Florida Keys {Day 7: The African Queen (!) and Coming Home}

The last morning of our trip was really bittersweet. I guess it's always like that when you're coming home from a trip. For me it is, anyway.

Loading up our luggage, turning in our keys, and taking our last pictures...

But we had one last stop to make at Key Largo, on the way out. A stop that I was especially excited about. Because we were going to see...

The African Queen! :)

Yes, the original boat from the film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn can be found at the Holiday Inn Marina in Key Largo.

{You can supposedly even book reservations to ride it. But by the looks of the sign and the boat itself, I don't think the poor little thing gets many interested parties. :) }

This is my oh-my-goodness-Humphrey-Bogart-and-Katharine-Hepburn-rode-in-this-boat-but-I'm-feeling-a-little-anxious-about-being-so-close-to-the-edge-of-the-dock nervous smile.

Anyway, as a classic movie fanatic, it was a very exciting moment for me. :)

Here is the sign when you leave the Keys.

Back to reality.

My dad drove us all the way home that day. Somewhere around 17 hours? It was a lot of riding. We stopped a few times for fuel and to eat (my first- that I really remember- experience with a Steak'n'Shake. The mint milkshake was good). We got home around 2:00 a.m.

Mom took some candid photos on the drive home...

Me, feeling camera shy. Showing off my single wrist warmer.

{Not making an obscene gesture as it may appear at first glance.}

So...that's it for vacation posts! We really did have a wonderful week in the Florida Keys. I'm so thankful that we were able to go back. I can't believe we've been back for over a month! If you ever get the urge to visit a quirky, tropical place without leaving the US, go to the Keys. :)

Previous posts: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Days 4 and 5-1, Day 5-2, Day 6-1, Day 6-2.

Until next time,