On the road again.

Wedged the cases in… surprisingly they fit, but only if inserted in a very specific method/sequence. A method so special, it always takes me three attempts to remember it.

The drive itself was the exact reverse of our outbound journey. There aren’t many ways to get on or off the Keys.

So, with the thundering v8 and transmission whine drowning out whatever Sirius XM radio thinks is rock music we drove the 90 miles to Miami.

We eventually picked up the Florida Turnpike. Amusingly, I finally got the opportunity to blast by someone that had held us up and blocked off the overtaking lanes just as we saw the McDonald’s sign!

We had said if we saw the Golden Arches on route, then that would be our lunch stop. Really, it was just for the milkshakes. So much better here – with whipped cream too!

It’s McDonald’s- it’s fine. The most noticeable difference from the UK version, it was piping hot! Cannot remember when we had last eaten a hot meal from McD’s. Oh, and the shake was great – and if you order a normal size, it comes in a quantity you can actually finish!

Back on the road – the turnpike is fast and nearing Miami you have to keep your wits. Some appalling driving and mad speeding. No-one does the limit. If you do 65 – you will be a hood ornament for a Peterbilt truck or possible the cause of an accident.

At one point all 6 lanes came to a stand still. A crash involving three vehicles shut down three lanes. No one appeared seriously injured, but the three cars were a mess. American cars don’t appear to crumple like European vehicles. The just break apart into quite large pieces…

Another new flyover in construction.

You can’t really tell from the photo, but there were 6 different main roads crossing and interconnecting.

The Port of Miami was busy..

Miami skyline is like no other Florida city.

Our hotel is in South Beach, at the start of the pedestrian area. So you cannot pull up outside it. We found our way to the Valet parking kiosk and handed over the ca4 keys and luggage to the waiting bell staff.

Checkin was quick, albeit our room wasn’t ready yet. Complimentary sparkling wine whilst we waited.

Finally, we received a call saying our room was ready. Very plush by many hotel standards, but very small and any usable space has been used for trinkets, art and loads of books????

Very impressive and famous hotel – The Betsy Ross