Florida - Day 9

We've all got that Beach Boys song in our head - "Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go..."

While today was largely spent on the road, it was still a very interesting day as the landscape changed often throughout the trip. The everglades are interesting to see from the car, but not a great place to visit this time of year as the bugs are terrible, not to mention the heat. You don't see much wildlife in the everglades at this time of year because it's the wet season and the animals disperse all over, whereas in the drier winter they all congregate around the little bits of water that remain. We did see a dead gator on the side of the road with vultures picking at it, but no live ones.

After we checked into the hotel here in Marathon, we took a quick dip in the pool, and then off for supper. We found a place that serves alligator and gave that a try. It's interesting. It's a little tough, even after a lot of tenderizing, and it has a slight fishy taste. It was pretty good, although it's not something I'd order everyday. We had a table beside a boat channel and watched the locals fishing from their boats or relaxing in their tiny yards. These channels are everywhere, like little water streets, linking everyone to the ocean.  There's an interesting island charm to the keys.  It's a little rough around the edges and many buildings are a throw back to the 60's or 70's. Throw in the odd person sitting on the front lawn in a lazyboy with their coon dog, and it's a little like being in the Ozarks, or northern Ontario.

Off to bed to rest up before exploring the area tomorrow.

Honey buns - Wow!! Little deep-fried pieces of dough that you dip in honey. Rollkuchen Florida Keys-style.

She ate 4 honey buns, capped off with a burger and fries for supper. Where does she put it?

Sauteed alligator tail in a mushroom garlic sauce.

He ate it all and had the morning breath to prove it!

Eating alligator tail and other goodies at Castaways in Marathon, FL.