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Published: June 23rd 2014
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Today the trip came to an end. But before we called it done, we had a few stops to make. So up and ready before
8am, we said goodbye to Key Largo headed north and continued up US 1, leaving the FL keys. We stopped in Homestead for breakfast and took a slight detour to visit Biscayne National Park. It is located only 8 miles from Homestead, so of course we had to visit - it is a national park after all.
I knew before deciding to stop there that we would not really see all that much. But I couldn't be that close to a national park and not try to see what I could. We arrived at the visitor center and viewed the displays inside. It is located on the water, so we walked around the jetty and boardwalk, but only saw a few fish and lots of mangroves. it is basically surrounded by mangroves. There is a whole lot more to Biscayne National Park, but you need a boat and scuba gear to see it. We had neither, so we just stuck to the coast line. The NPS usually has a concessionaire operate boat tours and various
water excursions in the park, but they have been temporarily discontinued those services. Probably couldn't agree on a price. The area is known for animals such as manatees, but we didn't see any. I am certain that all the boat traffic had kept them out to sea.
We left Biscayne and drove toward Miami. Miami has never been on my list of places to visit, but we were there and had time, so we drove through it. We saw Miami Beach and though it took quite a while to find a place to park, we finally did and can say that we walked on Miami Beach. It was nothing special. Just a very busy beach in a very busy city. A beach that crowded cannot really be that enjoyable. We left the beach and found Donald's hotel for the conference he is attending this week. Got him checked in and headed towards the airport. Then I got the dreaded message from the airline - our flight has been delayed.
So with a later flight, we drove past the airport and stopped in Fort Lauderdale for lunch. After an awesome meal at the Cheesecake Factory, we headed back to
the airport. We returned our car, said goodbye to Donald and made it through security with PLENTY of time to spare. Then there was nothing to do but wait......and wait we did. Our time changed a few times, our gate changed and then the whole airport shut down for a while due to storms. But things got better and flights started back up and we eventually made it home unscathed and more tired than ever. It is amazing how tired sitting and waiting can make you.
As usual, the normal life resumes and tomorrow is a work day. A few affirmations from this trip that should be noted: 1. After riding in a small rental car for 4 days, I will always drive a SUV. 2. I do not like the city. I do not like all the people, the smells, the sounds. It is just not for me. 3. The FLorida Keys are nice, but not all they are hyped up to be. I am glad I visited them, but I have visited better beaches and cities a lot closer to home. 4. You never know what you will find when you travel in this great world of
ours - from mosquito wars, refugees, crocodiles, beautiful,scenery and colorful people - each place is unique and can be an adventure. 5. I do love to travel and visit new places. That will always hold true. Until next time......
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