Florida - Day 10

The keys are such an interesting place. The overseas highway wasn't as spectacular as we thought it might be as the guard rails are always blocking the view, but it was still pretty cool to drive over large stretches of ocean. We started our first day by visiting the turtle hospital here in Marathon. It is basically an old motel that someone converted to a hospital for injured and sick sea turtles to be rehabilitated and hopefully released into the wild. The people that run that place are the picture of commitment and passion. It's a lot of work to care for these creatures and they've been at it for over 20 years. When you see how these turtles get entangled in fishing line and nets, and how they ingest all kind of garbage, it gives you that sinking feeling that we are not doing our job as stewards of this earth. These helpless creatures are suffering while we thrive. It was sobering, and yet enlightening to learn about what we can do to help.

Our next stop was Key West which is the very last key. It is the southern most tip of the continental US and it's only 90 miles from Cuba. We found a little beach (and in the keys, they are very little) and did some snorkeling. Not much to see, but we did find a few fish. Mostly it was just nice to get in the water. Even when the water is 90 degrees (for a reference, most hot tubs are set to 102-104) it is still refreshing to get wet.

Things are hopping in Key West. It's like hippy-ville meets Miami with luxury accommodations beside organic hemp shops. It's packed with people (not our favourite), but it had an interesting atmosphere. The streets are bustling with shops and smells, and the famous sunset celebration where thousands of people gather to watch the sunset (which was more spectacular on St Pete Beach for the record). There are dozens of street performers, vendors, and plenty of eating, drinking and being merry.

The highlight was driving home with the light of the full moon glittering over the ocean and 2 sleepy girls in the backseat.

This is Sara. Someone shot her through the head with a spear gun. They surgically removed the spear and it looks like she'll be alright. Who would do such a thing? There's a $12,000 reward to find the culprit, and while we were at the hospital, CBS news was covering the story.

The tubs where they care for the turtles.

This one had just come in. Her injuries are from a boat strike and she didn't look good.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and has been working for turtle conservation all over the world.

This is a permanent resident that can't be released. His injuries are also from a boat strike. It looked amazing that he was alive at all, but he seemed to be OK, other than he can't go under the water. After they're injured, they often have floatation issues, so he's known as "Bubble Butt."

These guys are everywhere.

Only 90 miles to Cuba!

This constitutes a beach in the keys. Not quite what we were used to in St Pete, but it will do. There are only a handful of tiny beaches in the keys due to mangrove trees that grow right into the water and muddy shores.

Visibility wasn't great, but it's still always fun to see some "wildlife."

A taste of the kinds of shops that line the streets in Key West.

The sunset celebration in Key West.

Key West has a naval/air base, so these were in the air all the time.