The trip down.

We were up when the wake up call came at 5. Shower, a quick coffee and out the door into the 27 degree morning air. We checked all three bags curbside and I pared the Toyota in Garage B section 1G (B1G or big is my key to remember this. Norfolk Airport was crowded at 6 but we made it through screening with about 10 minutes to spare. We All the flights were full. Very crowded but everyone was friendly and eager to get going.

We settled in for an hour and a half in Charlotte. Time for coffee and a bagel (Bob) and a Pepsi (Carole) Here is a shot of Carole guarding our carry on stuff in Charlotte. We were in the wing with departures for Cancun and Montego Bay. Lots of excited people heading for fun in the sun.

The Douglas part of Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also the Douglas in McDonnell Douglas aircraft. They had an early plane hanging in the gate area.

Ever watch the

Departure from Charlotte was about a half hour late but we made the time up on the flight down. We hit Ft. Lauderdale around noon. Since our arrival and departure gates were adjacent we walk about 30 ft and settled in for a brief wait before our flight to Paradise.

The aircraft going was small and crowded. My computer bag wouldn't fit in the overhead so I had to but it under the seat which of course restricted my leg room even more. Still it was worththe discomfort.

We purchased an audio book for the trip and had all the cords and plugs needed to listen together but it was too noisy on the first leg. We managed a couple of chapters on the 2^nd leg but that was all. I listened to music and Carole set new records on her portable Soduku game. She solved one in under 7 minutes WOW.

Arrival in Key West airport around 2. All the bags came through fine. The cabs were lined up waiting for the flight so we were whisked away by Noodles, our new best friend. Maxi Cab #32. We were whisked away but not before Carole changed herUgg clogs for some sandals. Ah to be warm at last.

When we got to the hotel check in was quick and easy. Our UPS boxes had arrived earlier that day so I had my camera bag, our beach bag and sunscreen etc. Life is good.