Returning to Key Largo

We woke up Sunday morning anxious to return to MRDF. Reports from Dennis encouraged us to feel that we'd be able to resume activities on Monday. The trip down was rather uneventful until we neared the Keys.

It was amazing to watch the hundreds of cherry pickers (assembled even from surrounding States to help the clean-up) leaving or relocating. They caravanned down the highway, perhaps on to the Pan Handle for the next clean-up needs.

At the point where the turnpike fed into the Keys access road (Highway 1), we encountered the inevitable traffic of returning fugitives. As far as the eye could see, coming and going, there were cars, and as you can tell by the red tail lights, it was stop and go!

Since I'd already accessed Key Largo through two different routes, I calculated that the more deserted, remote road would be the more open road. So as soon as I could, I turned off the main drag, and sure enough I had smooth sailing. Highway 1 was backed up, and according to reports I heard, I cut about and hour and a half off my trip.

I went directly to the MRDF to get my own view. Other than the evidence by swept away mud that the water had surged over the road, and the piles of branches already waiting for pickup, the area looked beautiful. There was only one phenomenon I missed. Typically the road I drove was covered with crabs urgently needing to cross the road. As we joked, "It gave new meaning to cracked crab." I saw none coming back.

I arrived at MRDF to a grinning crew, delighted that the Station had taken the storm so well. There were hugs all around, and we decided that a celebration was in order. South of the Border had re-opened, and so we had dinner together.

The evening was spent relaxing and being thankful for the light touch we had gotten from Georges! Then, well you can see what we did to relax for the rest of the evening before the arrival of the rest of the crew!