Day 21 - January 21st - Fort Myers - Key West
After
bidding farewell to our wonderful hosts, we headed across to the Florida
Turnpike and then turned south towards the Keys. The weather started off with
some mild drizzle, and it stayed like that for most of the journey until we
headed south. When we got to the beginning of the keys, it ranged from clear
blue skies, to being very windy and pelting rain. It was interesting to see how
quickly these changes came about.
Key Deer on No Name Key |
We checked
in to our hotel in Marathon, and then headed for the tip, stopping at Big Pine
Key to take a look at the miniature Key Deer – an endangered species that are
protected by law. Much to Mark’s delight, we spotted several of them in the
populated areas, as well as further out at No Name Key.
One of the
proprietors of the Refuge Museum was explaining that – to my surprise – there
ARE crocodiles as well as alligators in the area. He told us that at a nearby
lake, they are breeding them with the hopes that they will help to reduce the
invading Burmese Pythons that are now rampant in the Everglades since Hurricane
Andrew destroyed a reptilium and set them free. He also said that many people
by pythons, anacondas, and boa constrictors when they are young and small and
then have second thoughts when they get too big to handle. At this point, so
many people set them free and then they take over the habitat.
He also told
us to visit the ‘Blue Hole’, which is a the only fresh-water pool in the area,
as an alligator had been spotted there. We took a drive out and were rewarded
with a close up shot of the creature. He was still for most of the 10 minutes
we were there, except for a slight move of his front leg, which satisfied us
that he was, indeed, the real thing!
6 ft long alligator |
Continuing
on the Overseas Highway, we found the surroundings increasingly interesting.
Couldn't believe the colour of the ocean |
Ibis - which proliferate this area |
Seven-Mile Bridge |
Human
ingenuity was the topic of conversation as we marveled at the construction of
the Seven Mile Bridge and couldn’t help thinking of the bridge scene in the movie, True Lies. We noticed
several breaks in the older (railroad) bridge, which ran parallel to the one we were on.
Old Railroad Bridge |
We had been
disappointed with Key Largo – which, from our perspective, was a little on the
shabby side. However, our disappointment was assuaged (and then some) by Key
West, itself. Much bigger than we had realized, we made our way to the end of
U.S. Hwy 1, parked the car, and then sought out information for our para-sailing adventure tomorrow – now booked and eagerly anticipated.
Roosters can be seen all over Key West! |
Duval Street at night |
we returned
to Marathon for the night. Really, really looking forward to tomorrow!!
Start Your Life
Happy, Fit, & Free !
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