ARRIVAL JDSP

 Driving to and from the Keys has  to be one of the best drives in Florida.

Even this Kmart store is a celebration of the ocean setting.

 The seven mile bridge is a thrilling adventure.

Everyone should do this on a 10spd bicycle during high winds and rain, as was the case in the 80's when I biked from Fort Launderdale to Key West. 

 Many of the old bridges are now used as biking trails or fishing piers.

 This is part of the old railway route built in the early 1900's.

 We were lucky to book in for two days at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

This state park is located at the start of the Keys. We have stayed there numerous times over the last thirty years and each visit has seen many changes in the park.

This small houseboat was at the dock and owned by an elderly couple who trailed and cruised most of the water ways in North America.

The next day we were off on the tour boat for a "glass bottom" view of the reefs.

Mangrove banked channel to open water. 

Birds in the channel.

Underwater view.

Heading for the open sea!!!

 It was a little rough and as we were heading out many boats were heading back.

This is not a good sign!! 

 Chris and I laughed as I pretended to be sea sick.

My pretense quickly turned real.

While over the reef, I discreetly "dumped fuel". The result of my actions brought in a record number of sea life species to the viewers on board the glass bottom boat. Not one passenger thanked me as I was alone with my very green face and trying to toss myself overboard!!

 AH! HOME FROM THE ABYSS!

 This park poster shows a huge "Christ of the Abyss" statue located on a reef a number of miles off shore at the state park. In the 1990's Paul and I snorkeled over this statue as it was then located in a small lake in the park. At that time I lost the keys to our rental car and Paul dove down and recovered the keys since the rental company could not provide a replacement set for two days.

I think a plaque should be placed on the statue in gratitude of that event.

 Campground visitor (Indego Snake).

 Final drive to the mainland.

 Maggie and the crew.

 Corel rocks in the camp ground.

First night at J Dickinson State Park.

SO LONG "KEYWEST".

I really tried but my RV LEVELING business failed.

Maybe because of the wrong spelling on our truck. 

 Chris took a few last day pics from our camp ground.

I can feel a water colour painting on the way!!

 The dock at feeding time.

 Maggie didn't mind this little lizard in her RV for the ride.

The view of some mangroves in Key West.

Easy to understand why they call it the "walking tree".

 A town local out for a stroll.

 This is really true when the cruise ships are in town.

Expect to pay $10 for a $4 hot dog!

This seems to be a cruise ship happening at all their ports of call.

 Key West is a great place to "crawl out of your shell"!

Large tarpons swim  next to the docks in town.

 This waterfront warehouse has style!

 The Conch Time is a great way to get an overview of Key West.

 Classic local bar.

 More tarpon. Bad tasting but great catching fish. 

 Local colourful shops.

 More bars. No shortage down here.

!956 Chev

 1957 Chev......I tried to mail one to Jim in Ottawa but couldn't decide.

Jim, what say we go to Key West and drive both back!! 

 SO TRUE

 Yes, Key West has attitude! 

Pepes' has been serving meals for over one hundred years in Key West.

I know it looks real fancy on the outside but inside it's real casual. 

Pepes' key lime pie is a "do not miss item" on the menu.

 Great Food - Good Prices

 Fort Zachy Taylor Beach.

Best beach on the island. 

 Fish around the beach rocks.

 This beach is completely natural.

 Crashed out on the beach.

 The start of the daily sunset party at Mallory Square in Key West.

 Entertainment---

 of all sorts cover the square till the sun goes down.

 A cruise ship leaves the dock.

 Roosters take to the trees to view the sunset.

 Another perfect sunset in Key West.

 I'll miss all our friends---

 of all kinds on the island!