All Sunshine Saturday to Islamorada

Joan's View

We followed the stop and go bike path from yesterday along the dedicated bus road for about 12 more miles this morning.  On Route 1 we, along with what seemed like all of the rest of the travelers, stopped for one last potty break at the last gas station before there is nothing for miles but highway along the Everglades National Park.  About 20 miles in, eagle eye Tony spotted our first alligator or crocodile of the trip so we stopped the bike to get a picture of it through the fence.  Of course, cars started pulling over as well because they knew we had seen something.

In Key Largo, we took a lunch break at Evelyns and once again were able to eat outside near the bike. Tony had a cowboy burger that he had to smash down in order to bite from it.

Tony also found another rest spot since we are officially in the Keys    
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After another stretch of highway and bridges, we arrived in Islamorada and found our hotel, the Conch On Inn Hotel. It is a small family owned place and the owners kindly showed us the manatees in the inlet around their back patio.  We took tons of pictures and I even reach down to touch one.  

                                           
We tore ourselves away from the manatees to get cleaned up and walk to nearby mass at San Pedro Church. Outside the church they had a walking rosary made from landscape stones.
Dinner tonight was at Marker 88 per Craig Eley's recommendation. We had to walk about 1-1/2 miles the other direction to get there so Tony was giving Craig a hard time via text whether it was really worth it, but thanks Craig, because I loved my Alligator Reef salad! (no alligators were harmed in making it). In addition, it was a beautiful walk back to the room and stars galore were visible.

Tony's Side Notes

Today was wild life day. It was so cool to see the manatees. There were eight of them in the hotel's little bay. Before church we went to Craig Eley's Dad's house, but we found this sign on his front door. It says "Welcome Friends, Relatives by Appointment." I guess since we know Craig we are considered relatives not friends. Therefore his Dad wasn't home. His place was pretty cool, though. Craig also told us that across from our motel hidden behind all the trees, Jimmy Johnson, the ex Cowboys coach lives there. 

When we were cruising on Rt. 1 we were going 17 to 19mph. We went 51 miles, averaging 15.8mph. Good stats day.