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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Home Again, Home Again...

We had a pleasurable five days in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The weather was warm and humid -- typical for Florida -- and we also experienced some substantial thunderstorms. It always intrigues me that people don't get off the beach when they hear thunder. Lightning is so extremely unpredictable -- maybe it's my years spent as a lifeguard that send me running for cover. Here's a photo of some of the smaller boats and a Coast Guard boat heading for port when a storm kicked up. Notice the people still on the beach.

One of our favorite restaurants is the Fish House in Key Largo. Since this is only about a 90 minute drive from Lauderdale every time we visit we drive down for lunch or dinner. We left at about 3:45 and headed South. Not having had anything since breakfast we were both starved. We drove through traffic, storms, and rumbling stomachs to pull into the parking and be greeted by the above sign.

Not ones easily discouraged, we went next door -- to Fish House Encore (owned by the same people) -- a bit fancier -- but the menu was basically the same and the dinner was great. We both had yellow tailed snapper: a specialty of the Keys, conch fritters and Key lime pie.

After dinner we headed back North -- along the Card Sound Road and were able to stop and take a few photos. Before ever visiting the Keys, I always pictured them as islands but gorgeous beaches. Actually, there are very few natural beaches in the Keys as a key is actually coral outcroppings. Many of the beaches in the Keys are man-made.

Because the coral reef runs East of the Keys -- the water about two miles out is that beautiful turquoise.  Also, there are no waves because there are no beaches!  How about that?  I had never realized the relationship until one of the local captains explained it to me.  What a beautiful place!

15 comments:

Cheryl said...

I've always wanted to visit the Keys. Actually, I'd like to visit anywhere. Glad you had a nice trip and got to have a visual feast. The fish sounded great too :))

TAG said...

Thanks for the photo tour. I too had this vision of low islands with sandy beaches. Will definitely have to pay attention next Feb. when I visit Key West while on the cruise.

TAG

Jay said...

I've never been past the Panhandle area around Ft. Walton and Destin. I would love to go to the Atlantic side sometime though. All the way down to the keys would be cool.

Also, it's amazing how long that state is. From here, just getting to Pensacola means I would be only half-way to Miami.

happyone said...

I've never been there either. Looks and sounds like you had a great time.
Welcome home!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

So glad you had an enjoyable and restful trip. The food sounds delicious and the scenery is beautiul.
Good luck on your surgery tomorrow.

Patty said...

Welcome back. It looks like you had a great time. The pictures are awesome

beachgirl said...

I am glad you had a nice time. It sure was wet while you were here.
Love the Keys. And your right about the beaches. I did a photo series about that. Cool pictures.

Have an awesome day!!

beachgirl said...

Good luck on your hand surgery.

jane said...

yes you are right- absolutely... and key lime pie... i´d say heaven...

Brad said...

Looks like a fun trip - I always thought it was all beach too1 - Jay's got cousins down there - we really should go see them -

Purple Flowers said...

I don't know how you returned home without me noticing. I was just looking at my blog list, and there you were.
Anyway, glad you had a good time, and your photos are very pretty.
Welcome home!!

The Consummate Gardener said...

I remember my first trip to the keys, expecting long, sandy beaches and finding none. I much prefer the west coast now. Calmer, prettier waters, white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. Come visit my side of Florida some day! You'll love it. Anna Maria Island near Bradenton is a nice, quiet little beach with the gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. Absolutely the most peaceful place on earth.

Rick Rockhill said...

great photos kathy. I know what you mean about the beach and storms. I'm baffled about it as well. I never like to be out when there are bolts of electricity flying through the air at random!

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Hi Kathy. We've been to a lot of places in Florida but not the keys. I was really interested to read about them.

Jamie said...

What a beautiful place Kathy - it sounds heavenly. Thanks for the great pics!

Have an awesome week. :)