Vacations to Go

Home

Seattle on a Whim

Leavenworth Celebration

Christmas at Disneyland-2008

Future Trips:

New England 2009

British Isles Invasion-2010

France Option

Ireland Option



Maui and Kauai-2011 or Alaska/
Caribbean Cruise


Trips for Friends:

Spectacular Yellowstone-2009


Optional Trips:
Long Trips-

Florida Sights

Great Britain on the Run-2008

Ireland

plus Key West Attractions or Key West Restaurants

Hawaii

Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

Oregon Coast from Rockaway Beach North and South

Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

Waterton-Glacier National Park

Yellowstone National
Park-Long
Trip

Short Trips:

Ainworth Hot Springs

Glacier in a Weekend

Lighthousing Around Puget Sound

Seattle-Whidbey Island Adventure-2006

A Week in Walt Disney World-2008

Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip

Day 1	April 4th	Monday
Ray, Sherry & Paul
6:30 a.m.	Depart:	Spokane
	Do:	Delta Flight 677 Seat 25DEF
9:04 a.m.	Arrive	Salt Lake City
10:00 a.m.	Depart:	Salt Lake City
	Do:	Delta Flight 1549 Seats 23DEF
4:09 p.m.	Arrive:	Orlando
		(Go south out of the airport, then west on Tollway 417.  Go south on Florida Turnpike. Exit on Okeechobee Rd going east/right.  Turn left/north on Kings Hwy/713.  Turn right/east on Andrews.  Go left/north on Peters Rd to motel. )
	Arrive:	Fort Pierce, FL                                                                                                     115
	Lodge:	Motel 6 2500 Peters Rd. Fort Pierce, FL  34945 (772) 461-9937 Confirmation # 1207MO7486 $51.99
Day 2	April 5th	Tuesday
9:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Fort Pierce, FL
		(Enter I-95 going south.   From I-95, (Exit 87A) or the Turnpike (Exit 116), which is Indiantown Rd east, turn left/north at US Highway 1.  Turn right/east at Beach Rd.  Turn right into Lighthouse Park.  Call the lighthouse at (561) 747-8380.  Located in Lighthouse Park, 500 Capt Armour’s Way (Beach Rd & US Hwy 1).
9:50 a.m.	Arrive:	Jupiter, FL                                                                                                            40
10:00 a.m.	See:	Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (Sat-Wed 10-4, last tour 3:15  45 minute tour $6 each, Museum closed, DuBois Pioneer Home $2) Participants must sign a liability waiver to be allowed on the property.  For safety reasons, closed back shoes or shoes with heel straps are required.  No flip-flops or heels are allowed.
11:00 a.m.	Depart:	Jupiter
		(Go west on Beach to Hwy 1. Go left/south to Indiantown Rd.  Turn right/west to I-95.  Go south.)
1:15 p.m.	Arrive:	Shark Valley, FL                                                                                                113
		Bobcat Boardwalk - 0.5 miles (400 meters). Behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center. This self-guiding boardwalk trail meanders through the sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests. Wheelchair accessible.
2:00 p.m.		Shark Valley Tram Tour $12.75 (2 hrs.) 9-4 on the hour Make reservations at     (305) 221-8455 Shark Valley lies in the heart of the "river of grass" that stretches 100 miles (160 km) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife abounds here in a freshwater ecosystem of sawgrass marsh and tree islands. A fifteen mile (24 km) tram road extends into the marsh, offering one of the best opportunities to view alligators and the endangered snail kite in Everglades National Park. A two hour narrated tram ride provides an overview of the freshwater Everglades.   An observation tower located halfway around the tram road provides a spectacular view into the sawgrass marsh.
		Otter Cave Hammock Trail - 0.25 miles (200 meters). At Shark Valley, 0.5 miles (400 meters) walk from the Shark Valley Visitor Center on the tram road. A rough, limestone trail through a lush, tropical hardwood forest. Often flooded during the summer; check at the Visitor Center for current conditions.
4:00 p.m.	Depart:	Shark Valley
		(East on Hwy 41.  Turn left/north on Hwy 821/Florida Turnpike.  Take next exit off on Hwy 836/Dolphin Expy.  Go east.  Take the Le Jeune exit.  Turn left/north to hotel on the other side of Expy.)
5:00 p.m.	Arrive:	Miami, FL                                                                                                            30
	See:	Aventura Mall (M-Sat 10-9:30, Sun 12-8)-19501 Biscayne Blvd.
	Lodge:	Baymont Inn 3501 N.W. Le Jeune Rd. Miami, FL  33142 (305) 871-1777 (866) 999-1111 2 Double, Hot Continental Breakfast  $66.09
Day 3	April 6th	Wednesday
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Miami
		(Get on Hwy 112/Airport Expy going northeast.  Exit onto I-95.  Take exit 1 or U.S. 1.  Turn left/east on 26th to the Rickenbacker Causeway west in Miami to Key Biscayne. There is a toll of $1.00 per car on the causeway. Continue South on Crandon Boulevard and follow to the end. There are signs leading to the lighthouse.  It's located in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park)
	See:	Bill Baggs Cape Florida State park- $5 per car for 8. Great beaches, 2 cafes, picnic areas, bicycle-kayak-skate rental
		Crandon Park $4 parking- 3 l/2 mile beach,
10:00 a.m.		Cape Florida -$1 Causeway Fee and $5 State Park Fee (Tours 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
11:00 a.m.	Depart:	Miami
		(Go back to the Crandon, then Rickenbacker Causeway.  Go west to I-95.  Go right/north to Dolphin Expy/Hwy 836.  Go west to Florida Turnpike.  Go south.  It will end in Florida City.  Enter Hwy 1, but turn right/west on Palm Dr./Hwy 9336.  It will turn left/south, then right/west.  Turn right at junction onto Main Park Rd.)
12:00 p.m.	See:	Everglades National Park $10-car                                                                     32
	Arrive:	Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (8-5)                                                                      5
		(At the next junction go left.)
	Arrive:	Royal Palm Visitor Center (8-4:15)                                                                     4
	Do:	Anhinga Amble (.5 miles) This self-guiding trail winds through a sawgrass marsh, where you may see alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, egrets, and many other birds, especially during the winter. This is one of the most popular trails in the park because of its abundance of wildlife. Wheelchair accessible.
		Gumbo-Limbo Trail - 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip. At the Royal Palm Visitor Center, four miles (6 km) from the main park entrance. This self-guiding, paved trail meanders through a shaded, jungle-like hammock of gumbo limbo trees (Bursera simaruba), royal palms (Roystonea elata), ferns, and air plants. Wheelchair accessible.
	Depart:	Royal Palm
		(Turn north on Everglades National Park Rd.  Turn left/northwest on the Main Park Rd.  Trail will be on the right.)
	Do:	Pineland Trail - 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip. Seven miles (11 km) from the main park entrance. This trail loops through a forest of pines, palmettos, and wildflowers. Accessible, though narrow and uneven in places where roots have pushed the pavement up.                                                                                                                           3
		(Continue on the Main Park Rd.  Overlook road is on the right.)
		Pahayokee Overlook - 0.25 miles (400 meters) round trip.                                    6 A raised observation platform on this boardwalk loop provides sweeping vistas of the "river of grass." Wheelchair accessible.
		(Continue on the Main Park Rd.  Overlook road is on the right.)
		Mahogany Hammock Trail - 0.5 miles (400 meters) round trip.                            7 This self-guiding boardwalk trail meanders through a dense, jungle-like hardwood "hammock." Lush vegetation includes gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogani) in the United States. Wheelchair accessible.
		Paurotis Pond picnic area or Nine Mile Pond picnic area
		West Lake Trail - 0.5 miles (400 meters) round trip. Seven (11 km) miles north of Flamingo on the main park road. This self-guiding boardwalk trail wanders through a forest of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), black mangrove (Avicennia nitida), red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) trees to the edge of West Lake.                                                                                                       15
	Arrive:	Flamingo, FL                                                                                                          8
	See:	Eco Pond - 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip. At Flamingo. Stroll around this freshwater pond and enjoy a wide variety of wading birds, song birds, and other wildlife. Alligators often cruise the pond. Good bird watching, especially at sunrise and sunset, from the wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at the beginning of the trail.
	Lodge:	Flamingo Lodge and Outpost Resort #1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy. Flamingo, FL  33034-6798 (239) 695-3101 or (800) 600-3813 2 Doubles Reservation # AMFFL160283 $65 plus 11.5% tax Paid already
Day 4	April 7th	Thursday
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Flamingo
10:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Homestead, FL                                                                                                     50
		(Go back on Hwy 9336 to Hwy 1.   Turn right/south.)
10:45 a.m.	Arrive:	Key Largo, FL                                                                                                     30
12:45 p.m.	Arrive:	Key West, FL                                                                                                    104
	See:	Key West Lighthouse For the best view in town and a history lesson at the same time, climb the 88 steps to the top of this 92-foot lighthouse. It was built in 1847. About 15 years later, a Fresnel lens was installed at a cost of $1 million. The keeper lived in the adjacent 1887 clapboard house, which now exhibits vintage photographs, ship models, nautical charts, and lighthouse artifacts from all along the Key reefs. www.kwahs.com/lighthouse. COST: $8. OPEN: Daily 9:30-5; last admission at 4:30.
		Ernest Hemingway's House
		Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Park (8-sundown) 2 p.m. tours
		Sunset at Mallory Square
	Lodge:
Day 5	April 8th	Friday HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Key West
12:45 p.m.	Arrive:	Miami, FL                                                                                                          164
	Do:	Lunch
1:15 p.m.	Depart:	Miami
6:00 p.m.	Arrive:	Orlando, FL                                                                                                       245
	Do:	Magic Kingdom (9-11) $171-3 Day Pass/$206 Park Hopper
		Dinner-Columbia Harbour House
	See:	Downtown Disney
	Lodge:
Day 6	April 9th	Saturday
	Depart:	Spokane
	See:	Epcot-Test Track (9-9)
	Do:	Lunch-Les Chefs de France
	Arrive:	Orlando, FL
	Lodge:
Day 7	April 10th	Sunday
	See:	MGM Studios (9-10)
	Do:	Dinner-SciFi Diner
	Lodge:
Day 8	April 11th	Monday
7:20 a.m.	Depart:	Orlando
	Do:	Delta Flight 231 Seats 38ABC
10:14 a.m.	Arrive:	Salt Lake City, UT
11:35 a.m.	Depart:	Salt Lake City
	Do:	Delta Flight 1476 Seats 26ABC
12:16 p.m.	Arrive:	Spokane

Key West Shore Excursions:

1) Sail, Kayak & Snorkel Excursion (5-5.5 hours)

 It's 3 adventures in 1! First, sail in a 2-masted traditional schooner to mysterious mangrove islands for an  hour of kayaking amid pristine natural surroundings. Then it's time to discover the underwater world of the Keys. You'll be provided with snorkeling equipment and instruction to enjoy the area's aquatic flora and fauna. Upon your return you'll enjoy a delicious repast of fresh fruit, chips, salsa, beverages and more.

Adult Price: $75 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $N/A
Departure Time: 12:10 pm



2) Catamaran Racing (2.5 - 3 hours)

This winning excursion allows you to compete in one of the most exciting sporting events in Key West. In this hands-on experience, you'll participate in an actual catamaran race as the captain guides you to potential victory. No prior experience needed--just the desire to race to win. Nonalcoholic beverages and--win or lose--a victory party are included.

Adult Price: $64 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $54 (ages 6-9)
Departure Time: 12:20 pm

3) Back to Nature Kayak Tour (3-3.5 hours)

This naturally appealing excursion starts with a comfortable boat ride to the Wildlife Refuge, where uninhabited islands are scattered like pirate's treasure in the sparkling waters of Florida Bay. Then, you'll maneuver your double kayak through the reserve as your guide points out the natural wonders and wildlife that surround you. Water and soft drinks are provided.

Adult Price: $59 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $N/A
Departure Time: 12:15 pm, 1:50 pm

 
4) Western Union Schooner Sunset Sail (3 hours)

Enjoy a front-row seat for a famous Key West sunset. After arriving via the Bone Island Air Conditioned Shuttle Bus, you'll board the schooner Western Union for a 2-hour sailing experience and sunset viewing that includes light snacks and beverages. Dinner seating will interfere with this excursion.

Adult Price: $53 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $22 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 4:15 pm

 
5)Key West Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour (3-3.5 hours)

If you're the seafaring sort, this is the best way to experience the magic of Key West. You'll enjoy a 3-hour sailing adventure that includes spectacular snorkeling in the crystal-blue waters amid vibrant coral and tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment and instruction provided, as well as beverages.

Adult Price: $44 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $25 (ages 5-9)
Departure Time: 12:30 pm

 
6)Conch Republic Tour & Museum Package (2-2.5 hours)

Choose train or trolley to embark on an hour-long tour of Key West and 100 of its key attractions and historical sites. After taking in the sights, you'll stop at Mallory Square, where you'll be provided with admission for self-guided visits to the Key West Aquarium and the Key West Shipwreck Historeum.

Adult Price: $42 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $22 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 12:00 pm

 
7) Western Union Schooner Day Sail (3 hours)

Bask in the sea breeze on a majestic schooner! You'll arrive via the Bone Island Air Conditioned Shuttle Bus for this 2-hour cruise aboard the Western Union. Kick back for some seafaring fun around Key West. Light snacks and beverages are included.

Adult Price: $43 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $20 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 12:40 pm

 
8) Old Town Trolley or Conch Train Tour (1-1.5 hours)

Train or trolley? Take your pick--either one will take you on a fascinating 60-minute tour in the southernmost city in the U.S. You'll see 100 points of interest, including attractions and historical sites such  as Ernest Hemingway's house, the famous Sloppy Joe's and more.

Adult Price: $22 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $11 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 12:35 pm

 
9) Glassbottom Boat Tour on The Pride of Key West (2-2.5 hours)

It's like a window to another world. The Pride of Key West, a 65-foot glassbottom catamaran, gives you an incomparable view of the underwater world of the Keys. With upper and lower sundecks, a large climate-controlled viewing area and restrooms on board, you can relax in comfort as you enjoy this narrated eco-tour of North America's only living coral reef. Snacks and beverages available for purchase.

Adult Price: $27 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $14 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 1:20 pm

 
10) Key West Walking Tour (1.5-1.75 hours)

 Get on your walking shoes and explore many of the Conch Republic's famed sites on this 1.5-hour guided tour. You'll see the oldest house in South Florida, have a chance to enjoy the Conch Republic's Key Lime Pie Bakery, watch cigars being made at a working factory, visit lush tropical gardens and more.

Adult Price: $19 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $13 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 1:15 pm

 
11) Key West Stargazing Cruise (3 hours)

Arrive via the Bone Island Air Conditioned Shuttle Bus and set sail under the stars on this nighttime cruise where the sky is the limit for heavenly discovery. Zodiac signs, Orion the Hunter and other celestial figures will be revealed as you pass below them under partial sail aboard the Western Union Schooner, the flagship of Key West. Learn how the ancient mariners navigated by the stars, and touch an actual meteorite while enjoying complimentary Conch Chowder, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Adult Price: $59
Child Price: $26†
Departure Time: 6:45 pm

 Vacations to Go....