Going home, to rush or not to rush

The day we wrapped up the Shark Valley visit we spent the night in the Big Cypress National Preserve 20 minutes away. The next morning we drove most of the day to the Ocala National Forest to one of our favorite parks called Salt Springs, we wanted to spend 2 nights there, however Nita says this morning let's go on. So we drove most of today and are now getting ready for bed in Florence, SC. Have now decided to get an early start in the morning and drive the final 450 miles home. I think it would be fun to take the MH to Alaska, but with 6000 miles up and the same back figure we would probably kill ourselves on the way home trying to drive 1000 miles a day.

We have a lot of catching up to do and getting ready for, our granddaughter Heidi's wedding, friends 90th birthday party, taxes, boxes of mail, accident repairs ( got sideswiped on I95), etc., the 11 weeks went fast and were fun.

Thanks If you are one of those rare folks who read this blog, at least I know my sister for one reads it, when I don't post for a few days I get an email from her wanting to know if I'm still alive. Anyway, unless something interesting happens on the the final leg home tomorrow there will be no more posts till the next trip. When we figure it out will let you know. Bye for now.



Could make a few bowls out of this Short Leaf Fig tree growing inKey West

Top of the food chain

The naturalist on tram through the Everglades said that 2 out of 100 alligator eggs survive to adulthood. As babies they are consumed by birds, turtles, fish and even other alligators. However when they make it to adulthood they are the top of the food chain and they devour those birds, turtles, fish and any thing else they want.


Not too smart turtle soaking up some rays with the alligators


Stupid ex turtle being devoured by a big alligator, that's no crock

Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

The Everglades is the 2nd largest national park, Yellowstone 1st. Shark Valley is on the northern edge of the park. It features a narrow paved trail that loops 15 miles into the Everglades. You can take a guided two hour tram ride or a do it yourself bicycle or walking tour. We took the tram but bicycling would be my preference, that way when you see something exciting you can stop and photo as you want, missed some good shots on the tram. After the tram trip we walked and did some backtracking on the trail. If you are in this area we can recommend spending a few hours here.




Male Anhinga feeding his chicks, they are tropical diving birds. The male and female take turn feeding. The color of the female neck is light brown, the male black.


Great Blue Herron not concerned by a passing alligator


Couldn't get her to go any closer


Got down on my knees to take this picture, popped up quickly when he opened his eyes


Deer, Egrets and the larger bird with the dark head is the endangered Wood Stork

Island of Bones, Cayo Hueso or Key West

There were a few more things we wanted to do in Key West so we returned Wednesday. President Harry Truman used a home on the old Navy submarine base in Key West as the summer white house, he loved this place and used it frequently. The rooms and furniture have been kept as the
Truman's used it. It is a museum today and open to the public. We enjoyed the guided tour of the home.

All through out Key West you hear roosters crowing, they are everywhere and most quite beautiful, in fact you see them in many of the other keys. They seem to fend for themselves and are not bashful about wandering around with people.

After exhausting ourselves walking all over we drove to the old Cuban part of town to a family restaurant, the deep fried plantains are amazingly sweet and good. I see plantains at our local stores, guess I'll have to try making some.



Truman's summer white house


Believe these roosters think they own the town





Bahia Honda where we have been staying

Turtle Rescue

There a number of turtle rescue facilities along the Florida Atlantic coast. People bring in turtles that have been injured by boats, sharks, etc. these facilities have vets that treat them and tanks to protect them while they are nursed back to health. The big Loggerhead below lost a flipper to a shark and was in poor health, after 3 months of treatment they released it here at Bahia Honda with a lot of hoopla. It was anxious to get free and swam away rapidly with its 3 flippers.


Turtle Ambulance


Rescue workers in the blue shirts


Free at last


Kayakers taking a rest here, started above Key Largo headed to Key West. Over a 120 mile trip. Cover about 15 miles a day and have camping gear and food on board. It can be challenging with high winds and rough water, should be fun if you're up to it.


Nice waters to wade in, had a small shark and a large bonefish swim by us.

Jumping Key West

This was a busy time for Key West, spring break kids, motorcyclists pouring in after bike week in Daytona, and a cruise ship in town.

Finally found a parking place after a long search, right behind the courthouse. Nita quickly jumped out of the car and said don't leave me I've got to powder my nose. Long story short we got separated for almost an hour, finally found each other. Having used much of her energy in the search we hopped on the Conch Train for a 90 minute tour of the city. We spent the whole day there wandering around, people watching, Cuban lunch, etc.


Cruise ships pull right to the dock at Mallory Square


We won't get separated again. Who's got the cutest shoes?


Sculpture in Mallory Square, how about the guy lying down.


My bicycling friend


Spring Break on Smathers Beach, if parents only knew.

Location:Key West

5 O'clock here, 1931 models and Yucky Yucca

On the way to the Keys yesterday we stopped in Homestead, think we were the only English speaking persons there. As we have for the past few years we hadlunch at a Cuban/Spanish chain called Polo Tropical, they make the best grilled chicken. Had a side order of Yucca with garlic, it's mushy, stringy and very starchy, was interesting but won't order it again when we go back. Found a Costco near Miami and went in for milk and blueberries, no berries but came out with a full cart including a monster key lime pie, my o my.


This is the 5 o'clock group at St Lucie Locks, nice folks from Calif, NY, Michigan, MD and elsewhere. Many parks have 2 week stay limits so we meet folks again at other locations. Rick and Diane on the far left and right are headed to Bahia Honda as we are tomorrow, will be fun to see then again.


A good year, 1931 Model A Ford and a 1931 Nash (Nita's maiden name), both with rumble seats.


Sand Hill Cranes pecking the dead bugs out of this guys radiator, their impact made a lot of noise, owner was afraid they would ruin his radiator and chased them off, they reluctantly walked over to another vehicle.