The views and the trip are everything you said they are. The scenic approach to Miami (part of which is in your picture) is well worth the effort (the route is at
www.consultresearch.com/miasce.htm and has an easy graphic).
I'm surprised you had trouble going out of EYW on RWY 9. The EYW tower gives you clear vectoring instructions (typically to make an immediate left or right turn) and the hand-off to the Navy controller has always worked well for me. Paul Rooy flies to EYW more often than me, so maybe we'll hear from him.
Anyhow, I'm glad you enjoyed the trip.
Ernie