January 21, 2005 –

Decided to forgo the breakfast at the campground this morning and the kids concentrated on getting their schoolwork completed. This afternoon went into Clewiston – to see their small museum and a video on the sugar cane process – since the kids couldn’t take the tour. The highway was busy as this was the last day of the bass fishing tournament – and there were those staying around for the awards and prize money – and those on the road, as they did not do well enough. (Those that did not do well here – were moving on to the next location early so that they could scout out the best spots – in order to do better in the next tournament).

Other than the video and some sugar cane harvesting equipment – the museum did not have much to offer in the way of new things for us – some older dishes, sewing machines, butter churns, shells, fossils etc. However, the Sugar Cane harvesting and refining process proved to be of interest to the boys. When Sugar Cane was harvested by hand – people wore metal shin and arm protectors – while they swung a 15 inch knife that looked like a squared off machete. (Talk about hot and uncomfortable to work in). The sugar cane harvesting and refining process is fairly complicated. When the crops are planted – they can get between three or four harvests from them before having to replant the canes. To re-plant – they simply drop three-foot segments of cane into a trench and cover with dirt. Each segment of can has “eyes” where the cane will grow from. The harvesting starts in November and can extend until April – depending on the stage of the cane. To start the harvest – they begin by doing a flash burning of the undergrowth – to get rid of all the weeds, etc. (You could see and smell the smoke in the air this evening – but the locals said that the burning was still some distance away – as there was no ash landing in the campground – oh joy). A harvester then comes into the field and cuts the cane into one-foot segments and loads it into trucks. The US Sugar Corporation – even has its own train lines and over 100 miles of track to take the cane from the field collection points on the 196,000 acres of company owned or leased land – as well as a number of other smaller independent farms. At the mill – up to 45,000 tons of cane is ground each day resulting in over 800,000 tons of sugar each season. Next to the mill is a new refinery that is capable of refining, packaging and shipping up to 2100 tons of sugar per day.

The entire refining process has many steps of washing, purifying, crystallizing, concentrating and drying – which uses a tremendous amount of energy. However the plant able to produce “all” of its own energy needs by burning the dried cane fibre to produce electricity and steam. (Company propaganda states that the white smoke coming from the stacks is actually steam – and the fact it is white means that the scrubbers are working efficiently… and that they have excess power that they sell to the local power company) In addition to stating that the mills are the most environmentally and technologically safe processes in the world – they also boast that as part of the Florida Sugar Growers – they have undertaken many preservation and environmental restoration projects that have protected and enhanced the Everglades. One of their claims that because of their restoration work including the man-made marshes and waterways to clean the water – that the water in today’s Everglades National Park is cleaner than Florida rainwater. (I’ll let someone else check that claim – thanks).

We also spent some time watching a video on the local African-American experience in the area from the early 1900’s to the 1960’s. This was a production done by a local film crew talking with long time residents of the area – although the production value was not the best – the stories were interesting. There were some people that related stories from their grandparents about slavery – and had their own stories were about segregation – and how after the Supreme Court ruling abolishing segregation it still took over 10 years in this part of Florida for changes to take effect. It was not until the mid – 1960’s that there was a local school that would provide high school education to black children. Other stories of how little black children were not allowed to sit on Santa’s knee really had an impact on Keelan – in helping to understand what racism and segregation meant. There were some interesting stories about the WWII and how the GI bill helps the African-American’s both purchase homes and get secondary education – and the positive effect that this had on the community. There were however stories by some people who viewed some of the things from segregation as being positive – such as the black only high schools setting and demanding high standards of their students – whereas when integration occurred there were no such expectations.

Also learned that Lake Okeechobee, aside from being a shallow 730 square mile lake, it is also part of a waterway that connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. The lake itself averages a depth of about 10 feet and is only 15 feet above sea level. There are five small locks on the rivers and canals, which complete the waterway (for a total distance of 152 miles). The shallow lake makes it ideal for bird and animal watching as well as fishing – and hosts many professional tournaments. However it can also whip up some large waves very quickly – it the wind picks up. In addition to the variety of wildlife that lives on and around the lake, it is also used as part of the flood and irrigation control systems for Southern Florida.

January 22, 2005 –

Up this morning and headed off to the clubhouse for their weekly flea market. It is absolutely amazing the number of people there with things to sell (probably 25 tables) – with people trying to subsidize their income via products or crafts that the either make or act as a retailer for. Everything from cardigans sweaters, to jewellery, RV parts, books, handicrafts, etc. (More gee gaws than you could shake a stick at!) The kids were unable to convince mom to get a projector that shows season themes on the side of the Motor home or house – but dad was able to sneak in a windsock. Mom and dad got a grass friendly mat for outside the motor home (and cuts down on the dirt that comes inside) and a few more books for our reading enjoyment.

I believe that there is some concern developing by mom, that dad may be trying to figure out how to parlay his interest in flea markets and auctions – into something that can subsidize life on the road. Practical concerns about how much room we have – probably preclude it from it happening this trip – but who knows for the future. We may need a bigger storage area when we get home – and a larger Rig before we set out again?

However the image of this being an ideal lifestyle seemed to be shattered somewhat by the older, heavy set man – who is sun tanning outside his RV – and has methodically been trimming his chest and belly hairs with scissors every morning for the last several days. It somehow destroys any image that you may have of the “beautiful” people laying on the sunny beaches in all the Florida advertisements.

Dad wanted to pack the family up and head off to West Palm Beach (about an hour away) in order to go see “The Donald’s” wedding – which is to occur later on today. It is supposed to be “the” social event of the year – but one probably requires an invitation – and security is probably second only to yesterday’s Presidential inauguration. It was reported that the City of West Palm Beach has rejected his permit to have a fireworks display from his home this evening. However – in fairness – the application only went in 3 days ago – so maybe Mr. Trump should assign one of his “apprentices” to assist with his wedding planning – as I don’t really think he is the type to be setting off his own roman candles – and it has probably been planned for some time.

As most of the people we are now encountering are full-time snowbirds – that stay relatively close to their “home” parks – they have some amazing set ups. Many have flags, decorative lights, nameplates, mascots, etc. The couple beside us have a 5-foot high stuffed Wily E. Coyote mascot – complete with a tuxedo and hat. It sits in the driver seat of the RV when they are in a site. Another couple has two large stuffed lions that lay across the dashboard – “protecting” the unit. Therefore it was felt that it was time to show our “colours” and we brought out our foot high “Bucko Beaver” complete with Maple leaf bow tie – and holding a Canadian Flag. It may not have the flash that the others have – but we have had to improvise.

The boys concentrated on getting their schoolwork done – before taking a break to go swimming before the predicted rain showers come in tonight. The forecast here is far better than in the North East, which has with heavy snowfalls, cold temperatures and strong winds. Temperatures here at to drop over the next couple of days – and there is even a frost warning in some of the counties – which could have an impact on the citrus crops.

There was a steak dinner and music at the Clubhouse tonight – but we decided to forgo it – as the kids thought it might be too crowded. They did make a brief appearance at the Club House when they were brushing their teeth – came out of the washroom dancing to the music – and were caught by a couple of the old timers – and this apparently brought a smile to their faces.

Cooked up a ham tonight for supper – and put the bones in the crock-pot to simmer for the night so that we can make French Onion Soup tomorrow. As this is being typed up late in the evening – the smell of the broth is making me hungry – so I’d better sign off.

January 23, 2005 –

This is our last day at this resort – so some of the time today was spent cleaning and packing up – in order to travel tomorrow. The pack up this time – is a bit more involved – as we are trying to also prepare to send off school work, pictures disks, and other things back home. With the storm front – and winds coming in today – dropping the awning and packed up the rest of outside toys, were also a priority.

The kids went to the clubhouse to do school work – while mom did up the laundry. Dad remained back at RV to do some organization – and try his hand at creating his version of Onion Soup. (Not bad from all reports – and it seemed to disappear quickly). Unfortunately the day got too cold for the boys to do one last swim – and had to be content with playing deck shuffleboard and looking for anoles. Dad was even given the opportunity to watch both NFL playoff games today – in relative quiet – while going some of the clean up and catch up on the journal, etc.

It may be just as well that we are leaving as the campground staff just announced that they had just seen their first alligator of the year in the lake behind us (they have been missing since the hurricanes) – It is only a little 4 footer – but again not something you want to step on. Speaking of stepping on – we have just discovered the reason why everyone around here walks around the campground with flashlights at night – even though the nights have been clear enough to see. It seems that the Cottonmouth Snakes like to cross between the ponds at night and can be easily stepped on if you are not watching. They are also rather poisonous – and leave a nasty bite. (Nice to find this out now!!).

Tomorrow we head off to the Everglades National Park for 10 days of dry camping in two different campsites (Lone Pine Key and Flamingo). That means no power (no toaster, no microwave, no air conditioner, – yikes) and no water (no long hot showers or heated pools). We have become really spoiled the last while with having all the amenities and will just have to get back into the swing of things. We will be using our time here to explore both the Everglades and the Florida Keys as camping costs are just too prohibitive to stay in the Keys (upwards of $100 in one of the sites) so will probably not be spending that much time in the RV while we are there.

 

January 24, 2005:

Today was a travel day and we left Moore Haven and travelling south to Homestead – and into Everglades National Park. For the earlier part of the day we travelled through sugar cane fields, and citrus groves – and then into rice paddies. As we got closer to the glades – more and more garden crops started to appear – with huge fields of beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. Some of the fields were filled with workers harvesting crops, others were being tilled or planted.

It appears that when the crops are young – they use small on ground sprinkler system to irrigate their crops. However as crops got larger – they seemed to use large water cannons mounted on the back of trucks – that have huge generator operated water pumps. The trucks stop at pre-determined locations on the field and drop a ten-foot pipe (8 inch around) into a hole in the ground and hook this up to the pump. This must access the ground water as water level is not far below the surface. From there they sent the water in pre-determined arc – reaching the field and occasionally hitting the road (really scary when it hits the roof of your car in the dark). In the afternoon and early evening – you can have upwards of 5 trucks out in the field sending water to all corners – (looks like boys having great big water fights).

Gas prices continued to rise as we travelled down the coast – and in several places were $2.05 dollars a gallon. Between gas prices, the number of toll roads, and often feeling like prey to all of the various tourist traps – etc. everything down here seems to have a price tag – and often considerably more than you would pay elsewhere. Oh well – we are only passing this way once.

Pulled into Long Pine Key campground in the Everglades National Park and got camp set up. It is a large campground with plenty of room between sites – and located in a pine / palmetto forest. Took off the kids bikes and unpacked and unfolded the adults bikes and we went for a ride around the campground and down an old survey trail. In talking with the park ranger afterwards – they say that a mother panther and her cub has been spotted on that trail (very little reason for concern as the panthers are rare – and have not been humanized and therefore like to make themselves scarce and are only ever seen from a distance). The ranger also stated that they are trying to locate and track 4 types of Pythons – that have been sighted in the Parks (most likely pets that got too big and were released by their owners – are not native to the area) – and therefore want to know their effects on other eco-systems.

The park rangers identified a number of trail and activities we should participate in while we are here – including a wet walk into a Cypress Dome (isolated stands of hardwoods and associated plants – air plants / orchids). As our first priority from this location is to see the Florida Keys – we will have to see what time remains – or whether we will have to come back up here from Flamingo – to do the hike.

January 25, 2005 –

It was a clear night last night and as a result it dropped to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. Put the heat on briefly so that we could get up and get dressed before heading south to the Keys. The goal for the day was to go all the way south to Key West – and watch the performers on the wharf at sunset – therefore it will probably be a late night. Key West is about 200 miles from our campground – the plan is only do go this far once – and then do the closer Keys on subsequent days.

The Florida Keys are a series of small islands connected by 42 bridges (the longest being 7 miles in length) that extends 126 miles from mainland Florida. The Keys have upwards of 800 islands of various sizes – but only about 35 are inhabited. The shallow water around these islands make it the Americas only living coral reef. The waters are for the most part crystal clear and making it easy to see all of the aquatic life. These islands are called Keys (coming from the Spanish word “Cayo” meaning a low flat island).

Travelled south through the Keys – past all manner of hotels, motels, bars, and tourist traps on our way to mile 0 and Key West. The day was clear and warm – although the locals were still complaining that it was cool (average temperature for January is supposed to be 70 degrees – but the cold front brought overnight temperatures into the low 50. For people that only have air conditioners and not necessarily heaters – this made for some chilly people this morning). News reports reminded people to bring in their pets overnight – and stated that the shelters were handing out blankets so that the street people could keep warm. Must have a less hardy type of street inhabitants than we do up north.

Crossed the Seven Mile Bridge.   The bridge – not as spectacular as the Confederation Bridge to PEI – but the crystal clear water – and warm weather sure does make it look much more appealing to cross. For most of the way across the Seven Mile Bridge, it is paralleled by an old train bridge – that Henry Flagler originally built to provide transportation down the Keys. In some parts the bridge is used as a walkway – and in other parts it has been decommissioned and closed (there are even spots where a seed has caught root in the cracks in the concrete – and small bushes are growing on the bridge).

Travelled through Big Pine Key, which is home to the National Key Deer Refuge (an endangered miniature deer) – but were not successful in seeing any. Along the stretch of road that passes through the refuge they severely limit the speed during the day and even more so at night. We spent some time wandering around an old quarry that is now filled with water – and watched the turtles and alligators. Despite the posted warning signs – we were not able to see any of the snakes several variety of poisonous snakes that they warned about.

Just outside of Key West – we ran into road construction (when you only have one road in and out of town – and it is being worked on – things gets a little backed up) and had about an hour in which to get intimately familiar with the stretch of highway from mile 9 to mile 7. The Naval fighter jets landing and taking off did provide some interesting amusement for part of the time – as did the antics of the prison crew that were cleaning up the undergrowth along the road close to a golf course. Further along the road – there were a large grove a trees that bordered the golf course that seemed to be the meeting / resting place for many of the homeless people. They each seemed to have bicycles to get around – and the city provided them with a number of garbage barrels (that were not seen elsewhere in the area). Talked to one gentleman who had just moved in from Wyoming – who indicated that what little real estate that was available was going up at a rate of about 15% per year. With some of the minimum paid jobs that the tourist economy relies on – many people have difficulty affording adequate accommodation. Anything that is near suitable is either bought up or rented out to the multitudes of snowbirds.

Once we made it through the traffic jam (albeit with a loss of an hour) – headed to the Buoy that marks the Southern Most Point in the Continental United States. (Had to get our picture taken here – as everything from here on in brings us closer to home – nearest estimation is that we are about 3700 miles away from Cranbrook). From this buoy marker, you are only 90 miles to Cuba – about 60 miles closer than Miami.

After leaving the buoy – we headed to Old Town and parked in the Hyatt Hotel Parkade – using this as our base to walk around the waterfront. Mom and the kids headed off for a little exploring- while Dad sat in the parkade with the computer trying to get last week’s journal published to the web (no reception at the campground). He was finally successful and manage to catch up with the others inside a massive shell store. There were two large cruise ships in dock today – so the area was fairly busy – with many people taking the trolley or tram tours – and even more renting mopeds or electric cars to get around. We decided that the best course of action was just to amble along to see what we could see. Briefly went by Ernest Hemingway’s House – however – as this would not mean much to the kids at this point – decided not to stop and put them through another historic yet colourful location.

Spend some time on a walking tour through Truman’s Little White House and its adjoining naval barracks, which now form part of an exclusive housing complex. The housing units were elaborately done to fit into the surrounding décor – and came complete with their own security. Wandered through the world famous Hog’s Breath Saloon before heading to Mallory Square and their Sunset Celebration – complete with an eclectic mix of buskers and street performers, craft and food vendors. There was a bit of a breeze along the water – and the crowds of people were apparently down from usual – with not many people sitting at the outdoor cafes – or partaking in the sunset cruises from the bay. However with light sweaters we had paced with us, we did not seem to mind – and Mom and Dad even had the opportunity to partake in a couple of fruit beverages cocktails (one in honour of Jimmy Buffet – and the other in honour of the Key Lime).

The kids really liked the street performers. One gentleman – who although had a very annoying voice – had house cats that performed tricks like lions in the circus – jumping through hoops, etc. There were a couple of different escape artists who were getting out of straight jackets and chains while being hung upside down over the bay, there was a tightrope walker – several musicians and two really good dog acts. Keelan even got to “assist” with one of the dog acts – and got his first money for work – $.25 from the busker. (I figure that any kid that can get a quarter from people who are trying to hustle everyone else for money – is probably going to do okay in this world). The fried Conch Fritters that we got on the way out of the Square were a big hit with everyone -and we wished we would have gotten more.

The only purchase that was made was a pair of combination accordion type hats / drink holders – one shaped like a frog and the other like a fish. These hats can be worn by the kids for funny hat day at Kootenay Orchards – or used by the parents to hold beverages in … really different – and fit right in with Dad’s level of tacky.

With the sunset busker shows over we headed back North – figuring that we would get beyond the Seven Mile Bridge before looking for something to eat for supper. Stopped at the Blue Conch Restaurant and Pub for dinner – to which everyone but Keelan tried a different variety of seafood (Keelan felt like having a Turkey Clubhouse). Mickey’s Conch Sandwich was good as was Mom’s dolphin and Dad’s Grouper – however, they did have some fairly rich sauces on the shrimp appetizer – which just hid the taste.

Got back to the Campground at about 11:30 pm – with Keelan being able to sleep for about an hour and a half and Mickey for the last half hour. However – Mickey was so zoned when we pulled in that he had to be carried to the motor home (and the next morning had to ask were the car was parked – as he did not remember it being parked on the other side of the RV).

January 26, 2005:

Up this morning to head back down the Keys again today – but this time concentrating on things that we had rushed by yesterday (prior to the 7 mile bridge). First stop was at a kayak shop in Key Largo to look at some clear bottom kayaks (nice touch) and other accessories. We were even able to pick up a handy little reference guide on the Everglades from the knowledgeable and friendly staff there. Hearing that we were from the north and Deb had done some kayaking – they wanted us to come by on the weekend for some free lessons and demonstration by a world-renowned paddler. Nice idea – but don’t think we are going to be able to fit it in.

Next to the boat shop was a little bar on the water (site of the bar scenes from the film Key Largo) where we tried to see it they served breakfast. The lady who was running the place (and appeared to be half snapped at 10:30 in the morning) indicated that they didn’t serve food – but we could join the other dozen customers on the deck for a drink (we decided that food was probably more important). Continued down the road to a little restaurant (Craig’s – advertising World Famous Fish Sandwich) – that had great food – and the kids became hooked on Key Lime Pie (one piece to share between them was devoured in under a minute – and both kids said that they were full before they started it).

As a result some of the rest of the day was spend in search of Key Lime products – and although Mickey sampled many (thank goodness for free samples and cute kids) he was unable to find anything he liked as well as the pie. He finally looked at Mom and said that she would just have to learn how to make some. So Mom picked up a bottle of Key Lime Juice (over 200 of these little limes give up their lives to fill this bottle), which we will now carry home – so that Mom can make a Key Lime Pie in the summer.

Stopped by Treasure Castle – and another Big Lobster tourist attraction (this one a rock lobster) that we had to get our picture taken with. The Castle had some unique shops – including a Furniture Shop specializing in Teak and Mahogany products from around the world. Unlike many of the things that can be seen coming out of Indonesia, that are roughly hand crafted – these are very fine in their detail. Mom was able to get a placemat centre piece – (small enough to take home) that was very pretty. Also stopped by a pottery and steel art shop – that had some beautiful Mexican work (one unique Urn Shell Patio Table) – but will wait until we get closer to Mexico – and home before we make those decisions.

Stopped by Harry Harris County Park on Key Largo. There is a man-made Lagoon in which you can swim along with some sandy beaches – but we contented ourselves with walking through the reef tidal pools and looking at the wonderful variety of shells. It was here that you noticed in the area where there was sand – and the beach was maintained – and groomed – how clean it was – yet over in the rough reef rock – the amount of garbage that was in the seaweed that you had to go through to get to the tidal pools was a disappointment. You could see how beautiful these places would have been 40 years ago before the population boomed and the tourists started to arrive. However now the trash from the boaters and tourists clutters these areas – it’s too bad that people just can’t be more careful.

Headed back toward to home and stopped by ”Robert is Here” Fruit Stand. This Fruit Stand has sat at this corner since 1960’s and is massive in size. In addition to the many kinds of produce they have – there are also live Parrots, Iguana’s, Emus, Donkeys, Turtles, Geese, Bees, etc. in an exhibit at the back that you can just walk through. Dad and the kids watched a chicken and turkey fly up into the lower branches of the tree and then walk out on the branch – causing it to bend down low enough that the goats on their hind legs and the emus could get the leaves – talk about team work. Mom picked up come great fresh stuff for supper – and we also got a couple of Fresh Fruit milkshakes (one having to be Key Lime – of course).

January 27, 2005

Up this morning to a clear day and headed back down the Keys to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Park itself was awarded as one of the nations most beautiful Parks – and is in a very picture like setting – with mangrove swamps, beaches, and hiking and biking trails throughout. There is even a small but well stocked aquarium on site. The campground here is booked ahead for months – so the possibility of staying was next to none – given the way that we plan – but it’s great to visit.

We started off by doing a trail through the Mangrove forest / swamp. Mangroves are one of the plants that are salt water tolerant and therefore grow right up to the ocean and with their high root structure and thickness of growth – make an area that is almost impassable for people – but great for wildlife. People down here originally found these plants to be a nuisance – as it blocked there view and made getting around difficult – so they started to eliminate the trees. What they did not realize however is that the mangroves are natures first line of defence against hurricanes – and can help stabilize the soil and break up the tidal surges that come with it. The mangroves also recover quickly if they are damaged and provide an ongoing natural breakwater. People have therefore learned to try and leave these natural defences in place – if they don’t want to not get washed away by the frequent hurricanes and tropical storms.

The Mangroves have a variety of streams and canals cut through them – where you could se a variety of fish swimming around – and a corresponding number of birds trying to catch them. You could rent kayaks or canoes and paddle in these areas – which were a combination of both salt-water inlets and tidal streams. The Mangrove forest also had another benefit for Dad and Mickey in that it provided a nice shaded canopy – as it was starting to get real warm by mid-day … and neither are big sun / heat worshippers.

In the afternoon we went out on the Glass Bottom Boat out to Molasses Reef – part of the Key reef system. The Reef along the Keys is the third largest in the world – but due to its clear water and the high number of shipwrecks – many view it as being the best reef to dive or snorkel through. When we got out to the reef the Parks boat slowed, and travelled backwards and forward over a designated part of the reef that was reserved for them. Many other boats were tied up to stationary buoys in the area – with people diving or looking over the sides of their boats at the reef and marine life. The clear bottom on the boat and the magnification of the water made it look like you were right on top of the reef – however it was usually an average of 15 – 20 feet beneath the boat.

The reef itself was full of many types of corral – growing in different areas and patterns. There was hand corral, finger corral, brain corral, big fan corral and even some elk horn corral. (The majority of the elk horn corral was killed off by a disease several years back and is crumbed on the bottom – but some of the corral is slowly starting to come back). On the marine life front – we were able to see many different fish (sergeant fish, grouper, grunt, nursing sharks, French Angel, Stop light Fish, barracuda) and even some rock lobster and sea turtles. The guides were very good at identifying and announcing fish – and the boat captain – who listened to the announcements of what people were seeing – could incredibly hover the big boat back over a part of the reef to follow sharks, etc. so that people could get a better look. The guides also had some interesting stories – about the fish. There is the grunt fish- that grunts like a pig in order to scare off its attackers – and has startled many a fisherman into dropping them over the side. There is the grouper – who can whip its tail so fast that it creates a mini- sonic boom – (like cracking a whip).

The boat was fairly full of people for this sailing – and the viewing platforms around the glass bottom were at a premium. However Deb and the kids were able to get a seat right down near the bottom – and were able to stay there throughout the trip over the reef – while others moved in and out. Dad contented himself with watch over the side – as he found it less crowded and gave him a wider field of view.

Once we got back to the mainland, Keelan and Mom decided to stay behind at the beach and to try their hand at swimming and snorkelling in an area where they had sunk some cannons and anchors. Mick and Dad headed down the road to Windley Key Fossil Corral Reef Geological State Park. This park was originally an old Corral Quarry that was used by Flagler when he originally built the train line to the Keys. They still had some of the old equipment on site that was used to cut the Corral into large blocks – and there are still signs of these blocks in many places (including a Coral Castle in Homestead). However, the more interesting thing was the shells and corral structures that were imprinted into the walls of the Quarry – some structures of fan corral being upwards of 6 feet in length. The park also had a mahogany hammock walk – that gave a good example of Solution Holes (areas where leaves and decaying plants build up and combine with rain water to create a mild acid that eats away at the limestone / corral causing a depression that fills with fresh water.) This makes for habitats that are full of plant life – as well as a drinking and living spot for many birds and animals. When the Solution Hole gets deep enough it starts to have salt water seep in and this changes the nature of the vegetation around it. There were even spots in the hammock were the ground drains away quick enough that they are in fact arid and cactus grow among other trees – really interesting to see. We were able to pick up a couple of small pieces of the coral blocks at the gift shop to take back to Keelan so that he can see and have a fossil. (Even had time to stop by Craig’s on the way back for a piece of Key Lime Pie each – before we had to get Keelan and the Mom).

When we arrived back at John Pennekamp State Park – Mom and Keelan were waiting for us. They were able to see some of the things under the water – but did not get out as far as they would like. Keelan has always had a habit of swimming and getting water in his mouth – which does not bother him as he would just swallow the lake or pool water and keep going. However he learned that this was not a good idea with salt water – and after swallowing a mouth full and then sputtering and spurting for about 10 minutes- he decided that he had enough swimming for that day. Mickey ran down to the beach and got a little wet – just so that he could say that he did – as this would probably be our last day on the Atlantic seaboard – and the next ocean water that we would hit would be on the Gulf of Mexico.

Then came the crisis. As the kids were playing on the beach – Dad tried to sign onto the computer and send out some e-mails. Some messages went out fine – and then all of a sudden the computer could not recognize the Air Card anymore – and no matter what dad did – he could not get it to work. Therefore tomorrow he will have to go in search of a computer shop to see if he can get some answers.