Key West is not Basecamp-friendly in the historic core, so Doug and Marla did it the smart way: camp on Big Pine Key and day-trip south. The drive down US-1 with water on both sides left them quiet in the best way.

They watched the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, toured Ernest Hemingway’s six-toed cats, and got lost in alleys lined with bougainvillea. Doug tried key lime pie at three shops; Marla kept score on a napkin.

Back at the campground, a Keys local helped Doug adjust his brake controller after a long downhill run. “You Iowans tow like you mean it,” he said, which Doug took as high praise.

Silver Trekker verdict: Iconic Florida endpoint—camp up the Keys, explore by car, and eat everything lime-flavored.

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