THE FLORIDA KEYS

Driving through the swamp was thoroughly enjoyable. We saw numerous Wood Storks and a few Anhingas. Soon we were on the upper edge of the Everglades. There were crowds at all of the Swamp Tour businesses on the highway and at the Visitor Center. We'll have to save the Everglades for next time.

Driving South on FL997 we began to see agriculture. First we saw fields of crops with various irrigation types. Soon there was one nursery after another - flowers, shrubs and palm trees. It must be rich soil to grow so many things. 

We thought the barrier would be painted blue all the way to Key West but it wasn't. The highway looked like this between keys.

We had reserved one night at the Elks Lodge in Tavernier. We agreed to the least desirable site just to get a place. When we arrived and everyone was helping us get settled, they decided that we should take the site (#1) reserved for someone who hadn't shown up for two days. We were very happy. We were happier yet when they let us stay three nights. What an introduction to the Keys!

There are twelve RV sites behind the lodge. Site #1 is 12 feet from the water.

Our first sunset on the Keys.

View from the patio. The tiki hut is at the left.

It's always five o'clock in the tiki hut.

These guys didn't know how to take a picture with their iPad Mini so Linda did it for them.

Sandor's parents are lodge members. He brought and cooked enough food to feed us all. Hamburgers and steak on the grill.

One of Sandor's daughters was a water sprite.

Brown Pelicans over palms.

The iguanas made strange noises at night. At least we think it was the iguanas. They sun themselves on the rocks around the dock.

Dinner at The Fish House was delicious.

Boyd, a Blue-and-yellow Macaw.