Key West, Day 1, Travel Day

Our day started very early.  We stayed at the Hampton Inn close to the KC airport.  The idea was we could leave our car parked there and just ride their shuttle over.  We needed the 6:30 shuttle to be at the airport by 7 am.  Plane was scheduled to depart at 8:10.  Which it did.  But the 6:30 shuttle was full so we had to take the 6 am shuttle.  Needed to get up at 5 am to be ready.  We could have done the same thing from Lawrence and made our flight very easily.  If we ever do that again, we shall call ahead to make sure we are on the shuttle we want.  Landed in Atlanta on time.  The gate for our next departure was close by.  We were lazily eating a sandwich that we had picked up at the TGIF To Go store close to the gate.  Pretty good.  Glanced at my phone.  Guess what, they had moved our departure gate from B10 to F3.  The only way it could have been further is if we had been assigned to F1.  We scurred along and discovered a train. What an experience.  Sudden stops and starts.  We got off at the end of that line.  Wish we had waited to eat.  This was in the international section of the airport and could have had sandwich from a French bakery.  Too bad although the sandwich we had was good.

On the plane from KC to Atlanta

Arrived in Key west right on time.  Couldn't believe.  We had to get off the plane via a stairway. After leaving the plane, we actually had to stop and wait on a plane to depart.  First half of the passengers got off in time.  I hope never to see anything like this.  Well, I guess if I come to Key West again, it would be okay.

Passengers departing from our plane.

 Tail of departing plane we had to wait on.

Took a bit for the luggage to get to the terminal then off to catch a cab to our hotel, Casa Marina.  We had a cabbie that was full of information.  Not sure how accurate everything was that he told us but it was fun to hear what he had to say.  We paid $9/person plus a tip.  Probably a 10 minute trip.  This hotel is delightful.  Our room is very large.  We have an ocean view room which is wonderful.  A small balcony which overlooks the beach.  I am sure the beach is man-made but still wonderful.  I can actually see Hemingway staying in this place.  For as old as this hotel is, the amenities are great.  

Once we were settled we were off to find a few necessities.  Forgot toothpaste and body lotion.  We also needed some wine and bourbon.  Found two small stores about a half mile away.  Walked by the Salute Restaurante On the Beach to and from.  Decided it would be a great place for supper.  Dropped our things off in the room, quick happy hour on the balcony, then back to eat.  Did call and make reservations which would probably be a good thing to do most of the time.  The restaurant was full.  I had delicious blackened grouper with a creamy mustard sauce, wonderful salad, and a potato pancake.  James had a pasta dish which had both chicken and shrimp.  

Back to the hotel to watch a Netflix movie (thanks to the staff member who showed us how to manipulate the inputs on the TV) and off to sleep.  Our first day was a definite success.