Fun In The Sun - Key Largo

Key Largo, FL (76 degrees, sunny skies)

Our last few days with Jen were spent in Key Largo.  She got to ride for the first time in the passenger seat of our motorcoach as we drove from Key West. The drive was beautiful but our reservations at the Elks Lodge were very disappointing.  It's the first time we have not liked staying at a Elks Lodge.  The water view sites appeared to be nice.   However, we were crammed up against the building, dumpster, and yes an outhouse.  Sheesh!  The electricity was also very minimal and we later found out our refrigerators were not able to cool properly.  We did look around for a better place to stay but most parks were sold out or rather odd.  We decided to make the best of it and enjoy the area and nearby beaches. 

 

Elk Lodge Sunset Pier

 

 

John Pennekamp State Park is  nearby.  The concessionaire arranges snorkeling trips out to a reef. and reservations are a good idea.  The weather was perfect and the snorkeling was great.  We saw lots of coral, large conchs, barracuda, and so much more.  Instructions and equipment are provided if needed.  The boat trip is out to the reef is fun and snorkeling time lasts about 90 minutes. 

 

 

Waiting for our tour

 

Boat trip out to reef

 

 

 

Snorkelers checking out the reef

 



 

 

We also spent a day at Curry Hammock State Park.  The campground looked amazing and the long strip of beach is very nice.  It's also a  hang out for kite surfers and we spent the day enjoying the great weather and watching all the action.  The surfers were having a great time racing back and forth in front of us. Jen has decided she really needs to move to Florida.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a short video of a kite surfer.  Watch how he turns the kite and his surf board. 

 

 

 

 

We also made a quick stop at the Wild Bird Sanctuary.  It was difficult to take pictures due to most of the birds being in cages.  It's a rescue and rehab facility for wild birds with a great mission.  Donations are appreciated.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jen and I took the SeaEagle out for a paddle after launching from the Elks Lodge.  We had fun paddling along the coast looking at all the homes.  We even saw a manatee hanging out in a canal.   

 

 

 

Manatee "nosing" about

The Boy Scouts sponsored a spaghetti dinner at the Elks Lodge one evening.  In conjunction with the fire department a flag burning ceremony was also held. 

Sunsets were also a big part of our evenings.  There is something very special about sitting on a bench and watching the sun go down.

On our last day together with Jen we stopped at South Beach in Miami.  We walked the beach and then had a cocktail at a trendy restaurant watching all the people go by.  After leaving sleepy Key Largo we found Miami to be quite a jolt. 

Delicous mohitos

Sadly we had to say goodbye at the airport.  We sure will miss you.  Please come visit us again soon.