Key West, FL (USA)

Finally got another flight today - it seems like forever since the last one... Mission with Greg again - this time to Key West and Virginia Beach. Weather was great in Fort Worth and we got out of town on time (0900L). Flew across the Gulf of Mexico all the way to South Florida - but couldn't see the ground until we arrived in the Keys. It was balmy on the ground, with a little mist and rain. Turn was quick, though! Took off for Virginia Beach and immediately began to encounter weather - but it got much worse as we flew north. Our route took us out over the Atlantic Ocean to North Carolina (east of Wilmington). Thunderstorms everywhere... Very windy and low ceilings but we landed OK and got fueled up before weather got worse. I flew the last leg and we dodged weather all the way to Georgia - after that, it got clearer. We could see the ground as we crossed the Mississippi River. Saw the huge lakes along the Texas & Louisiana border - they look inviting... The setting sun began to affect the view (in our face), but we lucked out and descended into the DFW area with a thin haze layer in the distance - it blocked the sun a little. After that, we saw some great scenery in Dallas and Fort Worth. Field was actually still open (a rarity), so we did an extra approach and landing. Felt rusty this morning, but feeling better about being back in the plane by the time we landed (1830L). Got all the paperwork done and made it home just as it got dark.