Florida Keys / Key West GTG - Oct. 2-9

08/11/2007 11:04:54 AM · #1

Drive from Miami to Key West Oct 2 - 9 , or fly directly to Key West during Columbus Day weekend, Oct 6 - 9 - - - Updated on August 30

You have the option of flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale (often cheaper and only 45 minutes away) and then renting a car to drive through the Keys. If anybody is interested in chipping in for a van (15 passenger maybe?) let me know and I'll check on rates for that possibility.

- - - - Or- Make it a three day weekend GTG. The drive from Miami International airport is a scenic 4 1/2 hours. A little more expensive, but quicker option would be to fly directly into Key West to join those who are already on the GTG.

Posted below the ******'s is the itinerary which will be updated as necessary. If anybody has any ideas to add to the itinerary or suggestions for change, please post them in this thread.

Please post in this thread if you are interested in participating in this GTG. Let me know if you are a "maybe" or a "definite" and also which part (or all) of the GTG you can attend.

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Overview of this get-together (revised on August 30)

This GTG, from October 2 - 9, will be a drive from Miami to Key West and back along the The Overseas Highway(US-1). Those who are unable to make a week long GTG have the option of flying directly into Key West to join us for Columbus Day weekend from Oct. 6 - 9 (or any part).

Starting with our meeting point at the entrance to Everglades National Park all the way south through The Dry Tortugas, there are endless opportunities for photography and fun throughout Miami and the Florida Keys. Most of these opportunities are easily accessible simply by driving and pulling to the side of the road or stopping next to the numerous bridges and taking a short walk. Other means that have been mentioned are to rent boats (power or sail), take sunset cruises, or book a seaplane trip to the Dry Tortugas from Key West. And don't forget the snorkeling and diving on the the tropical reefs that are just offshore.

Itinerary

- - - October 2 - Meet at the visitors center at the southeastern entrance to Everglades National Park. This large visitors center is air conditioned and offers a very informative overview of this park as well as photographic opportunities for those who arrive early. Possible activities here include a walk on The Anhinga Trail which is five minutes away, and a visit to The Alligator Farm which could include an airboat ride in the Everglades.

- - - October 2 - 3 - These two nights will be in the Upper Keys at The Holiday Isle Resort and Tiki Bar in Islamorada. There is a lot to see and do in the Upper Keys and two days here will allow for late arrivals to catch up with us.

- - - October 4 - 5 - On the morning of the 4th, we will continue along the Overseas Highway to the Middle Keys area for two days/nights in Marathon. Excursions here include a snorkeling trip to Sombrero reef, visit to Sombrero Beachwhich is one the most beautiful, yet unknown beaches in the Florida Keys, a visit to The Dolphin Research Center for an up-close encounter with dolphins, back country boat trip in either a rental boat from our Motel or possibly a boat that will be "acquired" by

MelonMusketeer. Deep sea fishing might be possible on a 42 foot sport fisher, again, if

MelonMusketeer can get it for us . The motel has rooms with kitchens (optional) so that we will be able to cook our catch right there.

- - - October 6 - 8 - On the morning of the 6th we will drive to Key West and stay for three nights (the 6th, 7th, and 8th). Those who can't get away for a week long GTG have the option of joining us here. It has been suggested (and I surely agree) that we should stop along the way at mile marker 37 to visit Bahia Honda State Park. In Key West, trips to the Dry Tortugas via seaplaneand and by boat leave from Key West as well as numerous other boating opportunities such as sunset sails.

Key West has endless opportunities for exploration and photography from the beaches, to the shopping and party atmosphere on Duval Street, and the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square to trolley tours of Old Town Key West and a visit to The Hemingway House.

- - - October 9 - Take the day to drive the normally 4 1/2 hour trip back to Miami, stopping along the way to retake shots missed on the way down.

Accomodations (all rates quoted do not include tax)

October 2 - 3
Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina
84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 333036
1-800-327-7070 (general reservations) or 305-664-2321 x519 (for David)
Rates: $89.00 per night for two people, oceanfront with balcony
Ask for David or Liz and tell them that you are with DPChallenge for this rate.

Notes: The above resort hotel is the largest of all the resorts in the Keys. Just about anything that other resorts offer, this one has; including watercraft (all kinds) concessionaires, nightly entertainment (even weeknights), numerous bars with arguably the best rumrunners, numerous restaurants, pool, beach, marina with major offshore fishing fleet etc. etc...

October 4 - 5
BlueWaters Motel
2222 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-4832
Rates: $79.00 per night for two people, add $10.00 for kitchen, add $10.00 per additional person
All reservations employees are aware of the rates for DPChallenge.

Notes: This old motel is very nicely maintained, super clean, and affordable. The rooms have attached kitchens with a door that will be unlocked if you opt to use the kitchen (I expect that we'll be cooking the fish that we catch there). There is a boat ramp on the property and onsite boat rentals as well as waverunner, kayak, and rod and reel rentals. Night fishing from their docks is probably pretty good. Pool and laundry facilities are also onsite. Within walking distance are a multitude of restaurants.

October 6,7,8
Southwind Motel
1321 Simonton St., Key West, FL 33040
305-296-2215
Rates: Queen bed, $69.00 per night for two people; $89.00 for 2 double beds for two people
All reservations employees are aware of the rates for DPChallenge.

Notes: The above motel is clean and cheap. Period. Many people have voiced to me their concerns regarding the cost of this GTG. With this in mind I have tried to locate accomodations that are a good compromise between quality, location, amenities, cleanliness, and price with emphasis on price so as not to exclude anybody. This very clean place doesn't boast all of the amenities but it is one of the most affordable motels in Key West as I got numerous quotes exceeding $200 per night from other hotels and B and B's. I stayed here when I researched all of these accomodations and I can say that it will suffice for me on this trip too.

It is very close to the Southernmost Point in the U.S. as well as close to the beach. It is reasonably close (walking distance) to the "happening area" of Key West which is the west end of Duval Street and the Mallory Square area.

I think that it would be most convenient if all GTG attendees would stay in the same accomodations, however, if anybody would like to upgrade, the Best Western Hibiscus is right next door. I was unable to work out any price break with them and they said that their rooms start at $149.00 per night for the dates that we will be there.
________________________________________________________________________

Nikolai1024 has put together the following Google Map for us to see the location of our accomodations and points of interest. Thanks Nikolai.
Nikolai's Google Map of our trip

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Confirmed Attendees

yakatme - definitely * Oct 2nd through 4th (10:00am - 2:30pm each day), Oct 5th from 11:00am thru Oct 8th at 4:00pm

Nikolai1024 and girlfriend - definitely * all

ericwoo and wife - definitely * all

JuliBoc - definitely * 2nd - 6th

MelonMusketeer - probably not* maybe Oct. 2nd at Everglades

jrtodd and wife - definitely * Key West, 5th - 8th

rjkstesch and Greg - definitely * all

dsray - definitely * Oct 5 - 7

Message edited by author 2007-10-02 22:27:50.

08/11/2007 11:07:28 AM · #2

I apologize for not getting this new thread started immediately after returning from the Virgin Islands like I said that I would. I've been swamped with everything that I have been neglecting due to my travels as well as two weddings of photos that I have to process.

I'll stay on top of it now that I have gotten the ball rolling with this new thread now.

I could still use some help with this if anyone can.

Thanks.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

08/11/2007 06:26:03 PM · #3

bump for those who are interesred but haven't yet seen this new thread

_eug

Nikon D50

08/11/2007 06:48:12 PM · #4

Well it's looking like I'll be around that week in October after all. Now I just need to work out the details.

TLL061

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/11/2007 06:51:48 PM · #5

Hey Robert , I am looking into flights and will only attend from the 4th to the 8th , Getting out of work is not that easy but I will be there and Eric and I will visit a few watering holes. Eric and I have to watch Cutter with the half of beer thing

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/11/2007 09:58:58 PM · #6

Originally posted by TLL061:

"Cutter with the Half of beer thing"??? I must have missed something at the Red Rock GTG.

JuliBoc

Apple iPhone 6s+

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/11/2007 10:31:21 PM · #7

Thanks, Robert, for the PM. I had been looking for the new thread. I am 80% certain about the 2nd through the 6th. I'll have to leave in the afternoon of the 6th, so the 7th and 8th are out.

Sorry I can't help out with suggestions. I'm not very familiar with the Keys. I went to the Anhinga Trail once last year, and got some cool wildlife shots. Here are some samples for those of you who are not from Florida.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

08/12/2007 12:00:24 AM · #8

Sept 1st thru Jan 1st is the busy time with the vegetable harvest, and I maintain warehouse coolers and vege packing equipment, so it will be difficult for me to take off more than about 3 days for this adventure. I may be able to meet up with the group at Marathon, or Key West if I can slip off from work. I have places that I can stay at in that area, so I will not be staying more than maybe one night with the group where they stay, and the other night or nights with friends in the area. I don't spend a lot of time visiting the tourist sort of places when I am down there, so I am not a good one to recommend which ones to visit.
I remember going here: Ft Z Taylor Key West a very long time ago, and it may be of interest. The construction is brick, much like Ft Jefferson, only not as tall or big.
For those who may want to get some background history about the Keys, there is a good on line museum: Fl Keys Museum on line
I will see if I can find some connections for a snorkel or boat trip in the mid keys area after I find out how many will be interested in it.
This is a good site, and I feel that Looe Key would be a good snorkel/ dive site: Lower Keys Info
The gator farm may be fun for those who have not been up close and personal with a gator before.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

08/12/2007 12:19:36 AM · #9

Hey guys, and thanks for the PM, Robert. Yes, I still want to take part in some part of this GTG. As I said before, its a busy time for me so I won't be able to commit to dates & times until it gets a bit closer, but its soooooo on my schedule and is a trip I really look forward to taking. Key West is one of my fav spots on the planet, so I'm sure I'll be there, the rest of my schedule will back up from there as time permits. I will be watching this thread to see you guys' plan and will let you know when/where I can join.

Can't wait. :)

Asainz320

Canon EOS-650/T4i Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/12/2007 05:08:28 AM · #10

Hey!!! Im glad this idea is still going on. I dont have much money but i sure will attend at least 3 or 4 days, i'll just sleep in my car lol. Just keep posted whats going on. Hope this one works out.

JenniferDavidGA

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

08/12/2007 07:21:25 AM · #11

I don't think I am going to be able to swing this trip. My hubbby hasno more vacation days and I don't want to have to lug the kids with me. I am still going to work on it though. There just isn't too much of a chanceright now.

I agree that Fort Zachary Taylor is a great place. It is a beautiful Fort and beach, great for pictures. It is where my husband and I where married. I love it there. :)

jrtodd

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/12/2007 07:52:17 AM · #12

I'm in, my wife needs to check on the dates she can be off work, but I imagine we will have to drive directly to KW and meet everyone there.

ericwoo

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/12/2007 09:22:28 AM · #13

Yep, The wifey and I are still in. Our flight lands in Ft Lauderdale at 10AM, and as soon as we get the rental car, we will be on our way to the keys. I'll be sure to grab some mobile numbers before we head out to make sure we can catch up to everyone as soon as we get in.

E

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

08/12/2007 01:14:09 PM · #14

For middle keys we can stay around Bahia Honda State Park. Not sure if is very interesting but I want to post link anyway.

//www.bahiahondapark.com/

Take a look and speak up!

Nick

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

08/12/2007 01:47:17 PM · #15

Bahaia Honda is a beautiful tropical looking place with huge white sand beaches, both inside and outside the cove. There is camping there, but it may be first come first served daily basis as it is in some of the state parks. There are no motels right there, but it isn't far from Key West or Big Pine. It is about 40 minutes to Marathon, and 30 to key west from there. It may make a good day stop for a few hours. There is an old bridge span that you can walk up on to get about 40 ft of elevation for wide, pan or tele shots over the key and the little spoil island by the channel.
Here's a mile marker chart. That is how everyting is located in the keys, as there is only one main road.
Maybe the list will help with the planning, or bring back a memory of a place once visited that would be good for the GTG group to visit.
Mile Marker Chart Fl Keys

Message edited by author 2007-08-12 19:01:30.

JuliBoc

Apple iPhone 6s+

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/12/2007 06:42:16 PM · #16

Originally posted by jrtodd:

I'm in, my wife needs to check on the dates she can be off work, but I imagine we will have to drive directly to KW and meet everyone there.

Are people bringing their spouses? My husband said he thought there wouldn't be much for him on the trip, and he was planning to stay home.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

08/12/2007 08:31:46 PM · #17

Originally posted by JuliBoc:

Originally posted by jrtodd:
I'm in, my wife needs to check on the dates she can be off work, but I imagine we will have to drive directly to KW and meet everyone there.

Are people bringing their spouses? My husband said he thought there wouldn't be much for him on the trip, and he was planning to stay home.

Yes, some are.

rjkstesch brought her husband on the 5 day Red Rock GTG in April, and although I don't think that he touched a camera, he joined us on the boat on Lake Powell and on most of our excursions and hikes through the desert and slot canyons. Spouses of

Nikolai1024 and

ericwoo also joined us and I believe they will be with us in the Keys as well.

Spouses are certainly welcome if they are tolerant of photogs and the photogs' obsession with getting the shot just right. Besides, it helps to have someone to hold the camera bag and keep the sand out of it. ;)

JuliBoc

Apple iPhone 6s+

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/12/2007 08:55:06 PM · #18

Thanks for the reply. We've talked it over, and he said definitely not for him. That's okay, I'll have fun and won't have to worry about how he's doing.

levyj413

Nikon D7100

08/12/2007 08:56:37 PM · #19

I'd say I'm ... ohhhh ... 2/3 likely to come. I'll be alone unless my wife agrees it'd be fun to bring along my 10 year old daughter.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

08/13/2007 08:15:50 AM · #20

Originally posted by levyj413:

I'd say I'm ... ohhhh ... 2/3 likely to come.

Which 1/3 gets to stay behind? Just kidding. Do you know if you'll be making the whole GTG or, if not, then which dates? I'm trying to keep the update area updated and accurate.

_eug

Nikon D50

08/13/2007 08:22:24 PM · #21

Originally posted by levyj413:

I'd say I'm ... ohhhh ... 2/3 likely to come. I'll be alone unless my wife agrees it'd be fun to bring along my 10 year old daughter.

Get your rear down here already! You can't say no.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

08/15/2007 01:35:22 PM · #22

Bump, There may be someone that hasn't seen the thread.

Swampy version of : )

jonnienye

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/16/2007 04:34:38 PM · #23

ill be the blonde guy in a loud hawian shirt khaki shorts on hwy 98(outside of panama city bch.) holdin his thumb out headed south-fishin pole an pentax on my back!,lol! kidding,tho at the moment a dead car and low funds are the name of my game(exciting huh?),but who knows? i reckon ill know when the time comes if i can or cant...is it RSVP? sounds fun! sorry didnt read entire post bbiab...