Sebring, Miami & the Keys

After leaving Sebastian, we stopped in Sebring for a night and tried out the new Kayak on Lake Jackson.  We actually stayed in a hotel vs the camper, since we had a groupon that needed to be used.  Guess what........we were in the only hotel with a craft beer bar in the area go figure!  The beer Gods are always looking out for us aren't they?!

From there we journeyed south to Miami.  Stopped in Miami for two nights at a nice campsite near the everglades. The campsite Mascot "Kitty" greeted us upon our arrival and stayed at our campsite until the day we left, funny how cats can read the invisible "Sucker" sign on my forehead.  Monday afternoon, we had lunch with my Uncle John & Aunt Lourdes at a nice restuarant on US1 called Kris' as always an extreme pleasure to spend time with them.  After lunch we visited Key Biscayne and hiked a small trail through they state park.  Saw a few iguanas and had a beer on the docks. 

We left Miami on Tuesday and headed to the Keys.  Had a nice trip across the 7 mile bridge and stopped at our campsite on Stock Island.  Played it completely safe the whole time we were in the keys and taxied our way around town.  Had a blast the first night hitting a few bars on Duvall Street and watched the sunset at Mallory Square.  On day two we took The Yankee II out to the Dry Tortugas.  Had a nice ride out, did a wonderful tour of Fort Jefferson.  On the way out to the island, we saw sea turtles and flying fish (a first for me).  Trey convinced me that I needed to try snorkeling.  I wasn't real keen on it, due to a small claustrophobia I have, but I'm always telling my girls to try new things so what the hell.  Surprise, surprise I loved it and wanted to  nothing else the whole time we were on the island.  On the ferry ride back to Key West they held a raffle...guess who won!  I won a t-shirt!

Day Three took us to our campsite on Long Key headed North back to the mainland.  Nice state park with all campsites on the water.  Took the kayak out the first night and again the next morning.  Saw sea turtles, lots of wading birds, and snagged a nice sponge that had washed ashore.  Did a little hike on the Yellow Orb Trail (named for the Yellow Orb spiders).

We also had dinner with my cousin Shannon, her husband Jason & daugher Bayley, what a beautiful family.  Hadn't seen Shannon in over 30 years and it was like we had known each other forever.  Family is a wonderful gift we should all cherish.

Love and miss everyone!  Hope you are enjoying our adventure as much as we are.