After a very restful and comfortable night’s sleep, we woke at 7AM, showered and finished packing, then enjoyed another ample breakfast on the Avalon’s front porch.  The ever-present trade winds are delightful. 

After breakfast we thanked our concierge (from Manchester, England) and checked out, loaded the car, found Highway 1 and headed north, retracing our path through the Florida Keys. 

Stopped for lunch at Sundowners in Key Largo for a tasty lunch of grilled Mahi sandwich, sweet potato fries and soda. 

Then north into Miami to return the car at the airport.  Took a cab driven by a friendly Haitian named Paul, who delivered us to our hotel, The Hotel, a quaint art-deco boutique hotel in South Beach.  Our room is large, clean and “funky modern.” 

Settled in and then took the elevator to the top floor and sat in the shade by the pool sipping a complimentary rum and pineapple juice concoction.  Called Carol's sister Suzanne to catch up on things and then simply sat in the shade and absorbed the ambience.

At 6PM we realized we were hungry so we walked out the hotel, headed one block north to Ocean Drive and perused the myriad restaurants, bars and cafes until we came to A Fish Called Avalon, a restaurant that Carol had researched, and sat as we watched hordes of people stroll by as we enjoyed sesame seared ahi, seafood risotto and delicious drinks.  Highly recommended restaurant although a bit pricey.

After dinner and world-class people-watching we strolled two block back to the hotel and took the elevator to the top floor where we sat under the famous Tiffany sign as the sun set in the west.

By 10PM we settled into our comfy room and fell asleep quickly in the king-sized bed.