It was an interesting drive on Highway 41 through the Everglades. We saw hundreds of alligators along the way – or at least the kids did. They were better at spotting them than I was. These gators were a much darker shade of green (almost black) than what is portrayed in most pictures.
After the Everglades we hit Highway 1 and drove 117 miles over 42 bridges and numerous small islands (keys). It was different than what I expected. I envisioned much bigger, longer bridges. In reality, it felt more like driving on land (which it was) with short bridges linking the islands. There was only one really long bridge which was seven miles long.
We made a couple of trips in to Key West during the week. We took the Conch Train Tour of the island and learned a lot about the history of Key West. It was originally reached by an overseas railway complete in 1912 that ran from the mainland to Key West. A hurricane destroyed much of it in 1935 and then the U.S. Government rebuilt it as a road in 1938 calling it the overseas highway. We also took a tour of the Curry Mansion – the home of Key West’s first millionaire which is now a bed and breakfast.
We ate at a very unique restaurant called Blue Heaven. This place was really fun sitting outside on a wood mulch floor with chickens and cats roaming around the premises. This would never pass health inspection back in MN!
Overall, we had a very laid back week hanging out at Bluewater Key RV Resort. The people were very friendly and we ended up playing Wii bowling with our neighbors from Chicago the first night we were there. We spent a lot of time reading, playing games, and enjoying the time with my mom. And we found out that Macie can swim! We took her down to the boat dock, put her in the water and she paddled her way to shore (though I don't think she liked it much). One day she saw a huge green iguana crawling up a palm tree right outside her window – she was ready to jump through the windshield to get it!
While we enjoyed the Keys and we’re glad we made the trip (Grandma included), we all agreed that it wasn’t our favorite spot. There was something about this place that did not sit right with us. We can’t put a finger on it at the moment, but we were unsettled there. That said, we are happy to back in Naples for a couple more weeks.
It's been nearly three months since we set sail on this journey. I'm posting more thoughts about this on my personal blog today. In the future, if you want to get an email when I update that blog, click here.
4 comments:
It is so interesting to me that you didn't like the Keys. It's one of our favorite places to visit. So neat how we all see things differently though, huh?
Krystal
Love the Wall Nativity! :)
Krystal, yes - it is interesting that people can have such a different take on places. We met so many people in the Keys that go back every year - and have been for many years. So you are not alone in loving it down there. Not sure why it wasn't our cup of tea - but I praise God for the variety of people He created. Blessings on your journey!!
The journey is a blessing to be sure. I loved your story of how you came to being a family on the road. I could relate to much of it. We are in FL right now also, not too far away from you. If you'd like to meet up for a day, just email me.
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