Biscayne

Once we got back up the keys, we headed to Biscayne National Park!

Biscayne is 95% under water, so we took a boat to explore a bit. It was a bit cool and rainy that morning but cleared up as the day went on.

Miami from the boat:

The ride was lovely and the water beautiful:

We stopped at Boca Chita where we walked, picnicked, waded:

The water was so clear! And there was a ton of coral.

Despite the fact that there are no roads on the island, there was a four car garage put there in the 30s by someone with money so he could bring his cars in to show them off...

We also got to explore a lighthouse:

Eventually we had to get back on the boat and head back.

Goodbye Boca Chita!

When we got back we explored the boardwalk and saw more fish and wildlife:

The kids also became Junior Rangers at Biscayne:

On the way home we randomly passed this fruit stand called "Robert is Here." Eleanor's school counselor had mentioned "Robert's fruit stand" and said it was a must stop on the way to Key West. We spent three days looking for it while we were on the keys and never passed it, then found it on the road down on mainland Florida! Of course we stopped.

Robert started this fruit stand when he was 6 years old and is still working there today! Obviously the operation is much larger now. There were exotic birds and other animals in the back. I saw many fruits I had never even heard of before! And the smells were intense.

Robert was working the cash register:

We got some of Robert's famous fruit smoothies:

Biscayne National Park: