The sun rises eager to illuminate everything the day will offer. But after burning across the sky, the day cools and sun fades into the distance, reminiscing on a day well spent by painting the sky as it bids farewell. We arrived in the Keys eager to take in every possible sight and adventure. Now after having made the most of the time spent in a place of remarkable beauty, we reminisce as we prepare for departure.

We three and a half weeks we lived here in the Keys, working remotely during the weekend and playing tourist on the weekends. That pattern continued to the end, although our last weekend was just a bit quieter.

Last Thursday morning we moved from Sunshine Key back up to Fiesta Key for two nights, then returned to Sunshine Key two days later Saturday morning.

Our site at Fiesta during those two days afforded a view of the ocean and a bit of the sunset sky, which brightened our days and our evenings during such a short visit to Fiesta.

The moon continued doting over us, shining bright during the late-night dog walks.

Returning to Sunshine Key, our new site was a slight upgrade from our former site, although no ocean views this time.

For the last couple nights, we had another Airstream right next door, on an extended trip from Ontario.

During our stay at Sunshine Key, we received a gift in the night! Airstreamers have traditions borne of comradery, one of which is gifting clandestine Flamingos to other Airstreamers staying nearby. This time, instead of a flamingo, we received this watchful mouse figurine, which we suspect was a play toward the moniker of the Mouse House. We do not who left this gift (not the Ontario folks), but we smiled for the thoughtfulness.

The skies continued to impress, and I couldn’t help but capture more photos.

Despite the last week being a bit quieter overall, we still had memorable experiences, including seeing this superyacht – the 216′ “Elysian” owned by billionaire John Henry – anchored just offshore from Knights Key.

We ate at the Sunset Grille, which was a restaurant situated on the water’s edge featuring a pool and adjacent bar. Yes, this is a pool at a restaurant.

We visited a very hip bar on Big Pine Key called the No Name Pub, decorated profusely with dollar bills which had signed and donated by patrons.

And of course, the sunset views remained persistent, even on the rare cloudy day.

Thursday morning, with equal parts melancholy and gratitude, we hitched up and drove north up the Overseas Highway, finding the mainland for the first time in three and a half weeks. We stayed overnight in Ft. Lauderdale then drove Friday morning to Orlando.

We’ll be here for the next two weeks. taking in the theme parks, one of us more than the other. For the Mouse House – decorated with Mickey Mouse themed items throughout – being so close to Disney World feels like a home she’s never known. And the best part is that Alex and Marissa will be joining us!!

Although we reached the sunset of our time, we will never forget this experience and the Keys will always be in our hearts. But alas we must move forward, ready to embrace our next adventure in the Mouse House.