I spent two days here to do some snorkeling. I stayed at a no frills place on the beach with beautiful white sand, hammocks, good snorkeling, and even swam with a manatee the first night by the docks. They are very friendly animals and love human interaction. The baby manatee kept coming under me and then rolling over for me to rub his tummy...amazing.
The following day I snorkeled Molasses Reef, about 6 miles off shore or an hour boat ride. Rum runners wrecked a ship carrying molasses, which is used to make rum, on this reef and it was said you could smell it all the way back to Key Largo. A lot of the locals were very sad that day.
Even with calm, 1 foot seas, snorkeling is a challenge on the open water. The trick is to stay away from the boat as much as possible. I was unsuccessful a couple of times and came back with some shin bruises as badges of honor. I saw a Hawksbill Turtle, Green Moray, Sergeant Majors, Black Grouper, Foureye Butterflyfish, Bermuda Chubs, Queen Parrotfish, Blue Parrotfish, Blue Tang, Spiny Lobster, Man-of-War Fish and many beautiful corals. I is so wonderful that all of this is a 3 hour drive from my apartment!
Big Pine Key
The Crow’s Nest, the room nestled like a nest at the top of the B & B, was made for me. It was like being outdoors when you are in. The cross breeze from the windows is delightful. I enjoyed hearing the waves crashing on the shore to lull me to sleep. The outdoor shower was incredible both day and night!
I explored the tide pools at low tide, I found a lot of Nudibranchs (The word "nudibranch" comes from the Latin nudus, naked, and the Greek brankhia, gills – casually called “sea slug”), fish, crab, baby lobster, snails and many fossils preserved in the limestone.
No Name Key
This is a cute little island, mostly residential. It is known for the No Name Pub which has been there for years. It's fame is that every space available on the walls and ceiling are plastered with one dollar bills, it is truely amaing to see. If you are looking for another place to see the Key Deer No Name Key is the place. At the north end of the island you will find a hiking trail at low tide. When you come to the end of the trail there is a cairn, that I dubbed "No Name Man", made of rocks, vulture feathers a buoy for his head, shoes and I added a palm scarf. No Name Man was an unexpected and welcome sight after a long day of hiking.
Key Deer Refuge
I explored the Blue Hole. It is a freshwater pond in the mangroves complete with two alligators. There were a few birds (American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe). It was a nice little hike and view of the pond.
I went biking on a “Deer Trail” that was not documented on any map. This trail went over limestone rock, through buttonwood forests and around some bays for about one and a half miles. I loved feeling like I was the first one to discover this place. When visiting the Key Deer Refuge I would recommend driving down as many "dead end" streets as possible, that is where the fun begins. Of course, be aware of private property signs and do not trespass. This evening I grilled steak on the Bar-B and had fun with a deer trying to eat everything from the table. I reminded him that he is a vegetarian but it didn't seem to matter. I finished off the evening with a port wine, good friends and star gazing from the roof of the B & B. I will return someday to this beautiful place.
