Check it off our places-to-go list! We made it to the Florida Keys – finally – after many years of planning to visit here. Excitement rose as we drove down: views of water on both sides of the 2-lane highway. Gradually excitement turned to dismay: a strip-mall look. We drove in silence. The further we drove, (sigh of relief) the nicer the Keys looked.
We were getting hungry and hadn’t found a place to eat. We spied a UPS driver getting in his van and asked for a recommendation. Thanks very much, UPS! The Island Fish Company in Marathon was just right – and just on your right as you enter the town. We had a table on the dock and watched a manatee swim by as we ate grouper sandwiches.
We had reserved a campsite 11 months ago at Bahia Honda State Park. The site was one of the best we’ve ever had. It was only a few steps over a boardwalk to the ocean. We walked on the beach, where we spied a group of pelicans plunging from 20 feet into the ocean, again and again. At dusk, we took a stroll through the camping areas to see the many and different set ups, from simple tents to rolling “McMansions.”
Winter camping in Florida means night falls very early. By 8pm we were sitting in darkness at the picnic table playing Scrabble with our Petzl headlamps and a candle lantern for light.
We heard rustling just behind us in the woods. Then we spied little eyes looking at us. Raccoons! We’re surrounded! There appeared to be a whole family out there, and they were trying to come into our camp area – to tidy up for us. We may have reserved and paid for the campsite, but, now, we know who the true residents are. We packed everything into the car, and then slipped into our tent with books in hand, Petzls on head. As we drifted off to sleep, we knew the raccoons had reclaimed the site. We’ll settle for sharing it with them; we get days; they get nights.
January 2013
We loved Bahia Honda. Great kayaking. We also enjoyed going to the Flagler museum on a tiny island under one of the old spans. Did you get to see the tiny deer on Big Pine Key?
Saw the key deer. Stay tuned to the blog for a photo one of these days. Missed the Flagler museum, though.
Possums do the same thing here if you don’t put your camping stuff away. They can make a terrible mess and they are very noisy. I love your headlamps. What a great idea.
Sounds like fun!
Glad you made it to the kingdom of the Keys!
On our way along the Gulf Coast today.
Joe…as you travel along the highway think about a possible bike trip…or is it too flat?
Dale
Yes, flat and, depending on your direction, you may love or curse the wind. Bike paths and on road bike lanes in many places. Good fresh seafood all along the way.