A Weekend Trip to the Florida Keys

A happy hello to you! 
My sister Lauren and I had the privilege of visiting my friend Cassy in the Florida Keys recently (June 12-15). Cassy lives in Marathon. The trip was a blast! Here are some highlights from our activities.  

Our first stop on Saturday was to visit Robbie's Marina in Islamorada to feed the tarpin.

 To feed, one dangles a small fish over the water and the tarpin jump out and grab it. Such a fun experience! 

The tarpin are not the only ones who like fish....

The view from the marina. 

Driving back to Marathon, we stopped along the way and took pictures at random places. 

After lunch, Cassy's friend from the airport was so kind to take us up in a plane. It was so neat to see the Keys from the air. In the picture above, you can see the 7 mile bridge. 

The reef.

Later in the afternoon, we launched the kayak and tube from this boat dock and spent a few hours kayaking and enjoying the water. 

Sunday afternoon we visited Key West. That tree is named Fred and it is growing on the old 7 mile bridge. 

After visiting the southernmost point, we stopped by the wildlife shelter where injured birds are taken care of. At the end of the walking trail, there's a man-made turtle pond. 

There are so many chickens and roosters roaming around in Key West. Cassy tried to catch one of these little chicks, but the mom wasn't too happy about that. ;) The AIDS memorial bridge was across the street from the wildlife shelter, so we walked out to the water. It was such a beautiful day and the water glistened in the sunshine.

We passed a few old buildings while driving through Key West. This one was founded in 1891.

Afterward, we took pictures in Mallory Square before heading over to the Historic Key West Cemetery. 

At the cemetery...

Cuban Martyr's Plot

This area was dedicated to the men who died on the U.S.S. Maine. 

A baby iguana

I was surprised at the amount of tombstones we saw with the free mason symbol engraved on them.  It was very sad to see that so many people had been a part of that cult.  

The next stop...Veterans Memorial Garden. Before visiting, I didn't know Key West was so historical.  

A Purple Heart Memorial.
Each one of these plaques below presents the war dates and the number of deaths. (To enlarge, simply click on the pictures.)

Seals of the military 

Vietnam memorials

Agent Orange memorial

Vietnam Living Memorial

Unfortunately, by the time we reached the Little White House, our last stop, it was closed, but it was neat to see. The house is located in a lovely neighborhood. 

On the way back to Marathon, this rainbow seemed to just drop out of the sky.

Monday morning Lauren and I left. On the way out, we drove through Duck Key and saw many beautiful scenes.

We also stopped at Anne's beach. The water was so crystal clear, it was like looking into a mirror. 

At Anne's beach...that tiny plant was growing out of the stone.

This pretty spot is called Sombrero Beach. All the water we swam in was very calm, clear, and lukewarm. The Keys are such a unique place, and I'm very thankful Lauren and I had the opportunity to enjoy a mini-vacation there. 

Let's chat! Have you been to the Florida Keys before? 

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."  ~ Malachi 3:16