Cypress Nat'l Preserve to Key Largo (77 Miles)

First, we want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our brother-in-law, Martin Nichols. We hope you had a great day!!

 

Our drive wasn’t too long today, about 77 miles. We took the back highway which wound us through all kinds of wholesale nursery farms. Really pretty and then we were in the north-end of Homestead. It seemed to be a nice little historic-like area. First shots are still in the preserve area......

Still in the Cypress Nat'l Preserve

 

Wholesale nurseries, everywhere..... 

Old part of Homestead.....

 

For Josh - they seem to have Guinness here too!!

 

 

We stopped at a Starbucks to use the internet. While surfing, Doug found out that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park had 2, one night vacancies. Yikes!! We slammed those computers shut and left right away. We were lucky enough to grab the last site for the day. We are pretty stoked!!

Almost in Key Largo..... 

 

 

 

 

We won’t get to enjoy too much of the park but from what we’ve seen today, it’s a real beauty. Obviously, they excel at snorkeling and diving. Unfortunately for many people, today all the tours were cancelled due to the storm that rolled through last night. Believe me, we got it at our other campsite. Strong enough winds that it blew our bikes over (and they were parked on pavement) and pelting rain. I guess it churned up the ocean pretty good. They said there is limited visibility and the sea has a 6-7 foot chop. Pretty bumpy and not diving water that’s for sure!

 

 

 Sure looks okay from here.....

Very sulphur smelling!!

 

 This is where we are sitting right now!!

 

...but it has a pretty good view!! 

 
There is a great gift shop/concession store (with WIFI). There is also a visitor centre with a wonderful aquarium display and also a dive shop (with WIFI). We are happy to be able to catch up on emails, etc. (Actually, Doug is REALLY happy I could catch up!!) that is where we are posting from now.

 

 

The Lion Fish is so beautiful but is considered an invasive species here. Pretty much has a bounty on it's spiny head!!

Tomorrow, we go to Sugar Loaf Key, about 80 miles away. We are sure looking forward to the drive along this beautiful area. Pretty sure you will be hearing from us tomorrow!

Peace….

Thought for the Day: "Sitting on the dock of the bay"...Otis Redding