Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Key West
| [GMCnet] Key West [message #73685] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 01:12  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
I'm working on our trip plan for this summer and was wondering if there's
anyplace reasonable priced to camp in Key West and is it worth driving all
the way out there?
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73692 is a reply to message #73685] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 03:39  |
Rusty
Messages: 197
Registered: October 2005
Location: Philadelphia Pa
Karma: 0
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DEFINITLY drive the overseas highway down to the Keys if you get the chance. The whole distance is only 150 miles or so, maybe 3 hours from Homestead. Very few places if any, you can find where the ocean is on both sides as you drive down the coast. Hundreds up places on the way down to stop and jump into warm blue water to cool your heels and check out the scenery.
If you like salt water fishing it goes without saying to bring your stuff.
There are tons of RV campgrounds along the way. The ones in Key West itself are somewhat pricey. Key West is extremely crowded. Very touristy. I've done several RV trips in SOB's down to the Keys. Back in the 80's we rented a Winny in Orlando, stuffed it full of music and studio recording equipment, and headed down. we parked off the curb next to the entrance to Sloppy Joes Bar in Key West on Duval street. Stayed there without moving for a whole week. You could never do that now. The door to the coach was maybe 20 feet from the bar. They leave the huge sliding bar doors open during the warm days. I have, just a few memories, of that week.
What I would do, is this: Contact Bahi Honda State Park, on Big Pine Key, and make a reservation. Its only 15 minutes from the congested Key West. Much more peaceful for camping, and pristine beaches. Then you can day trip with or without the coach into Key West.
Now heres a tip for you. Theres a great free public beach with free parking under palm trees, in Key West right here (theres a street view option here):
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.551366,-81.773748&spn=0.001517,0.002068&t=h&z=19
You cannot park there overnight. Which means: at 5am it opens. If you get up early and head down you are guaranteed a free beachfront parking spot for the coach all day until 11pm. You can rent scooters right there. So you can alternate hanging out on the beach, scooting off into the town for siteseeing, taking a nap out of the sun in the coach during the day to recharge, and rent a sailboat or do parasailing LOL . Then go have dinner , come back to the coach for a beach front nightcap, and head back to the campground at Bahia Honda state park for the night 15 mins away. Wake up the next day and do it all over again.
Another tip is Zachary Taylor state park in Key West :
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.546372,-81.810105&spn=0.003035,0.004136&t=h&z=18
I do not think you can stay overnight, but its the most pristine beach in Key West. I think its 10 bucks to park there for the day, which means its not nearly as crowded, really really pretty beach and ocean lookout point.
You absolutely must check out the Wharf area, cruise ship area, downtown key west proper, and absolutely without question try out the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key (you can just google it) they have the best and most huge portions of fried clams I have ever seen and eaten. Getting there is like driving into the pine barrens but believe me its there at the end of the road.
Heres Bahia Honda State park
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.655432,-81.279774&spn=0.003032,0.004136&t=h&z=18
Oh and one more tip. When I was down there last time and found Bahia Honda, we drove around it and found these beachfront tent-only camping spots. But they are PERFECT for our small GMC's ! You MAY get lucky and get a nice guard who will let you stay overnight for one or two nights. Thats my hope, anyway, when I eventually take my coach down some time. Here it is:
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=24.661568,-81.263562&spn=0.001516,0.002068&z=19
Email me if you want additional info
Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa
[Updated on: Sat, 13 February 2010 03:57] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73695 is a reply to message #73692] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 06:34 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Rusty,
SOLD!
Thanks,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Rusty
Sent: Saturday, 13 February 2010 8:39 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Key West
DEFINITLY drive the overseas highway down to the Keys if you get the chance.
The whole distance is only 150 miles or so, maybe 3 hours from Homestead.
Very few places if any, you can find where the ocean is on both sides as you
drive down the coast. Hundreds up places on the way down to stop and jump
into warm blue water to cool your heels and check out the scenery.
If you like salt water fishing it goes without saying to bring your stuff.
There are tons of RV campgrounds along the way. The ones in Key West itself
are somewhat pricey. Key West is extremely crowded. Very touristy. I've
done several RV trips in SOB's down to the Keys. Back in the 80's we rented
a Winny in Orlando, stuffed it full of music and studio recording equipment,
and headed down. we parked off the curb next to the entrance to Sloppy Joes
Bar in Key West on Duval street. Stayed there without moving for a whole
week. You could never do that now. The door to the coach was maybe 20 feet
from the bar. They leave the huge sliding bar doors open during the warm
days. I have, just a few memories, of that week.
What I would do, is this: Contact Bahi Honda State Park, on Big Pine Key,
and make a reservation. Its only 15 minutes from the congested Key West.
Much more peaceful for camping, and pristine beaches. Then you can day trip
with or without the coach into Key West.
Now heres a tip for you. Theres a great free public beach with free parking
under palm trees, in Key West right here:
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.551366,-81.773748&spn=0.001517,0.00206
8&t=h&z=19
You cannot park there overnight. Which means: at 5am it opens. If you get
up early and head down you are guaranteed a free beachfront parking spot for
the coach all day until 11pm. You can rent scooters right there. So you can
alternate hanging out on the beach, scooting off into the town for
siteseeing, taking a nap out of the sun in the coach during the day to
recharge, and rent a sailboat or do parasailing LOL . Then go have dinner
, come back to the coach for a beach front nightcap, and head back to the
campground at Bahia Honda state park for the night 15 mins away. Wake up the
next day and do it all over again.
Another tip is Zachary Taylor state park in Key West :
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.546372,-81.810105&spn=0.003035,0.00413
6&t=h&z=18
I do not think you can stay overnight, but its the most pristine beach in
Key West. I think its 10 bucks to park there for the day, which means its
not nearly as crowded, really really pretty beach and ocean lookout point.
You absolutely must check out the Wharf area, cruise ship area, downtown key
west proper, and absolutely without question try out the No Name Pub on Big
Pine Key (you can just google it) they have the best and most huge portions
of fried clams I have ever seen and eaten. Getting there is like driving
into the pine barrens but believe me its there at the end of the road.
Email me if you want additional info
--
Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73696 is a reply to message #73695] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 07:28 |
mlincoln
Messages: 107
Registered: August 2006
Location: Salt Lake City
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Rob,
Bahi Honda is _very_ nice. I like the mid-Keys the most. The upper Keys are very busy and touristy (think college drinking parties), but are the site of departure for snorkel trips to the National Park/reef, an important consideration. Key West is very touristy but worth driving into at least: you can see and tour Hemingway's home, for example. You can also depart from there by boat for the Dry Tortugas (basically an old fort with cannons aimed outwards at the British and their vassals, the Australians!). The Tortugas have excellent snorkeling.
The old road parallels the new road, and parts of it are standing. Those parts have often been reinforced, repaired, and turned into piers or highway peninsulas that you can drive out upon to fish. I can't recall if I've seen RVs there, but I've seen big pickups with trailers of gear so I'm sure you can find a way to use them with the GMC.
As ever when driving in Florida, remember to bring your rolls of quarters for the tolls. The highway in the Keys is toll free, but you have to get there first.
Mike
On Feb 13, 2010, at 7:34 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:
> Rusty,
>
> SOLD!
>
> Thanks,
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Rusty
> Sent: Saturday, 13 February 2010 8:39 PM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Key West
>
> DEFINITLY drive the overseas highway down to the Keys if you get the chance.
> The whole distance is only 150 miles or so, maybe 3 hours from Homestead.
> Very few places if any, you can find where the ocean is on both sides as you
> drive down the coast. Hundreds up places on the way down to stop and jump
> into warm blue water to cool your heels and check out the scenery.
>
> If you like salt water fishing it goes without saying to bring your stuff.
>
> There are tons of RV campgrounds along the way. The ones in Key West itself
> are somewhat pricey. Key West is extremely crowded. Very touristy. I've
> done several RV trips in SOB's down to the Keys. Back in the 80's we rented
> a Winny in Orlando, stuffed it full of music and studio recording equipment,
> and headed down. we parked off the curb next to the entrance to Sloppy Joes
> Bar in Key West on Duval street. Stayed there without moving for a whole
> week. You could never do that now. The door to the coach was maybe 20 feet
> from the bar. They leave the huge sliding bar doors open during the warm
> days. I have, just a few memories, of that week.
>
> What I would do, is this: Contact Bahi Honda State Park, on Big Pine Key,
> and make a reservation. Its only 15 minutes from the congested Key West.
> Much more peaceful for camping, and pristine beaches. Then you can day trip
> with or without the coach into Key West.
>
> Now heres a tip for you. Theres a great free public beach with free parking
> under palm trees, in Key West right here:
>
> http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.551366,-81.773748&spn=0.001517,0.00206
> 8&t=h&z=19
>
> You cannot park there overnight. Which means: at 5am it opens. If you get
> up early and head down you are guaranteed a free beachfront parking spot for
> the coach all day until 11pm. You can rent scooters right there. So you can
> alternate hanging out on the beach, scooting off into the town for
> siteseeing, taking a nap out of the sun in the coach during the day to
> recharge, and rent a sailboat or do parasailing LOL . Then go have dinner
> , come back to the coach for a beach front nightcap, and head back to the
> campground at Bahia Honda state park for the night 15 mins away. Wake up the
> next day and do it all over again.
>
> Another tip is Zachary Taylor state park in Key West :
>
> http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.546372,-81.810105&spn=0.003035,0.00413
> 6&t=h&z=18
>
> I do not think you can stay overnight, but its the most pristine beach in
> Key West. I think its 10 bucks to park there for the day, which means its
> not nearly as crowded, really really pretty beach and ocean lookout point.
>
> You absolutely must check out the Wharf area, cruise ship area, downtown key
> west proper, and absolutely without question try out the No Name Pub on Big
> Pine Key (you can just google it) they have the best and most huge portions
> of fried clams I have ever seen and eaten. Getting there is like driving
> into the pine barrens but believe me its there at the end of the road.
>
> Email me if you want additional info
>
> --
> Rusty
> 75 Glenbrook
> Philadelphia Pa
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Mike
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73714 is a reply to message #73696] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 11:36 |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Rob, Bob and I agree you don't want to miss Key West. You may want to go
there before summer vacations, during the cooler months. It can get pretty
warm down there.
Next time we go, we must find the "No Name Pub" sounds like our kind of
place. Enjoy!
Sandra Price
On Sat, Feb 13, 2010 at 7:28 AM, Michael Lincoln <mlincoln1@gmail.com>wrote:
> Hi Rob,
>
> Bahi Honda is _very_ nice. I like the mid-Keys the most. The upper Keys
> are very busy and touristy (think college drinking parties), but are the
> site of departure for snorkel trips to the National Park/reef, an important
> consideration. Key West is very touristy but worth driving into at least:
> you can see and tour Hemingway's home, for example. You can also depart
> from there by boat for the Dry Tortugas (basically an old fort with cannons
> aimed outwards at the British and their vassals, the Australians!). The
> Tortugas have excellent snorkeling.
>
> The old road parallels the new road, and parts of it are standing. Those
> parts have often been reinforced, repaired, and turned into piers or highway
> peninsulas that you can drive out upon to fish. I can't recall if I've seen
> RVs there, but I've seen big pickups with trailers of gear so I'm sure you
> can find a way to use them with the GMC.
>
> As ever when driving in Florida, remember to bring your rolls of quarters
> for the tolls. The highway in the Keys is toll free, but you have to get
> there first.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> On Feb 13, 2010, at 7:34 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:
>
> > Rusty,
> >
> > SOLD!
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Rob Mueller
> > Sydney, Australia
> > AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> > USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> > [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Rusty
> > Sent: Saturday, 13 February 2010 8:39 PM
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Key West
> >
> > DEFINITLY drive the overseas highway down to the Keys if you get the
> chance.
> > The whole distance is only 150 miles or so, maybe 3 hours from Homestead.
> > Very few places if any, you can find where the ocean is on both sides as
> you
> > drive down the coast. Hundreds up places on the way down to stop and jump
> > into warm blue water to cool your heels and check out the scenery.
> >
> > If you like salt water fishing it goes without saying to bring your
> stuff.
> >
> > There are tons of RV campgrounds along the way. The ones in Key West
> itself
> > are somewhat pricey. Key West is extremely crowded. Very touristy. I've
> > done several RV trips in SOB's down to the Keys. Back in the 80's we
> rented
> > a Winny in Orlando, stuffed it full of music and studio recording
> equipment,
> > and headed down. we parked off the curb next to the entrance to Sloppy
> Joes
> > Bar in Key West on Duval street. Stayed there without moving for a whole
> > week. You could never do that now. The door to the coach was maybe 20
> feet
> > from the bar. They leave the huge sliding bar doors open during the warm
> > days. I have, just a few memories, of that week.
> >
> > What I would do, is this: Contact Bahi Honda State Park, on Big Pine
> Key,
> > and make a reservation. Its only 15 minutes from the congested Key West.
> > Much more peaceful for camping, and pristine beaches. Then you can day
> trip
> > with or without the coach into Key West.
> >
> > Now heres a tip for you. Theres a great free public beach with free
> parking
> > under palm trees, in Key West right here:
> >
> >
> http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.551366,-81.773748&spn=0.001517,0.00206
> > 8&t=h&z=19
> >
> > You cannot park there overnight. Which means: at 5am it opens. If you
> get
> > up early and head down you are guaranteed a free beachfront parking spot
> for
> > the coach all day until 11pm. You can rent scooters right there. So you
> can
> > alternate hanging out on the beach, scooting off into the town for
> > siteseeing, taking a nap out of the sun in the coach during the day to
> > recharge, and rent a sailboat or do parasailing LOL . Then go have
> dinner
> > , come back to the coach for a beach front nightcap, and head back to the
> > campground at Bahia Honda state park for the night 15 mins away. Wake up
> the
> > next day and do it all over again.
> >
> > Another tip is Zachary Taylor state park in Key West :
> >
> >
> http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=24.546372,-81.810105&spn=0.003035,0.00413
> > 6&t=h&z=18
> >
> > I do not think you can stay overnight, but its the most pristine beach in
> > Key West. I think its 10 bucks to park there for the day, which means
> its
> > not nearly as crowded, really really pretty beach and ocean lookout
> point.
> >
> > You absolutely must check out the Wharf area, cruise ship area, downtown
> key
> > west proper, and absolutely without question try out the No Name Pub on
> Big
> > Pine Key (you can just google it) they have the best and most huge
> portions
> > of fried clams I have ever seen and eaten. Getting there is like driving
> > into the pine barrens but believe me its there at the end of the road.
> >
> > Email me if you want additional info
> >
> > --
> > Rusty
> > 75 Glenbrook
> > Philadelphia Pa
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
IN GOD WE TRUST!
Sandra and Bob in the 51st Year of our State of Marriage
“Life’s a Trip” in “The Roadhouse”
’73 Painted Desert
Huntsville, TX
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love
as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or
insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so
that you may inherit a blessing. --1 Peter 3:8-9
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73718 is a reply to message #73714] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 12:23 |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Many folks wanting to visit Key West stay at Boyds on Stock Island. You can google it and go to their website. Also, remember that some Florida State Parks have restrictions on pets, and I recall Bahia Honda is one of them. And when I say restrictions, I mean "no pets". For some strange reason, small children ARE allowed????!!!!!!
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73721 is a reply to message #73685] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 12:45 |
Oldngray
Messages: 544
Registered: August 2009
Location: Punta Gorda Florida
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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If you are going to Bahia Honda SP, best check for Reservations, it is very popular.
Richard MacDonald
Punta Gorda, Florida
Sold our TZE April 2015
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73722 is a reply to message #73685] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 13:25 |
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I am living for the winter as we speak in the middle keys and we have been spending our winters here for the past 12 years. Obviously, we love it.
If anyone is coming down and wants some specific information please don't hesitate to e-mail me direct or call me. I'm on the Black List.
Bill Brown - '77 Buckeye Cruiser
Coshocton OH
carguybill@sbcglobal.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Key West [message #73748 is a reply to message #73685] |
Sat, 13 February 2010 18:41 |
nchapekis
Messages: 165
Registered: February 2004
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 13 February 2010 02:12 |
I'm working on our trip plan for this summer and was wondering if there's anyplace reasonable priced to camp in Key West and is it worth driving all the way out there?
|
We stayed at this place and would definitely go back:
www.geigerkeymarina.com
It's located just the other side of the Naval Air Station from Key West, about a five minute drive from town. Lots of locals hang out there and they have an outdoor tiki bar with a full menu, plus a live band on the weekends. The campground itself is more like a gravel parking lot, but so what? It has great atmosphere and the people are extremely friendly. Actually, we had more fun at the campground than we did touring around town; just make sure you're there for the live entertainment.
The campground participates with Passport America (www.passportamerica.com), which is how we found it in the first place. For a $44 membership you'll save 50%, which would make the waterfront full-hookup rate just under $50 per night, a great deal given the primo location.
One other thing we enjoyed in Key West that has not been mentioned on this thread was touring the "Little White House", where President Truman used to vacation.
Nick Chapekis
Ypsilanti, MI
former owner - 78 Kingsley
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Rob they don't take schillings and please stay on the right. Have a great trip.Jack