1/23-26/17 - The Keys
Current location: Key West
Monday morning we packed up the van and headed south to the Keys. As we got closer to the Keys, we noticed a steady stream of people heading north with their weekend toys, RV’s and motorhomes, boats, Jeeps, kayaks, all heading back to the real-world while we were heading further south with other snowbirds just starting their vacation. As we got onto the islands, we made a quick stop to pick up some groceries and do some fine-detailed searches for a campsite and brewery along the way. We were successful in finding both. First stop: a surprisingly busy for Tuesday afternoon Islamorada Brewery. The first of our Golden brewery stickers came out and were placed among the other stickers from around the country. Our second stop was to Floriday Keys Brewing, just a short 3 minutes away. The passing rain shower stopped, allowing us to sit on the deck with Rooney. We were not the only ones who were sampling the local beers, as we recognized several groups. Rooney made quite the impression on the other patrons who commented on him. Rooney on the other hand was hot and tired, and very happy to be stretched out on the deck, enjoying the cooler weather after the rains.
A few stops along the way to Key West included Anne’s beach and other unnamed pull offs on the side of the highway. Wandering along the waters edge was like stepping into a lukewarm bath. It felt amazing to finally have toes in the sand and the waves lapping at your ankles. Rooney also enjoyed it, although he hasn’t quite figured out how to distinguish between salt and freshwater without trying to drink it, only to quickly spit it out. We pulled into Boyd’s campground with enough time to set up the van for sleeping on the ‘first floor’ and watched the sunset.
Tuesday is a day of exploration around the Keys. We drove to Sugarloaf Key and found the bat tower. Across the street and down the road a bit, are some closed off roads you can walk a loop. We only made it partway around and then decided to wade in the water instead. Rooney was vey happy to cool off, although he still hasn’t figured out not to drink the saltwater, and quickly spits it out with a very disappointed look on his face. On our way back to the van we stopped at the Sugarloaf Bridge jump and hopped in from the banks. The water was a beautiful sea foam green and quite refreshing. We headed back to Key West to wander around town. We found a great spot along Higgs beach to park and pop the roof while we had lunch. Afterwards we drove around downtown Key West finding Bone Island brewery to stop and sample their beers. Swimming in the ocean sounded good, so we headed back to Higgs Beach and went for a quick swim. Dinner was happy hour at Kellie’s with a few small plates of fish tacos, tempura shrimp and wings.
Wednesday sunrise from the penthouse window was beautiful. We watched 6 pairs of Navy fighter jets take off shortly after the sun rose. By the time we were finishing breakfast and getting ready to head out, the fighter jets were coming in for a landing. Their flight path went right past the campground before heading slightly north back to base. Rooney was as interested in watching them as everyone in the campground.
On our way back to the mainland on Wednesday, we stopped at the famous 7 mile bridge for a quick walk and a fish market for some fresh snapper to make fish tacos at Dan and Megan’s on Thursday. Destination: Everglades National Park. We arrived mid afternoon and made our customary stop into the visitor center for park information and a stamp in our national park’s passport. We drove through the park to the Flamingo Visitors Center where we walked along the marina and saw a few crocodiles basking in the sun. Osprey flew around overhead as we snacked on our alligator bites and key lime pie from the restaurant and lounge located on the lower level of the visitors center. We set up camp in the walk in area of the camp ground since it was closer to the water. The campground was pretty quiet for being high season.
Can you spot me? This guy was about 10' from a big manatee chomping away on sea grass.
We woke up just before sunrise and listened intently to the noises in the dark, trying to determine what was out there. When it got light enough, we put on our long sleeves and pants to try and brave the swarms of mosquitoes. Walks along the water and Eco pond were in full speed walk mode while trying to swat away the bugs before they carried us off. The drive out of the park was leisurely with stops at the pullouts to read signs and wander through some of the shorter boardwalk hikes.
Back at Dan and Megan’s we prepared fish tacos with veggies we picked up from the farmers market. Dinner did not disappoint! Great food and even better company. Many thanks to Dan, Megan, Laine and Libby for your hospitality and being our tour guides while we were with you.
Lara