Florida Keys

On Wednesday, we were excited about making our way to the Florida Keys. The Everglades are the “gateway” to the Keys before reaching US 101 and the bridge to the Overseas Highway. We stopped in Homestead to top off our diesel tank and pick up a few groceries, not knowing what to expect for variety and prices in the Keys. Before long, we were watching the milepost markers starting at mile 110 and making our way to the Jolly Roger
RV Park at Mile 60 on Grassy Key.

We were glad that we did not get a site right on the water, as it was windy on the Gulf side. In fact, during a storm one week ago, a sailboat slipped it mourning and crashed into the dock, significantly damaging both. There was a great little park on the water to enjoy the sunsets.

On Thursday, we drove 3 miles to check out our home exchange beach house on Conch Key. We then went exploring some of the other Keys and stopped at Sombrero Beach in Marathon to relax in the sunshine.

 On Friday, we biked 22 miles round trip to Marathon, a 10 mile long island bustling with activity. We stopped at the Visitor’s Center to pick up some information on the local area and then made our way to the local park.

 By the time that we made it back to our campsite, we both agreed that if we are going to do more biking, we needed to order gel seats.

On Friday, we ventured further south to No Name Key. We had heard that there was a great little pub that served fantastic pizza. We finally found No Name Pub and it was packed.

It reminded us of the old Bird House in Alaska. There was not an inch of space that did not have dollars bills on it, including ours.

 The pizza was one of the absolute best that we have had in all of the 50 states. Of course, we have been eating low carb and we may have been feeling a bit deprived.

Early Saturday morning, we moved over to the beach house on Conch Key.

 As soon as I saw the beach and the aqua blue ocean, I put my bathing suit on for the first time this winter, found a beach chair, and settled in to read and enjoy the sun. Oh yes, I felt like I have died and gone to heaven.

 This is what we have been waiting for all winter…fun in the sun! Dan and Gail arrived in the late afternoon and after they got settled, they told us all about their adventures kayaking in the Everglades.

On Sunday, we checked out the Key Fisheries for some fresh fish. It was suggested that we come back Tuesday night when the boats come in to get some fresh snapper. Although the grilled lobster looked delicious, we opted for fresh shrimp, conch chowder, and stone crab soup for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised when it was time for dinner to see that Gail had spoiled us and peeled all of the shrimp. In Alaska, everyone is on their own!

Monday was another sunny day in paradise. At times we feel like we are in the Caribbean instead of Florida. Bob and I took a 4 mile hike to Hawks Cay and sat at the Marina people watching. Later in the afternoon, we went to the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in Marathon, one of the world’s last remaining thatch palm hammocks and home to the Adderley House. George, a Bahamian immigrant, built the house out of “tabby’ or burnt seashells in the 1900s and make his living harvesting sponges. We visited the Wild Bird Center museum and walked the nature trails, being rewarded at the Point with a panaramic view of the Florida Bay.

After easing into the day on Tuesday, we launched the kayaks. I did not feel as secure in my little yellow kayak as I did paddling in Dan and Gail’s sea kayak.

 At least it was warm out and the water was shallow in most spots. We paddled to the next key on the ocean side and crossed under the bridge to the gulf side.

It was relaxing and fun until we had to cross back to the ocean with the tide coming in. Without a rudder, the wind and current wanted to push me into the bridge wall. Dan and Gail tied onto my kayak to help me get through. No rough seas in this kayak for me! I do think that having one on our lake would be fun.
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