June 2013 - Roaming the Florida Keys

 For this years annual vacation, we booked 2 weeks at a lovely canal-front home in Key Largo. The homes location near the beach made for a constant breeze. The weather was lovely to enjoy in the evening.

The patio had a tiki-hut with patio furniture. This is where I spent a majority of the evenings.

 The pool was the highlight for the kids. It was hard to get them to get out every evening.

Both Jay and Bud showed their high-flying skills.

 Stopping into Fogarty's for some lunch in Key West.

 The kids and Papi taking a quick photo in Mallory Square in Key West.

After driving the Seven Mile bridge numerous times, the kids and I thought it would be fun to walk to Pigeon Key. For those unfamiliar with Pigeon Key, it is a small key that's connected to the old bridge. Pigeon Key was at one point a work camp for the Florida East Coast Railway. There is a ferry that will take you out to the key if you don't feel like making the 4 mile round trip walk. We chose to be tough and walk since it was our first time visiting. Next time, I think we will opt for the ferry.

Many opportunities for pictures.

After the long journey from Pigeon Key back to the car, we stop for lunch at Key Largo Fish Company. The food was great.

Crashing into Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest

 I had previously read about the Ocala National Forest and all the lovely landscape. The spring looked so inviting in photos that on the way back home to Atlanta from Orlando, the kids and I had to stop.

The old cabin and water wheel landmark the springs. The inside had a brief history of FDR's mission of conservation and the construction of the springs.

Juniper Springs has 3 nature trails. Unfortunately due to some recent storms, parts of the trail were blocked by downed limbs. 

The spring runs were crystal clear.

After working up a sweat on the nature trails, it was time to jump and cool off.

The 72 degree water was brisk to say the least.

Though our time at Juniper Springs was short, it was well worth the detour. The kids had a blast and are already asking about a return trip. I can say that we will in fact return to this fantastic place.