We spent 3 nights in Key Largo, Key West just seemed to far to drive back up to Orlando for.
We stayed at a “resort” and really splurged. I can’t remember how much it was but it was certainly more than the $80 a night we spent in NYC! It was worth it.
Turns out the Keys are protected from having sandy beaches by the barrier reefs, thank God! Our hotel had 2 private docks, a pool, games and a small “beach” with kayaks and paddle boards.
We spent the days relaxing, swimming in the pool and playing giant Jenga. Moose and I went on a kayak and managed to spot a manatee. I tried my hand at the SUP but failed miserably. Either I was paddling myself in circles or I was acting a sail and being blown out to sea. I gave up and paddled back to the dock on my knees. Utter failure!
There was a great bar colocated where we had drinks and dinner. For $100 AUD we got 2 crab cakes and 3 cocktails! Gotta live a bit, right? The cocktails were strong enough that we ended up back there 3 hours later for dinner!
We planned ahead and got a glass bottom boat cruise on Groupon. I suppose we’re both a bit spoilt. I’ve been diving on the Great Barrier Reef and Hanika’s been around the Whitsundays a few times. This was a 45 minute boat ride out to a lacklustre reef for 30 minutes then 45 minutes back to land. In all honesty the sharks at the marina were more interesting! Hanika was treated to sea turtles and dolphins while I took care of Moose sleeping away his sea sickness.
One night Ollie decided he didn’t feel like sleep. The warm weather and safeness meant we could do a midnight walk. We hit the highway and walked a mile to a Waffle House for a 3am snack! The joys of fatherhood.
Despite the small beach we ended up with sand all through our room. Apart from that it was perfect. The weather was great, hot but not too humid, clear skies and a lovely ocean breeze. It certainly felt like we were chasing summer down the East coast. So far Key Largo had be the unexpected highlight of trip, certainly much better than Miami. More authentic, more relaxed, more Darwin.
Next we set off to Orlando to start HaJo 2019 @ Disney!