing a pattern here...live in Tennessee for a bit, then move even farther south....I like it.

Pinky & the Brain (I'm the Brain)

Wednesday was my last night in the Keys, as I have to be in Vegas on Friday...(tough life, I know)...but I had to stop at Kermit's Key Lime Shoppe & indulge in ever more pie. I even got some cookies to take home...I love cookies.

We also made a pit stop at the Hemingway House and go to visit some of the six toed cats.

Charlie Chaplin

We wandered around Mallory Square for a little while, then it was time to head to dinner. After our Hogfish experience, we knew it was going to be tough to top...but we found a place called "The Flaming Buoy Fliet Co." In my opinion, this is another "must visit"...it's a little off the beaten path and seats maybe 20-25 people, but not only was the owner/server awesome...the food was out of this world. I love bacon & I love scallops...put them together and I was in heaven.

Best meal ever

Goodbye Key West, for now...