After leaving Key West we drove back up the Keys to our next camping spot, on Big Pine Key. Again, it was not cheap camping--seems like the Keys is just one of those places where everything is more expensive. And esp. for campers I understand why--there's the fact that there is so little available land for a campground, and then the cost of the real estate. There is upkeep from hurricanes besides normal campground wear and tear. So I'm not complaining! There are a couple of state campgrounds along the keys--and by that I mean, literally two--but the one that we would have stayed in was closed because of damage from Hurricane Irma. So, we took the only option midway up the keys--but it was a great option. It was another resort-style campground, with a pool and game room and sheltered places to hang out and lounge, which was what we did all afternoon. After the fast pace of the Florida trip so far it was great to have a day of just relaxing.
But first, lunch. The woman who checked us in at the campground told me her favorite local place to eat--The Square Grouper.
The food was amazing. I don't even remember what all we got. But it was so good.
Full tummies getting drowsy.
These Key deer were only a few steps behind her. They would be wary, but would come close looking for a handout.
The view from our campsite. Not bad.
In the late afternoon the sun as the sun lowered behind the trailer, we pulled out the camp chairs and set them in the trailer's shade, sitting and chatting there while admiring this seascape.
The pool was set up on a second story, above the recreation rooms. Overall the people running the campground were doing an excellent job--everything was very well kept and we really did feel like we were at a vacation resort.
Our little trailer nestled in its peaceful oceanside spot. As the sun started to set, the sky kept changing. I kept seeing new and ever more beautiful colors and vistas.
When this happened, I could not believe it. It's a moment out of a dream.
I walked around the campground just in awe of the beauty of the changing sky.
After the kids had eaten dinner and showered, a couple of them enjoyed the fire pit until it was time for bed.
My parents and I took late night advantage of the campground laundry facilities. And while my clothes were in the dryer, I took advantage of that beautiful pool. I had been making dinner when the kids swam earlier, my parents hanging out with them at a table poolside; my photos are from when I walked over to tell them dinner was ready. Now, with kids settled in the camper, it was my time for a little escape. Technically the pool was closed--but the night guard told me it was fine with him if I swam, as long as I wasn't making noise. So I had that whole pool to myself, and it was so peaceful and relaxing. I lay back floating and watched the night sky.
The next morning I woke early for some reason. And didn't regret a moment of that stillness and new mercies.
Sunrise was equally beautiful.
The beach here, again on the Atlantic side, was almost muddy, and not inviting for swimming. But it was a great place for a nature walk, and so when Smiley woke up early too, we went together to explore.
Laying out our treasures to show the others.
Our time on Big Pine Key felt most like a vacation. Dad and I agreed that was a good thing to remember for future trips together--to build in some intentional downtime. All our Florida fun so far had been fun, but definitely not relaxing!
And before we knew it relax time was over, and we had to finish the drive up the Keys to our final camp spot on Key Largo, where we would meet an old family friend for lunch. We would have one more day and night in the Keys.
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