2013 Florida ZR-1 Road Trip

[QB93Z]

Hello everyone from sunny Key West, Florida.

For this years road trip, we decided to go as far south as we could, so we headed to Florida. On Saturday we put the YELLOWZ on the AutoTrain. On Sunday we arrived in Folrida and drove to Miami and stayed in South Beach. On Monday we drove to Key West.

When I get a chance, I will post some pictures.

Jim

[dredgeguy]

Outstanding Jim
Keep us posted with pics

[RyanChappel]

along with Florence, Italy..

But I wouldn't want to drive my Z in either place...

Enjoy walking Duval Street.

[Bob Eyres]

Check out "Blue Heaven " restaurant, 729 Thomas St. Good food, good music.

Not much road for the car to stretch it's legs down there. But on the way back, give the Z a poke on the "Seven Mile Bridge", yeeehaaaw. :thumbsup:

[RyanChappel]

a little time next to the pool, then a Cuban sandwich and black beans with a couple of mojitos........a nap in the hammock.....then some grouper or perhaps cobia on the grill along with the fresh gulf shrimp.....

I have made myself totally useless for the rest of the day....

Are you sure this is a Corvette-based website?=D>:dancing

[FU]

If you drop any thing on the ground in KW , leave it there !

[Racinfan83]

Sounds fun! But what is the "auto train"???

[Jagdpanzer]

Back in the 80's I traveled to Key West on numerous occasions in connection with US Navy's PHM missile hydrofoils stationed there at the time.

http://www.ussaries.org/assets/images/db_images/db_969_PHM_4__PHM3__PHM_6_Key_West_19902.jpg

http://www.ussaries.org/assets/images/db_images/db_6000_USS_Gemini__PHM-6_3.jpg

It was a quiet sleepy place before it was "discovered" by the crowd alluded to in Frank's above warning. I'll have to say the restaurant food and service did improved though. Have a great time Jim and enjoy a drink for us at Sloppy Joes.

[XfireZ51]

If you drop any thing on the ground in KW , leave it there !

So Frank, you're saying this would be Pete's favorite spot?
My wife and I enjoyed Key West a lot. About as close as you'll get to a Caribbean island and still be in US. Went to Shula's and had a 32oz lobster tail. Looked like a football.

[tf95ZR1]

Margaritaville
Wilson's Presidential Summer House

[ZZZZZR1]

Jim

Have a blast and can't wait to see pictures

Enjoy!

:cheers:

David

[RyanChappel]

Polydactyl...

Anyone impressed.....?

Polydactyl....

[DaveK]

Have a great trip Jim!

Dave

[secondchance]

Great to see you still trying to beat my mileage. With my Z immobile temporarily you might make it.
Have a great time! I miss Florida so....:cheers:

[QB93Z]

I finally got a chance to upload some photos. The AutoTrain is an Amtrak trains the runs from Lorton, VA (south of Washington, DC) to Sanford, FL. It is a great way to get to Florida quickly and with style if you start in the DC area. Here are some shots of the ZR-1 being loaded onto the train:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0024.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0024.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0030.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0030.jpg.html)

The next morning, here we are preparing to leave the train station and head to Miami:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0043.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0043.jpg.html)

We headed south from the Orlando area and after a heavy thunderstorm we reached the Miami skyline:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0059.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0059.jpg.html)

We wanted to the see the Art Deco sections of Miami, so we stayed in the South Beach Area. It was very nice, but very crowded. There were Ferraris and Lambourghinis every where but the yellow ZR-1 still got some looks and nods. Here is the hotel we stayed in:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0234.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0234.jpg.html)

Here we are in front of one of the older Deco hotels on Ocean Drive:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0255.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0255.jpg.html)

Jim

[Racinfan83]

That is very cool! Never knew you could load your car up on the train - then jump on the train and go somewhere... I'm impressed!

[secondchance]

Jim,

Train miles don't count!

[QB93Z]

On Monday, we left Miami and headed South on Route 1 heading for Key West. Our first stop was in the Homestead, FL area to visit the Coral Castle, a tourist attraction that has hosted visitors since the 1930's:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0318.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0318.jpg.html)

The "castle" was built using coral stone dug from the berdrock of Florida by one man from the 20's to the 40's. It was a very interesting diversion.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0380.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0380.jpg.html)

On the way down the Keys, we found this beautiful, large mural of undersea creatiures:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0524.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0524.jpg.html)

I thought that the GPS view of the Keys was interesting:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0583.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0583.jpg.html)

We made it to Key West in the afternoon. Here we are at the Lime Tree Inn, which had nice rooms, a nice pool, was close to Duval Street, and was reasonably priced, relative to other accomadations in Key West:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0803.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0803.jpg.html)

We walked to Duval Street and immediately found necessary hydration:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0603.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0603.jpg.html)

Jim

[QB93Z]

Jim,

Train miles don't count!

If the odometer isn't turning, I don't count the miles.

Jim

[QB93Z]

We continued enjoying Duval Street and headed to Mallory Square to see the street performers and the sunset of the Gulf of Mexico:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0619.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0619.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0630.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0630.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0768.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0768.jpg.html)

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Jimmy Buffet's place to celebrate our trip to Key West:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0781.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0781.jpg.html)

Jim

[QB93Z]

One of the significant features of Key West is that it is the southern terminus (end) of US Route 1. The official end of Route 1 is this unassuming mile marker sign near the Key West Post Office:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0817.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0817.jpg.html)

Another feature of Key West is that is the Southernmost point of the continental US
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0810.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0810.jpg.html)

As we were driving around we found this interesting personality:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0834.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0834.jpg.html)

Jim

[QB93Z]

Polydactyl...

Anyone impressed.....?

Polydactyl....

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0625.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0625.jpg.html)http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0625.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0625.jpg.html)

Jim

[QB93Z]

On Wednesday, we left Key West and drove to Naples on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We avoided the Interstate (I-75), taking the Tamiami Trail instead:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0896.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0896.jpg.html)

The Tamiami Trail (FL-41) runs from Miami to Naples through the Everglades and then north to Tampa. It is definetly the road less traveled. There was some construction along the route but not much traffic:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0907.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0907.jpg.html)

We made a photo stop at the smallest Post Office in the Country:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0921.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0921.jpg.html)

Jim

[QB93Z]

Before we got to Naples, we stopped in Everglades City and went for an air boat ride. What a Blast!!!

Here are a couple of the other air boats in our group:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0123.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0123.jpg.html)

We were stopped to check out this guy:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0116.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0116.jpg.html)

Here we are hauling a$$ through these narrow channels in the swamp at about 30 knots:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0066.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0066.jpg.html)

It was a lot of fun. If you have never ridden on an air boat before, I highly recommend it:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0149.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0149.jpg.html)


Jim

[XfireZ51]

Jim,

You should really arrange to do one of these trips with a couple more ZR couples.
Wife and I really enjoyed visiting KW several years ago.

[QB93Z]

The YellowZ has been running great. The AC is keeping up with the heat in southwest Florida just fine.

After braving the wild life in the Everglades we stopped in Naples, FL, Sarasota, FL and Tampa. Then we headed to Orlando.

In Naples, we stayed at a beautiful Best Western Inn. The desk clerk was very impressed with the ZR-1. He owns 1980 and 1984 Corvettes. After talking for a while, he upgraded our room to a suite facing the courtyard and the pool:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/DSC_0273.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/DSC_0273.jpg.html)


In Sarasota, we visited the Big Cat Habitat, a rescue association for lions, tigers, and other large mammals. It was an awe inspiring visit, getting to see all ot the big cats up close. Here is one of the tigers:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0699.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0699.jpg.html)

Also in Sarasota, we visited the Ripley (of circus fame) Museum. It was fascinating. We thought we would spen a few hours and move on, but we spent the whole day there. The Ripley Mansion was beautifully restored. There was a world class art museum displaying the Ripley's art collection. And, there was a Circus Museum that was one of the best museums I have ever visited.

Before we left Sarasota, we took a drive out to Longboat Key. We stopped in the St Armands area for a beer. The ZR-1 got a lot of looks. It does stand out from the crowd:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0895.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0895.jpg.html)

In Tampa, we visited Busch Gardens to see the animals. The displays and habitats are world-class. We took the Safari Expedition Trip to see the animals up close. I got to pet a giraffe:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0701.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0701.jpg.html)


Jim

[Bob Eyres]

Great tour. It inspires me to get the old Z out on the road where it belongs.

That pic of the "Tamiami Trail" reminds me of my first Corvette top-end run. Same road,middle of the everglades. 1966, Three guys on spring break. Brand new Stingray, one of the first 427's ever made. 154mph, until the front end started to float.
Young and very foolish.

[RyanChappel]

Both of my '69's would wander way before 154 mph.....

The big block was slightly more stable due to the weight, but the modded small block (.60 over, Jahns pistons, GK cam and lifters, Hooker headers, Accel dual-point, Holly 850 double-pumper) was a true handful....

Those were the days, huh??!!

[FU]

Nice trip as usual Jim , look's like you kid's are havin a ball ! Thank's for sharing your trip with us :cheers:

[XfireZ51]

Great tour. It inspires me to get the old Z out on the road where it belongs.

That pic of the "Tamiami Trail" reminds me of my first Corvette top-end run. Same road,middle of the everglades. 1966, Three guys on spring break. Brand new Stingray, one of the first 427's ever made. 154mph, until the front end started to float.
Young and very foolish.

I had a 72 Coupe 4 speed. 270hp base motor but w a 350/350 cam and Holley 780 sitting on an Edelbrock Torquer manifold. Exhaust was stock.
Took it up to 135 and could feel the front end wandering shall we say.
Had BFG Comp T/As on it.

[QB93Z]

The Tamiami Trail through the everglades today has a lot of construction and is well patrolled. In the "old days" I bet it was a fun road to drive.

Except for the contruction areas there wasn't much traffic.

Jim

[Blownrunner]

I live in Tampa, and I have only been to Busch Gardens and Key West of the places you went. I need to get out more.

[QB93Z]

We have been in Orlando for this week and having lots of fun at the attractions and at the water parks.

Some of my favorite things are ZR-1's, Monorail trains, and photography. On a trip to EPCOT we were lucky to park the car directly under the monorail track. So, we had some fun:

Here is Lyndi with the Z under the Monorail track with Spaceship Earth framed in the background:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0240.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0240.jpg.html)

Later in the day we took a ride on the monorail. Here is Monorail Green arriving at the EPCOT station:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0367.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0367.jpg.html)

Here is the YELLOWZ from the monorail, outbound from EPCOT:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0370.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0370.jpg.html)

Here is the Z from the monorail on the return leg to EPCOT:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0373.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0373.jpg.html)

And finally, here I am with the Z and Monorail Silver overhead:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0399.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0399.jpg.html)

Jim

[HIZNHRZ]

Jim,

If you never been before and had a few minutes you might consider taking a trip to Rogers Corvette in Maitland, FL. We had a rain day when we were in Orlando this summer and it was worth the trip. It's about a 35 minute drive (without traffic) from Orlando. They're open 9 to 6 weekdays and 9 to 4 on Saturday.

Nothing there you can't see at a car show but seeing ~100 different years, models, and colors mixed in side-by-side and packed into ~15K sqft was an interesting perspective and way to compare one to another. Enjoy your trip.

[WARP TEN]

We have been in Orlando for this week and having lots of fun at the attractions and at the water parks.

Some of my favorite things are ZR-1's, Monorail trains, and photography.....Jim


You need to add a monorail to the Lionel layout! -- Bob

[QB93Z]

Well the Florida ZR-1 Road Trip is almost over.

We left Orlando on Sunday and stopped in Savanah, GA. Here is a neat picture of the Z down near River Street:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0835.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0835.jpg.html)

Savanah is a beautiful city. Here we are at Bonaventure Cementary.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0648.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2013%20Florida%20Trip/DSC_0648.jpg.html)

After Savanah, we stopped in Florence to have dinner with our ZR-1 friends Paul (Paul from SC) and his wife Ann. We had a nice time swapping ZR-1 stories.

Toady we visited Raliegh, NC and were very impressed with the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Tomorrow we will drive to Staunton, VA to visit Lyndi's sister, and then home to Westminster.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Carlisle.

Jim

[We Gone]

Been following your trip, Nice pics thanks for posting and congrats on a great time in your ZR-1.

[WARP TEN]

Looked like a great trip. I agree Savannah is a great city. We even looked at moving there after a trip a few years ago but I got vetoed. Oh well, maybe someday... --Bob