I live in NJ, Kevin in MD. We coordinated our flights to meet in Miami, rented a car and started driving south. Our first night was spent on Marathon Key, which is considered the halfway point to Key West.
Day 1, Miami to Marathon Key
Flags (and construction) at Miami International Airport
First stop off the mainland: Alabama Jacks, on the causeway to upper Key Largo,
not Rt 1, which is how most people go.
A biker dude admiring bikes
It’s beer time!
Our first beer in Florida had to be a Florida beer.
The place is on a barge on the water. Just tie up your boat and jump across!
 
Sunday afternoon was packed! A live band played music, while dancers danced.
Back on Card Sound Road towards Key Largo proper
A 30ft tall x 40ft long lobster named Betsy marks a great place to stop in - a little village of shops run by local artisans on Islamorada
Colorful ceramics out front of Rain Barrel Artisian Village.
Potter’s shop in back
One relaxed kitty
Pullover at the bottom of Key Largo
Fun on the water, Bayside
First sunset.
Kevin in Tree Pose at water’s edge
Going down…
Buh-bye!
Now on to dinner
Upstairs in the tiki bar at Keys Fisheries. Fresh fish is delicious!
It was packed by the time we finished eating
Tarpon looking for handouts
Kevin’s new buddy
Cheesy fun!