2013 Florida ZR-1 Road Trip

[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:


Another feature of Key West is that is the Southernmost point of the continental US


As we were driving around we found this interesting personality:


Jim

[QB93Z]

Originally Posted by RyanChappel

Polydactyl...

Anyone impressed.....?

Polydactyl....

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:


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:


We made a photo stop at the smallest Post Office in the Country:


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:


We were stopped to check out this guy:


Here we are hauling a$$ through these narrow channels in the swamp at about 30 knots:


It was a lot of fun. If you have never ridden on an air boat before, I highly recommend it:



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:




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:


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:


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:



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

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.