The Keys Collection

The weather was perfect while we were in Big Pine Key (February 11- March 3). No rain. Moderate day time temps 70-85 and warm nights. Finally warm nights and hot days. We relaxed a lot. Enjoyed dining outdoors. Kayaking. Biking. Snorkeling.

We did a full moon kayak trip, which was a fundraiser for a nonprofit. There were about 50 boaters. The timing was perfect. As the sun was setting in the west the moon was rising in the east. Hard to choose which way to look.









Afterwards, we dined at the locals' favorite No Name Pub. Yes, those are dollar bills hanging from every millimeter of the ceiling.



We did a lot of paddling in our new Sea Eagle inflatable kayak, the Fast Track 360. It's a tandem...another relationship challenge as if living in a van isn't enough. But Philip is still smiling as we explore a mangrove channel.



How about that pedicure! Oh, I mean, what a beautiful wild place.



Our view of Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key.



Ouch! Portuguese Man O' War. Cool shepherd fish feeding below. They are immune to sting. These are so cool to watch, but not so fun to swim with as we did on one snorkel trip.



Love the motto for the Keys Fisheries Restaurant.



While I do love a good cook, I'm not so sure we can live without friends. However, I would trade a good book for a good meal.



We did two long bike trips and several short ones. Yes very flat, but if you count the bridges and the strong head winds it kinda like climbing a mountain pass. Well...




We went on two snorkel tours. One to Looe Key and the other to Sombrero Reef. Both wonderful and affordably priced.



Iguana. Non native species. Former pet. People get tired of them and release them. Not good for the indigenous species. This one shares a refuge with lots of companions- all neutered for free by a local veterinarian.



Philip and I visited with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center, a nonprofit on Grassy Key. We had mixed feeling about this, did some research and caved to the temptation. Our guilt was eased by thinking that our money would be put to good use. However, we later learned that only 10% of the money goes to research with no appreciable results. All but one dolphin was born and raised in captivity, not rescued. It was a unique experience, however we both agreed that we'd much rather just enjoy these wonderful mammals from afar the way nature intended.










After 18 nights at the Lodge, we camped one night at John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. There are four state park campgrounds in the Keys. They are nearly impossible to get into. They take reservations 11 months in advance and have few walk-in sites. The two we visited (Bahia Honda & Pennecamp) are beautiful.



Our last two nights in Key Largo were spent at the Key Largo Kampground. It was just okay. Very small sites, but it does have direct water access.

We liked the low-key feel if the Keys. Loved the warm temperatures and crystal blue waters. So much more kayaking and snorkeling to do!


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