1
Big Pine Key, where I stayed, is part of the National Deer Refuge.
This area is called the Blue Hole because of the fresh water pond that is home to two alligators and assorted other fresh water loving critters.
| 
2
This the larger of the two alligators that live in the Blue Hole.
| 
3
This is the smaller of the two.
|
4
Alligator, a turtle and assorted fish swim in the Blue Hole.
| 
5
The observation deck at the Blue Hole.
| 
6
Bahia Honda State Park is a gorgeous park with beaches on both the gulf and ocean sides.
|
7
Marianne is exploring the coast line. The old railroad bridge, AKA Flagler's Folly, is in the background.
Many of the railroad bridges were destroyed in the 1935 hurricane and never rebuilt.
| 
8
On April 20, 2013 this boat, filled with 12 adults and 5 children, landed in the keys after a 4 day trip from Cuba.
I saw many similar boats during my brief stay.
| 
9
On the same beach as the previous picture, but facing the opposite direction, the Route 1 highway bridge can be seen.
|
10
This beach is on the Atlantic side of the island. The water is amazingly calm here. The sea grass you can see on the beach is left there for the benefit of the birds and critters.
| 
11
A butterfly flitting around an inland area of the park.
| 
12
This was taken a couple of blocks from Marianne's house. I saw many of these tiny Key Deer while there but only got a few photos of them.
|
13
| 
14
A typical old style Key West house.
| 
15
One of the beautiful Key West beaches.
|
16
| 
17
These iguanas are not native to Florida but seem to be thriving there.
| 
18
|
19
Inside Fort Tayler
| 
20
| 
21
Steep, curved stairs inside the fort.
|
22
Notice the iguana sunning himself on the rock near the fort.
| 
23
Part of the Key West Navel Air Station.
| 
24
Frigate birds in flight
|
25
Notice the mile marker 0. Marianne lives at mile marker 30.
| 
26
Hats for sale.
| 
27
All sorts of stuff to buy in the Duval St. shopping area.
|
28
| 
29
| 
30
|
31
A shop window with lots of reflections.
| 
32
One of the famous Florida Keys free range roosters.
| 
33
|
34
The Aids Memorial pier.
| 
35
Children playing on a Key West Beach
| 
36
Back in Key West we explored the beach by the Aids Memorial.
|
37
A gallery at Key West
| 
38
Another shop window with crazy reflections.
| 
39
The Southernmost House
|
40
Key West house and transportation.
| 
41
Hemingway House
| 
42
An old Key West house decked out for Valentines Day.
|
43
| 
44
The Key West Lighthouse
| 
45
|
46
Key West flowers.
| 
47
Beatles memorabilia inside a Duval St. shop.
| 
48
Some art work from the Pigeon Key Art Show.
|
49
The Pigeon Key Art Show was held on Marathon Key.
| 
50
We had lunch here after the Pigeon Key art show. The food was fabulous!
| 
51
After lunch Marianne moved away from the tables so she could feed the birds a few leftover fries.
|
52
Even some pelicans came to see if they could grab some fries.
| 
53
It got a little cloudy as we walked on part of the destroyed bridge.
| 
54
An egret looks for some dinner.
|
55
| 
56
| 
57
An ibis.
|
58
Palms make cool graphic art.
| 
59
| 
60
Marianne and Todd waiting for lunch to be served at Geiger Key.
.
|
61
Lots of dogs enjoying going out for a drink, or dinner, with their best friends.
| 
62
Part of route 1, the only road that connects the major keys.
| 
63
Another fabulous Florida Keys restaurant. This one even has a swimming pool for their guest to enjoy on hot days!
|
64
Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Florida
| 
65
Marianne and Todd at Sombrero Beach.
| 
66
|
67
| 
68
| 
69
|
70
Foliage at the botanical gardens
| 
71
| 
72
A walkway at the gardens.
|
73
| 
74
| 
75
A lovely bunch of coconuts.
|
76
Not much to photograph here but I did fine the "clothing required" sign amusing.
| 
77
Mangrove Mama's, a fun place for lunch.
| 
78
Marianne's house from across the canal. The structure in front of their house is the boat lift.
|
79
Marianne and Todd floating in the canal behind their house.
| 
80
Marianne chillin' with the neighbors in their hot tub.
| |
