Key West 2010

I'm not sure who's idea it was, but TJ, Trevor, Wendy, Roger and I all recently ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) in Key West. At the time we commited to the run a week in the tropics sounded like a great idea. Who knew training during a KY and Seattle winter would be so challenging. Trevor, TJ, Roger, and I schlepped through mile after mile in snow, ice, rain, wind and freezing temps. Wendy, who is now living in the Keys, trained in 70-80 degrees and sunshine all the while tanning as she ran. Can you pick out Wendy?

On Friday Trevor, Sparks, TJ and I flew in into KW and met up with mom and dad who showed us the way to our condo in Cudjoe Key. My uncle Charlie has a house on Cudjoe and is currently living there with Kelly and their 4 kids (my cousins)-ages ranging from 4-10. Charlie took us out on his boat on Saturday for a quick trip over to Bahia Honda State Park. The 70 degree weather was such a contrast to what we left in Kentucky (snowed 8 inches at the house on Saturday). I drove the boat for a bit and learned about the channel signs...red on right when returning from the sea.

The half marathon was on Sunday and everyone did really well. It hurt like hell but I am glad I did it. The venue, volunteers and cheering crowds were wonderful! After the race, in preparation for the open water diving certification class Trevor and I signed up for we were supposed to go snorkling with Charlie, but overcast skies and lethargy from running meant we all took naps and studied our PADI books instead. Dinner was at Kelly and Charlie's that night and we had a great meal, picked up a Land Cruiser BJ 75 loaner truck, and said goodbye to Charlie who was headed to Haiti on Monday to help the earthquake survivors.
Race Times

Roger (friend and co-worker from KY)-1:35
TJ-1:59
Wendy (friend and equine vet from KY)-2:06
Trevor (brother)-2:10
Erin-2:15

Monday AM Trevor and I met up with our diving instructors at InnerSpace Dive Center. My dive mojo was on vacation or something. I passed the tests (sort of) and went through all of the stuff in the pool but I just felt out of sorts so I bailed on the open water dives. I know, I suck. I am still planning on getting the certification though...there is actually a PADI certified dive center in Harrodsburg, KY. Go figure.

On Tuesday, Trevor drove off in the truck to do his open water dives and TJ and I picked up a rental car and then headed into Key West. We ate lunch at a super Cuban restaurant, ate Key Lime Pie dipped in chocolate on a stick and visted the Ernest Hemingway house. Later in the day we met up with the rest of the clan for a ride on the Conch Trolley. The trolley was interesting and despite the fact that I know Sparks was bored out of her mind, she was great. After the trolley TJ and I headed to Wendy, Rick, Harper and Arrow's house to watch the sunset and eat dinner. We ate a lot and drank a bit and played the Wii late into the night. As I write this, my arms are still Wii sore.

Wednesday morning was a tour of the fighter jets at Boca Chia Navy base. Rick is a pilot there and we watched the F-18s take off and saw the F-5 and F-18 up close. He also showed us the details on how the whole process works and we met several of the pilots. The whole experience felt very Top Gunnish...eye roll from Wendy and Rick if they read this. :-) Sparks, Trevor and Mom and Dad visited the Key West Butterfly Conservatory.

Wednesday was also Trevor's birthday so we wrapped up the trip with a dinner for 5 kids and 6 adults at the Square Grouper in Cudjoe Key. I think the adults were all in agreement that it was one of the best big group dinners anyone had experienced in a long time. The food and service was excellent and all of the kids were great.

On Thursday we flew home. The trip to KY was easy and short but Trevor and Sparks had a long, long day. I wonder if Sparks was still as happy as she was in this photo after 12 hours in airports.