Biscayne Bay to Key West

We had heard mixed stories about Key West, so were a bit conflicted as to whether we wanted to venture down so far south.  However, with some prompting and help from Debbie, we decided to continue on from the Everglades.  While the rest of the US was dealing with record breaking snows, we felt the cold front in the form of low 60's and RAIN.  Wow, did it rain.  Homestead is a interesting town that houses part of Biscayne Bay.  It's a national park that is 90% underwater.  We were excited to try out our snorkeling gear and enjoy the bay, but the weather was windy making the bay murky.  The kids had completed the Junior Ranger programs for all three parks (Big Cypress, Everglades and Biscayne Bay) and got a cool extra badge.

Now those are some teeth!

Elise learns about what the inside of a turtle shell looks like

Their pledge and badge #21

Dressed to snorkel, but alas, it was not in the cards today 

What to do?  Explore the massive trees!  And, get kicked off by a grumpy man.

Debbie introduces Elise to Hubba Bubba

Even though we didn't get to snorkel the Bay, we ventured into south Miami to see how the rich and famous live.  Houses were beautiful and traffic was CRAZY!  We kept going over the bridges towards South Beach, but decided to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant called the Cantena.  As the gps directed us, we realized we were headed into the Ritz Carlton hotel.  Very out of the Johnson comfort zone, but we watched the valet leave with the truck and were escorted to the restaurant on the beach. We had a delicious, but very expensive dinner with the kids eyeing the heated pool the whole time.  We decided they could take a dip afterwards, which they enjoyed immensely.  I couldn't quite muster the courage to jump in with them. 

Exhausted after swimming in the 95 degree Ritz pool

The day we left for the Keys, we had a downpour, which did not let up.  Packing up the RV was not a pleasant task.  We made our way to Homestead AFB, where we left the RV and trailer for the weekend.  We had two nights set on the Navy base in Key West with assurances that a third night would be no problem if we decided to stay longer.  More on that story soon.

The townhouse on base was typical basic base housing and an interesting look at what families live in on base. We drove around the base to discover what the newer housing is like and what officers housing is like.  Unbelievable.  Oceanfront properties on beautiful streets.  The kids got a glimpse of the benefits of being part of the military.  Especially with a Key West assignment!

In front of the townhouse with Debbie's rented "day care van" (the kids LOVED it)

Officer housing with the Gulf in the backyard

A nice street on base lined up to the Gulf of Mexico

We took a conch tour of old and new town.  Roosters, roosters everywhere.  They are a protected bird there and are free to roam and illegal to poach.  The trees are so beautiful and the downtown is a mix of stores, great eateries, traditions and very laid back, happy people.  

Mile marker 0 is prominent all over the island

Strange sponge guy

A great street performer that captured our attention.  Guy ended up racking in hundreds.

So, back to our story about the Navy townhouse reservations.  We woke up Sunday and began to get ready for our big day on the water.  We had passes to an all day "all in one" boating excursion.  We had a full fridge, clothes on the floor and an hour to get to the dock.  Debbie returned from the office and gave us the news that the townhouse was booked.  We needed to be packed and out of the house AND we had no place for Debbie's two old dogs (nor a place to stay that night).  I was slightly, just slightly panicked.  Debbie, however, our crisis manager calmly stated, "I'll find someone to watch the dogs, just watch."  We quickly packed up all our stuff, throwing all of it in the two cars.  Debbie skirted off and came back without the dogs.  She had asked the first person she saw, a woman running, if she'd mind watching the dogs for the day.  Guess what??? The woman said "sure".  I was blown away.  Number one, who asks a complete stranger to watch their two dogs for the day and number two, what stranger says "yes"?!  My little world is opening up.  

We continued on our way to the dock, found a great Cuban sandwich place and headed out on a beautiful, calm day.  The captain of our boat called Sunset told our small group of 41 people, that his boat is normally at full capacity of 140.  His crew took us three miles off the coast and threw down the anchor.  We all marveled at the day ahead......inflatable slides, trampoline, banana boats, para sailing, jet skiing, snorkeling an old sunken ship.  There were kayaks and canoes, flippers and snorkels.  After eyeing numerous jellyfish and watching one person quickly get stung, we all opted for the wet suits.  It did feel a bit silly to be the only family fully decked out in wet suits, but oh well. 

Boarding the boat with our stash of sandwiches

I don't know whose more excited in this photo!

My favorite shot from 300 feet up with Tanner, myself and Elise

Me, trying to capture the pure joy up there with the Go Pro

The jellyfish protected family right before entry!

The avalanche!

Matt, with his impressive jumping skills

The banana boat ride that lasted all of one minute due to the excessive sea water in the eyes

Us playing around with another family from Minnesota

The boys checking out the sunken ship ruins.  Water was a bit murky, but Matt and Debbie snorkeled it anyway.

One of many battles

Can you tell who won this one?

Overall, we really loved Key West.  In fact, we began to dream of a possible year here, somehow. Then, 6pm hit and we began to see the interesting nightlife.  We heard that three weeks ago, fantasy fest was in full bloom, and supposedly, it's enough to make grown men want to poke their eyes out. Not sure how family friendly Key West really is.  Boise, you just keep coming up number one.