The hotel in Cocoa Beach did not have a breakfast - it really didn't even have a lobby. But they offered a voucher good at a nearby diner for a complimentary full breakfast. We had a quick but tasty breakfast before heading south out of Cocoa Beach. It was still very early so traffic was minimal and the busy tourist area ended just south of Cocoa Beach.
We took a quick jaunt to a Melbourne Walmart to try to replace our broken camera after checking on online if they had the one we wanted in stock. The blue-vest clad man took a cursory look and said he didn't have it. I asked him to double check since I've found the online inventory to be pretty reliable at home. He said - no - and we thanked him and left. I guess we get a little spoiled living near what I've concluded over the years is one of the nicest Walmarts in the the world.
The Melbourne Walmart was right near I-95 and we jumped on the interstate to head south. It was already humid, with the heat building, but at least there was no rain in the area. As we headed south, the rural areas in Central Florida were actually quite pretty. In a few areas, we encountered heavy fog which was not something I expected in Florida.
As we continued south, the traffic built steadily with the more southern location and the day getting later. Traffic never got too bad, but the small percentage of borderline road ragers were not too cool.
The GPS was quite insistent that we go to the turnpike, but I couldn't see that on a Saturday morning with a tolerable level of other vehicles on I-95. We may try the turnpike when head back north though.
We did end up on the turnpike for a few miles in extreme southern mainland Florida. As we exited on US1, I was surprised to not see a toll booth. I had to look up online to see we'll be billed based on our license plate. Too bad my plate isn't dirtier...
Once on US1, it finally felt like we were headed to The Keys. We started to see marshes more typical of the everglades.
Traffic on US1 was a bit slow, but not too bad. I'm not sure I would want to do the drive on Spring Break, but in September, the only real issue was the oppressive heat and humidity.
After a final gas stop, we made it to the Pines and Palms where we are staying for the next few days. South Florida was just a swampy backwater until after WWII, so much of the construction shows the heritage of the 50's and 60's. I prefer the historical link of the majority of the buildings to the new structures devoid of history and personality. Our cottage was small, quaint and, frankly - cute. There is a bedroom, a kitchen (with vintage stove).
There is also a perfect seating/eating area with a TV. All I can say is that it is exactly what we wanted and compared to similarly priced hotels, it is a much better and more unique way to stay in The Keys.
After unpacking and resting a bit, we walked up the road to eat at the Islamorada Fish Company. It was about a mile walk which wasn't too much fun in the high heat and humidity, but was still welcome after being on the bike through Miami traffic.
The food was quite good and the setting is almost cliche Keys.
The water at the restaurant had a few tarpon swimming around it. Chalk one wish for the keys completed; I have seen a tarpon.
After getting some snacks and supplies at a convenience store, we hoofed back to the room. We walked out to see the waterfront area at the pines and palms. It was quiet and serene. Somewhere out there, lies England, or Spain or something.
The shallows had millions of small fish, included quite a few baby swordfish (or barracuda or whatever this minnow with an attitude is). I'm sure many won't make it to any significant size, but they were neat to see even as babies.
Still full from the big lunch, dinner that night was a small key lime pie. Vacation is good!
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