Mary. Paul and Geoff flew to Miami from Ireland and we met them at the Homestead Walmart. Mary had broken her arm 3 days before they flew to Miami but she was determined not to miss the trip - what a trooper she is!
The next morning we all drove down US-1 through the Florida Keys to Big Pine Key where we spent 4 nights. The first day we decided to go to Key West for the day. The sun was shining and the temperature was warm - just as we had hoped it would be! We spent the day exploring Duval Street, going to the southern most point in the US, drinking margaritas ( buy 1 get 1 free), having lunch at Sloppy Joes and watching the sunset at Mallory Square. Molly was with us the whole day and much to our surprised, she was welcome in the bar and the restaurant that we went in! The waitress said she liked the dogs better than most people and she gave Molly a biscuit and a bowl of water.
The next day we went kayaking through the mangroves, lagoons and around little islands. It was Geoff and Paul's first time to kayak - a really fun experience! We saw all kinds of Florida "critters" including horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, mangrove crabs, sponges, jelly fish, egrets, herons and a couple of dolphins!
The next day we decided to "chill" at the beach near our campground. We spent the day at Bahia Honda State Park. There's a beautiful beach - one of the few beaches in the keys, a nature center, a fishing pier and several walking trails. The weather was starting to get colder but that didn't discourage our Irish friends who are used to swimming in cold water. They jumped right in! We decided to just relax on the beach....
We packed up camp and drove back up US1 to spend 4 nights in Key Largo - the northern most Florida Key We had a lovely campsite right on the water with our own thatched roof cabana and dock - what a treat!
Paul and Geoff wanted to swim with the dolphins ( gary and I opted not to since we had already had the chance in the Bahamas. The experience they had was so much better than ours so we highly recommend swimming with the dolphins in Key Largo - but if it's cold, wear a wet suit! Paul didn't want to spend the extra $10 ( my kind of guy)!. Click on the link to get more info on this and other things to see and do in the Florida Keys. http//www.travelguidetothecountryside.com
Since the weather had turned must colder, we opted for the glass bottom boat ride to the Pennekamp coral reefs instead of the snorkeling trip. We saw lots of beautifully colored tropical fish, coral and a sea turtle too!
Our last day together we went Homestead to the Alligator Farm. We took an air boat ride through the Everglades aw an alligator show and a snake show too. It was a really good value for the money.
We reluctantly said our good byes and Mary, Paul and Geoff flew back to Ireland. Gary and I continued our Florida travels. Next stop the Space Coast!
