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THEPILL · 06-04-2010, 04:56 PM

I'm planning on going to Key West with my son next week. Leaving on the 11th and returning on the 24th and I don't know if this oil is gonna keep me from going. I hate waiting. If I can't go then I need to get my head around it,.. but if I am then I need to get my head around that also...30 hour drive.

What do you guys think? My son's 17 and can't drink, we just fish and snorkel. If the water is bad then whats the use. Took him last year and it pretty much changed his life. It's all he talks about. Next year after school he's going off to college and no trip for Dad and son.

We could get some rubber boots and gloves and help out, worse case, right?

Opinions?

*note, This whole tragedy about the oil is so much bigger than my little trip with my son, I pray every night and also during the day for the loss of life and the effects upon humanity this will cause. Prayers are being sent.

Shane

jjustice · 06-04-2010, 05:04 PM

The idea it was life changing event for your son is what struck me. Maybe you can beat the oil which would be great. If not maybe seeing the oil will be equally life changing event for your son. Just a thought! I agree this whole thing oil situation leaves us all speechless.

holder310 · 06-04-2010, 05:04 PM

Shane, I live in middle Alabama.... I have a trip planned to the gulf coast (gulf shores) and the slicky brown oil JUST hit yesterday in gulf shores. It will be a few (3) weeks before it hits the tip of Florida. Go enjoy yourself... may be the last time you can hit the Keys with your son. The wildlife/coast may never recover. I have been watching for weeks now. It hit Lousianna first and just now made it to the tip of Alabama. You will be fine. Have fun!!

easyride · 06-04-2010, 05:06 PM

Go for it,we just got put on an alert for possible oil in a week or so,Key West should be ok for a while.
If you run into oil @ KW,come back up in the upper keys,you should be fine on the Atlantic side.
Dave

bwoodtx · 06-04-2010, 05:06 PM

Dude,

Can you leave earlier?? It appears the oil has not gone that far south, yet. If you could go earlier, I would do that. Also, somewhere in Fla., I think it is Crystal River???? there is a place to snorkel/swim with the Manatees. Ck it out-I think that would be cool too. You see any "inexpensive" airstreams along the way give me a call. I'm always up for a bargain and adding to the herd

sempi2 · 06-04-2010, 05:07 PM

Go and enjoy what maybe one of the last father/son trips. Even if you can't fish or snorkel, I'm sure there must be many others things to do in that area.

Ike T · 06-04-2010, 05:08 PM

While the water activities in the Keys are hard to beat, there are plenty of alternate, amazing natural attractions in Florida should oil be in Key West waters.

I say go and be flexible about what you do when and where.

dkottum · 06-04-2010, 05:18 PM

Don't hesitate at all. Do it, and make the best of whatever happens. My son and I made many fishing trips when he was young, and we both treasure the times. Now he has his own family.

gsmithii · 06-04-2010, 06:22 PM

Go! Time with Dad - priceless. Fishing, snorkling or dodging oil globs are all secondary.

Aviator · 06-04-2010, 07:29 PM

Go, and if the oil does hit there it may well be clean on the opposite side of the key.

LisaP · 06-04-2010, 07:52 PM

Go , create the memories! Heck of a memory either way.

triplenet · 06-04-2010, 08:24 PM

Shane,

Go for it!

Best case is that the oil doesn't hit.
But, if it has, volunteer to help in the cleanup. That will be the most memorable of the previous two scenarios.

Either way, the local economy will appreciate your business.

I have a friend who had an relative flooded by Katrina in Pascagoula. We spent a week cleaning out their house and stacking lifelong belongings on the curb.

That was one of the most memorable things I have ever done.

One issue we had was at night beer elves would steal our beer. We had to stay up late to protect our supply (which, had disappeared by morning, but, homeowner would replenish each day).

Bob

PS:

While we worked for only the inlaws, many folks were helping thru organizations.

If you do want to volunteer, search out groups that are coordinating the help. Don't be a cowboy and indepentantly try to charge in for a few hours, and cause a bigger mess.

You will gain a respect for FEMA, Red Cross, etc for organization.

Bob

slowmover · 06-04-2010, 08:36 PM

I viewed Texas beaches after IXTOC-1. Didn't stop me from going, nor enjoying myself.

Folks need to get used to the idea that cheap oil is gone. While there is, and won't be, any excuse for failing best possible practice in chasing after more costly oil, viewing "damage" is also meditative in conversation with one's son about professional, legal and societal responsibilities. All of which failed, here. Ends and means . . . .

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-04-2010, 11:28 PM

Hi, go west young man; Take him to Catalina or Hawaii. I don't know if your son wants to wade in oil for his last trip before college. Or be a father and son team to help clean up this mess.

Lily&Me · 06-05-2010, 04:27 AM

I agree with Bob/Triplenet. Go to Key West, enjoy your usual activities if you can and help with the oil cleanup if you can't. Anything you do with or to help the locals will be appreciated and your son will remember, and be better for, being part of a gracious gesture during a terribly difficult time.

College doesn't mean the end of father-son trips, either. There are breaks between every semester, and spring break every March.

Good luck,

Maggie

MaxAB · 06-05-2010, 06:09 AM

Don't sweat the oil, I grew up on the beaches of central and northern CA in the 60's, we had oil and tar in everything by the end of the day. Time and building Father/Son memories is worth it - enough said. Get your head around GOING...

My $0.02...