Today we drive south off the mainland
to the Florida Keys. The word key is derived from the Spanish word
cayo meaning small island. This string of tropical islands was
connected by rail in the early 1900s. After severe damage by the 1935
Labor Day Hurricane the rail bridges were converted to road bridges.
Before we reach the Keys, we stop off
at a local supermarket. Everthing is in Spanish first, English second
and we see lovely exotic produce: Aloe leafs, Cactus leafs, sugercane
(the actual cane, not processed), bread fruit.
Once stocked up we go on the bridge.
The temperature, beaches, palm trees and azure blue waters are
textbook tropical. Unfortunately all the buildings are square
concrete boxes and are not completing the picture of the tropical
paradise.
We reach our beachfront campground
'Jolly Roger' just before Marathon at lunch time. Janine spots an
iguana trying to find a way into our neighbors' motorhome.
After lunch we walk to the beach for
some snorkeling. Although it is nice and hot in the sun, there is a
distinct chill in the water. Martijn and Niels brave it and dunk into
the Gulf of Mexico. They see a few different types of fish and a huge
lobster hiding under some rocks.
After that straight to the pool, which
is lovely and warm (heated!).
We watch the sunset but unfortunately
the clouds are hiding the sun.
The Pelicans are fun to watch though.
Today: 212km - 3h45m
Total: 15,089km - 306h21m
