We had no real plans, except to “roam” around Miami between games.  Home was now a Courtyard by Marriott in Coral Gables, and there was no way to be a homebody. Lunch was at Trulucks for martinis and lobster bisque.  I’m not sure why, but a filet sounded good even though I was in a seafood restaurant.  When in roam……..just roam. This was our plan for the day, waiting for the Home Run Derby to start at 8 p.m.  We had 6 hours to fill.

Key Biscayne was our first stop.  We climbed to the top of an old lighthouse, originally built in 1855.  Off-shore about a mile were some old wood and concrete structures, built during prohibition. This was a time when you couldn’t just valet park at Trulucks and order a martini.  Back then, you had to take a boat to “Stiltsville,” as they called it, and drink or gamble in the safety of international waters.  There were a number of social clubs built on the surrounding sand bars until Hurricane Betsy destroyed most of the structures and boats that made up Stiltsville.  I guess this gives new meaning to the words “Sand Bar!”

We then roamed around Miami Beach, looking for where we stayed in 2012, to watch the opening game of Marlins Park.  Three of the four of us in the car, including my son, went to that inaugural game against the Cardinals five years ago.  Also, it was over 30 years ago ago (Post #151) that my son and I stayed at the famous Fountainebleau hotel just north of South Beach.  Between those two trips and a stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach makes this my fourth visit to the Miami area.   I would eventually like to visit Key West, but have no other plans to return in the near future.

Traffic was too heavy to roam any further, so we found a parking spot near the stadium.  It was only $30.  Home Run Derby tickets were only $195 each, and two beers went for $28, but they were big cans.  The experience….priceless.  These are the memories that a father and son will talk about for many years to come.  The Home Run Derby is a fun event, especially Miami style.  The All Star tickets for tonight were $275 each, adding to the priceless experience.  I could get into air fare, hotel costs, dining, and souvenirs, but my calculator might blow up!  We have some more roaming to do today, including a visit to a Cuban bakery, a childhood favorite of my son’s wife.  We’ll be bringing home some pastries to help soothe her envy of this adventure in roaming without her.  Also, beware grandson….I’ll be using your bed tonight!

Roaming will continue…..