Full-Timing in Florida: Key West

Crossing the bridges on the Overseas Highway to Key West was unforgettable. The sunlit turquoise water sparkled, filling us with anticipation. Ready to embrace the laid-back culture and sunshine, we looked forward to a few weeks of food, fun, and adventure in the Florida Keys. Join us on our nomadic journey!

Dry Camping at Sigsbee

We stayed at a military installation for just $30 per night, with our fifth wheel backed up to the ocean. The only downside was dry camping, requiring us to do the “Sigsbee Shuffle” every five days to fill water tanks, empty waste, and refuel the generator. Despite this, staying in Key West right on the water and under budget was absolutely worth it. What a blessing!

Weather

We arrived in Key West in late February and stayed until mid-March, enjoying consistent 80-degree weather, which was perfect. The campground offered generous generator hours, allowing us to run our AC until around 11:00 pm. After that, we opened the windows and enjoyed the refreshing ocean breeze.

Parking

I must mention the parking situation—it's tight and expensive. Maneuvering our long-bed Chevy was challenging but doable. I suggest using bikes, golf carts, or Vespas for easier navigation.

Favorite Activities

1. Mallory Square: Loved the sunset gatherings here, a favorite for my daughter. Despite the lively atmosphere, it was a beautiful celebration of God's glory (Psalm 19:1).

2. Bahia Honda State Park: The most stunning place we visited. Crystal-clear waters and historic sights like the old Bahia Honda Bridge make it a must-see.

3. Fort Zachary Taylor: Perfect for sandy beach lovers, equipped with a snack bar for a day in the sun.

4. Old Town: Enjoyed wandering through colorful streets, window-shopping, and dining while soaking up the sunshine and ocean breeze. Even stumbled upon charming, less-crowded areas with wild chickens roaming.

5. Hemingway House: Explore where Hemingway found inspiration, and meet the iconic six-toed cats.

6. Kermits: Indulge in frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate—delicious!


7. Botanical Gardens: A serene escape from the crowds, with trails, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.

8. Farmers Market: Thursdays offer a laid-back afternoon browsing local treasures and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

9. Southernmost Point: Worth the wait for a picture at the southernmost spot in the US.

10. Water Exploration: Snorkeling and successful fishing was a favorite of ours.

Overall Experience

I really connected with our neighbor in Key West, who was from Germany. She explained that in Germany, children's future paths—college or trade—are determined at a young age (4th-6th grade) based on academic performance.

Her brother, who was very intelligent but bored and underperformed, was placed on the trade route but eventually became a doctor thanks to intervention.

This led me to reflect on two things: 

1. The complexity of children and the importance of not treating education as one-size-fits-all 

2. God's will prevails regardless of societal or legal constraints.

Bible Verse

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV): 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflections

• This verse reminds us of the difference between God’s wisdom and our understanding.

• As humans we have limited perspective and can not even fathom God’s infinite understanding.

• God makes it known to us that His plans are beyond our comprehension and may seem mysterious or impossible, but are all part of His plan-nothing surprises Him.

Applications

• Ask God to guide our steps in every decision we make, big or small.

• Have patience in uncertainty and delays, trusting in God’s timing.

• Instead of stressing ourselves out by micromanaging our lives, surrender control to God.

• Make it a habit to ask for wisdom and discernment.

• Expect and accept that things might not go as planned, and that God’s ways are better, even if we don’t understand it at the moment.

• Remember that God uses trials to grow our character and understanding.

• Be humble and recognize that everything we have—success, money, possessions, and relationships—is a gift from God. My children are God's, my husband is God's, my possessions are God's, my money is God's, this blog is God's, and my education is God's. I surrender all to Him to do with as He pleases.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I know your ways are vastly better than my own. Please hide this verse in my heart and help me to live carefree in your will, trusting and believing that you have everything under control. I am grateful to have not only a sovereign Father, but a loving one who desires relationship and dependence of me. Help me to share your true goodness to those who falsely see you as harsh. Thank you for Jesus, in His name, Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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