Tues 17th: Car rental centre right across the street from the hotel, sort the toll situation, apparently it tots up automatically and is charged to our credit card at Memphis. We select a Chrysler 200 from the few left in our allotted row, and just about manage to cram the cases into the trunk (boot) at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, forgettable; torrential rain and a satnav not working make our departure from Miami a little stressful, but we soon find out way out onto the Florida turnpike and then onto US 1 down to the Keys. Strict speed limit all the way, 45mph minimum, 55mph maximum; the journey of 145 miles takes about 3 hours.

Southernmost on the Beach is a large hotel, but very comfortable, and as its name suggests, it's the southernmost hotel in the Continental US. We grab lunch at the beach cafe before strolling along Duvall Street after lunch and look for a few restaurants, it's not bad but a little tacky in places. The gallery of Peter Lik, master photographer is fabulous, and follow-up is required. Peter Lik was born in Australia of Czech immigrant parents before coming to the US, and becoming a top landscape photographer. His limited edition of 950 prints are sold at increasing prices in 10% batches, the first 10% maybe $5,000, the last 10% maybe $20,000, I really do need to apply myself a little more!!

Later we drive across the island to find an AT&T; eventually we purchase a cheap PAYG for this trip, and for Lorna when she returns in October. Very impressive operation and sales agent complete with his do-it-all iPad, including an attachment which swipes more dollars off my credit card.

Dinner at Abbondanza, an Italian, the portions were gargantuan, and it hardly seemed like we had made any impression.

Spend today:

Sheraton Hotel, Alamo car rental, deposit for sunset cruise, mobile phone & SIM card, dinner; our breakfast was missing from the Sheraton bill, check to see if it is added later on statement.