Going North up the Keys

We checked out of the Days Inn Key West around 8 am and took our time driving up US 1 toward Florida City.

We drove up to Big Pine Key and drove around the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge. We walked several of the trails in the reserve but saw far more key deer along the roads. The speed limits on the island are low since the deer are an endangered species and many of them are automobile casualties I was surprised at how tiny they are. One little doe that we watched for a long time was only about 18 inches tall. We spent a good bit of time on the Key and stopped by the visitor center where the ranger gave us a lot of information about the natural history and geology of the Keys. Big Pine Key was one of the best stops on the Keys because most of the island is part of the Refuge and there were lots of trails and paths to walk.  A fire a few years ago damaged many of the hiking trails and although the habitat is returning, the trails and signs were all destroyed.  Although the trails were nice, we would suggest just driving residential roads to see Key Deer.
We drove to Bahia Honda State Park and walked several trails including one that went to a closed section of the original bridge. From one of the guidebooks, we learned that in many places the original concrete from the German technique is in better shape than concrete that was poured much later. Of course we know that all the best stuff is made by Germans! We also walked a great interpretative nature trail. The signage was excellent and we learned a lot about the plants of the area. We saw a lot of tropical, wading and shore birds. We couldn't identify most of them but they were interesting to watch. We saw an osprey carrying a huge branch that nearly weighed it down. It was not going to give up on the branch. The beaches there are supposed to be some of the nation's best but we aren't sure why. It was a nice area but didn't seem much different than many other beach areas. Nevertheless, it was a pretty place and we enjoyed walking around and enjoying the day.

We made a few other stops to take a snapshot or hunt a geocache. The temperature was in the mid 80s so it was nice to be outside in the sea air for a walk. We were amazed at the turquoise color of the water and the general beauty of the area. We also liked to look at the fossilized coral that makes up the bedrock of the Keys. We saw fossils of all types of coral in the stones as we were walking. The area is just so different from our home area.
We made a great stop for lunch at Juice Paradise Cuban Cafe in Marathon. Everyone eating there was a local on a first name basis with the people at the restaurant. Many of the patrons were local construction workers who come for the generous portions of Cuban food. There were only four folding plastic tables there but a lot of locals get carryout. Mary had a Cuban sandwich that was huge. It had a stack of ham and roast pork with lots of Swiss cheese on freshly baked hoagie bread then grilled. I had the roast Cuban pork with beans and rice on the side. We shared each other's meals as well as some fried sweet plantains. The juice drinks there are all freshly squeezed and were excellent. I had mango and Mary had watermelon. We thought this place was an excellent lunch stop.
We considered stopping at Crane Point State Park but the description sounded like it was mostly nature trails and we had already visited an excellent and well marked trail at Baiha Honda and planned to stop at another in Key Largo so we decided to pass on Crane Point.

In Islamorada we stopped a Anne's Beach which has a nice public beach and a boardwalk along the beach. We found a couple of geocaches there and took a few snapshots before continuing northeast.
At one point, we saw a huge iguana in the middle of US 1 blocking traffic. We had read that iguanas are among the many invasive species that are causing problems here in Southern Florida. Big pythons get a lot of publicity in the Everglades but there are many invasive plants and animals that are causing problems.

Our last stop of the day was at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock State Park. There are nice wide trails that are well marked with signs describing the unique plants of the area. The park is well used by local people for bicycle riding and walking. It is a beautiful park and a good stop along the way.
We drove up Card Sound through Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This is one of the few areas where American crocodiles have a breeding population. This is one of the areas that has seen an invasion of non native pythons despite eradication efforts.
We arrived at the Florida City Travelodge around 5 pm and crashed since both of us had tired feet from all the walking. We had a late dinner at Rosita's Mexican Restaurante which was only a couple of blocks from the motel.  Our meals were very good and the service was excellent.  Mary had the flautas with beans and rice.  I wasn't very hungry so I had two pork tamales. We both enjoyed our meals.  



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