Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a long chain of keys (islands) that stretch south from Miami to Key West, a distance of 160 miles. It’s a beautiful drive with approximately 40 bridges over crystal blue water from Miami to Key West. There is even a seven mile long bridge going south from Marathon.

The upper keys of Key Largo and Islamorada are known for their sport fishing and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The state park consists of a living coral reef where you can snorkel, scuba dive or take a glass bottom boat ride. The abundance and variety of tropical fish is breathtaking. (John and Jeff, remember the barracuda?)

Our destination on Nov 15 was Curry Hammock State Park on Marathon Key. This park is located about half way between Key Largo and Key West. The park consists of a small campground (28 spaces) right on the ocean, a nature trail, and bike path running through it. We spent our time sitting on the beach, hiking the trail and generally kicking back. The weather was warm, (in the 80’s) and slightly humid when we arrived, but a cold front came through, and we had weather in the 70’s and very little humidity the rest of the time. Some cold front, huh?

We are finding that the Florida state campgrounds are first rate. Generally speaking, the spaces are far apart, the restrooms are very clean with free hot showers, and the campgrounds are well maintained and patrolled. Tourism is very important and they like to keep the snowbirds (Yankees and Canadians) happy.

The cooler and less humid weather made for a great visit to Key West. Key West is located about an hour’s drive south of Marathon. It is known for its unique architecture of tin roofs, gingerbread trim, colorful shutters and wraparound verandas. There is definitely a Caribbean influence in the architecture and food. There are many upscale bed and breakfasts, wonderful restaurants and typical tourist shops. Ernest Hemmingway lived here for 10 years and wrote many of his famous works here. A big attraction is visiting his home. A favorite activity in Key West is to watch the sunset at Mallory Square. The sunset is also not so bad at our campsite. There is also a much photographed spot that marks the southern most point of the U.S. that is just 90 miles from Cuba.