Cape FLorida Lighthouse Judi shivering on the beach More of Judi shivering on the beach We had the beach to ourselves Our lifeguard station (deserted) Our trip to Miami Beach wasn't what we expected. We drove down on Saturday, and after lunch we went out on the beach. It was pretty late. We did catch some rays, but not many. But we weren't discouraged. After all, this was Miami Beach, and tomorrow is always another day. Tomorrow (Sunday) was cloudy, though warm. We laid on the beach, and in the end got pretty well toasted, but it was all on one side (front), because we didn't think the sun was that intense. But we weren't discouraged. After all, this was Miami Beach, and tomorrow is always another day, and we could do our backs then. Then, late Sunday afternoon, rain swept through, and behind it the weather turned very cold. Very cold. Sunday evening it was in the 50's. Neither of us had long pants, sleeved shirts, or even socks or closed shoes. Much less sweaters or jackets. I mean, this was supposed to be MIAMI BEACH! Not Wisconsin. We hoped Monday would see a warming trend. Our hopes were dashed. Monday morning was clear but cold. Highs were only expected in the 60's. This was not forecast by the weather people the day before. Even the locals said it was totally unexpected. These locals were wearing hooded sweatshirts, jackets, and gloves. In Miami Beach, that's what it takes to survive when it's in the 60's. No way Judi and I were laying on any beach. We shivered from store to store to find Judi a cute sweatshirt jacket -- she didn't even have a top that covered her back. Then we drove to Key Biscayne, to Cape Florida National Park. We rented bicycles, had fun, and hoped Tuesday would be warmer. Our hopes were dashed. We actually tried to lay out on Tuesday. The beach was deserted. As far as we could see to the north and south, there was just us. We lasted about five minutes. See the pictures. We spent the rest of the day shopping in the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, which is a pretty cool place. Lincoln Road is closed to vehicles across almost the entire width of Miami Beach (which as you may know is a long, thin island). They have great restaurants and neat (though expensive) shops. Judi found a lavendar jade bracelet on sale for $100, which seemed like a good price. On Wednesday the sun was warm, though there was still a cold wind blowing off the ocean. And we had to leave. There's not a lot to say about this trip, but if you have nothing better to do I offer these links: The hotel where we stayed Eats (what would an album of mine be without eats?) A (Short) Tale of Two Conventions Stories Worth Reading (I hope) What is this place? (It's a little south of the Crowne Plaza on Collins.) If you know, would you please send me a message? Thanks!