January 31
There are 822 islands in the Keys. Today we made it to four of them. I don’t think we are going to see them all.
We visited Bahia Honda State Park. It is often rated as one of the best state parks in the country and it is also a coveted place to park an RV. We tried unsuccessfully to get a reservation for this week four months ago. The ranger told me today that typically they are booked
at 100% from January through April. The reservations are placed eleven months in advance. After being in the park, I can see the attraction.
We rode our bikes through the park to visit a variety of beaches both on the Atlantic side and the Gulf side. The 1912’s defunct railroad bridge is still there and we were able to access it on our bikes, as well. Since there are no hills on the keys, the highest points on which to get a view are the bridges. The 80 degree weather was cooled by an east wind that did create a problem. At this time of year some of the sea grass dies and is washed either to shore or out to sea. Today, with the east
wind, it was washed ashore in big bunches. As it sat on the shore it began to decay. In some places the aroma was so strong that it reminded me of a cattle feed lot.
We drove off the main roads to the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key for dinner. It was built in the 30’s and is frequented by tourists, locals, and snowbirds alike. Its claim to fame is that it has delicious pizza and that over 93 thousand one dollar bills are stapled to every square inch of the walls and ceiling. Several people added to that number as we dined.
There are 822 islands in the Keys. Today we made it to four of them. I don’t think we are going to see them all.
We visited Bahia Honda State Park. It is often rated as one of the best state parks in the country and it is also a coveted place to park an RV. We tried unsuccessfully to get a reservation for this week four months ago. The ranger told me today that typically they are booked
at 100% from January through April. The reservations are placed eleven months in advance. After being in the park, I can see the attraction.We rode our bikes through the park to visit a variety of beaches both on the Atlantic side and the Gulf side. The 1912’s defunct railroad bridge is still there and we were able to access it on our bikes, as well. Since there are no hills on the keys, the highest points on which to get a view are the bridges. The 80 degree weather was cooled by an east wind that did create a problem. At this time of year some of the sea grass dies and is washed either to shore or out to sea. Today, with the east
wind, it was washed ashore in big bunches. As it sat on the shore it began to decay. In some places the aroma was so strong that it reminded me of a cattle feed lot.We drove off the main roads to the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key for dinner. It was built in the 30’s and is frequented by tourists, locals, and snowbirds alike. Its claim to fame is that it has delicious pizza and that over 93 thousand one dollar bills are stapled to every square inch of the walls and ceiling. Several people added to that number as we dined.
1 comment:
I need a geography lesson & a map. 822 islands--wow.
I wonder if the Big Pine Tree has a rider on their fire insurance policy to cover all the dollar bills?
I have to say I'm jealous of you two basking in the warmth--is this going to be a yearly spot? My cousin from Wisconsin goes to Florida every January--I can see why. Enjoy!
Post a Comment