Chinook RV

A true saga.

I didn't want to be a wet blanket when you were planning the trip, but I feel pretty much the same about Key West, and to some extend the rest of the keys. I go to the Keys to dive and snorkel - that's the only reason I "suffer" them. BUT, some people love them (too many, obviously)!

If you ever head that way again (why do I think this isn't going to happen? ), the few times I have kinda enjoyed KW I was there on foot. Still too busy for me, but at least you aren't driving. I can completely imagine driving the Chinook around KW. A car is bad enough! There are some things to see in the middle and upper keys, but.... don't you just feel this huge relief and freedom when you exit the keys and THERE IS MORE THAN ONE ROAD!!! I just want to immediately drive across North Dakota or something.

I'm sorry your trip wasn't as fun as you'd hoped, but now you know. The report did make for good reading in an "awful" way.

You know, I was just thinking about my caliper slides and how they were probably ready to be lubed again before my next trip. I was in a friend's E-450 when one of those seized and it was the same story: Locked up, smoking, "emergency" repair (he had just sold it and fellow was coming to pick it up next day) to the tune of $900. So now you know about KW and about lubing caliper slides.

You'll probably be heading to the Yukon for your next trip (or someplace else equally un-crowded)

So true Blue!! So true!! But I really respect the fact that you didn't want to damper our spirits before we left. Yep, made that Arizona to Vegas run a couple of years ago. It does sound really good again compared to KW. We do like to just go to places we have never been so Vegas was a one and done also. I do have a very good bass fishing buddy in Indiana that has been bugging me to get up there and go smallmouth fishing. Also I coached baseball for 15 years and would still love to run up to Iowa where they filmed the movie " Field of Dreams". In 2015 wife and I drove 1400 miles to Williamsport Penn. To watch a week of the Little League World Series!! Folks back here in Texas got a big kick out of it when ESPN put us on tv for a brief moment!! I still have a few things in my bucket list.

Does anyone have any thoughts on boondocking within Key West? I understand it's prohibited but wondering if there are spots to stay overnight...I feel like I belong on this post...smoking caliper the day I picked up my Chinook AND I want to go to Key West!

My guess is you'd have to have nerves of steel, and probably something a bit stealthier than a Chinook. If someone does know of someplace that doesn't require that, they should keep it to themselves

Seriously though, I have spent time in the keys, and although I'll boondock in a lot of places, in the keys I threw in the towel and rented a VRBO type place. 24/7 central air, a huge shower for washing off the salt, and a dryer were also appreciated (and I HATE staying in lodging normally).

But.... what does anyone else think?

I'm tempted to think you are correct Blue. It seems boondocking just isn't too feasible in this area. the cheapest RV place is about $90-$100 a night which equals almost $140 for us Canadians Guess we'll see but I here you on the un-stealthiness of the Chinooks...

Sorry to hear key west was a let down. I've only been 1 time and it was pretty crazy even back then. A scooter is the only way to get around (or someone else driving haha). I like the other keys, clear water (near st pete) and cocoa beach areas. If you decide to try florida again, there is plenty of other choices besides KW. RV prices in the summer are cheap since it's so hot (off season).

Just a reminder...we stayed at a hotel in Homestead for about $80 a night total so a lot cheaper than a rv park this time of year and let them clean up after me!! Upward and onward!! but I don't know where yet. Well, I do leave in the morning to go to Oklahoma and Fort Smith Arkansas for a couple days, But that is a hop,skip,and a jump 7 hour drive. Plus....Pocola Oklahoma right down the hiway from Fort Smith has a nice casino and they comped us a room for both nights this weekend!!! Wish us luck!!