WatsonsWander
  • Travel Journal
  • Our Airstream
  • Live Infographic
  • About Us
  • RV Resources
  • Contact

WatsonsWander

  • Travel Journal
  • Our Airstream
  • Live Infographic
  • About Us
  • RV Resources
  • Contact

Another Week in Paradise

written by Amanda February 9, 2015

Just another week in paradise. Hard to believe we’ve been in the Keys for 6 weeks already! Last week began much as the previous one ended, on the beach at Bahia Honda. Tim took advantage of another windy day to do some more kite flying, while I relaxed under the umbrella with a book.

Week in Paradise

Perfect beach day

The rest of the week we did our normal thing – work during the day followed by some afternoon exploration. Including a few sunset strolls…

Paradise

Sunset over the water never gets old

and a trip up to the old Bahia Honda Bridge.

Paradise

The old Bahia Honda Bridge

This was first a railroad bridge, but after the railroad was shut down someone had the genius idea to build a car bridge right on top. I usually find bridges more thrilling than scary, but this is one I might have hesitated to drive over. Look how narrow it is! The new bridge (to the right) was built in the mid 70s, but this one still stands as a reminder of what once was. There’s only a small section safe enough for pedestrians to walk on.

Paradise

Not sure I would want to drive up there!

Everyday we explored a different part of the park, from the beach to the butterfly trail, and even under the US 1 bridge where someone painted a funny fishy mural.

paradise

Around Bahia Honda

Thursday was my dad’s birthday and we went out to dinner at the Square Grouper. This is one of those restaurants that multiple people recommended, and even though we had to wait nearly 45 minutes for a table (they don’t take reservations and are nearly alway busy), it was worth it. The food is not fancy, but very well done with a definite Keys twist. My dad and I both had tasty, innovative salads with super fresh red snapper on top, and Tim went with the chipotle pork with Cuban mac n’ cheese. We also had an appetizer of coconut shrimp that I passed on (not a shrimp fan), but it was reported to be very good.

By the way, a “Square Grouper” is not a real fish, but rather the nickname for the infamous bales of pot that were thrown overboard or out of airplanes in the 70s as they were smuggled into the U.S. The restaurant menu describes this now nearly extinct “fish” as,
One of the most commercially important and prized groupers of the Florida Keys waters. It’s not very wary and is often caught by hand and just hauled into the boat in this manner. It is a popular sport fish and often occurs in accessible waters. Consequently, the Square Grouper has declined in number and is now protected in the Florida Keys. Often identified by the common Latin names of Potus, Weedus, Dopus, Gonjus, Cannibus, Marijuanabus, this prized fish often brought up to $25,000 per square!

Paradise

The Square Grouper embraces the origin of their name

On Friday we moved back to my dad’s house for a few days. I finished up the new cushions for the kitchen dinette, stocked up with fresh produce at the flea market, and we got reacquainted with the Key Deer.

Paradise

Fresh produce, new cushion, cute deer

On Sunday Tim spent a few hours working on the boat motor so we could take the small boat out for a little spin around the islands. Perfect day to be on the water.

Paradise

Can we stay out here forever?

In the afternoon we drove an hour up the road to Long Key State Park for another week of ocean side camping.

Paradise

Crossing the 7 Mile Bridge

As you can see life in paradise is pretty rough :)

7 comments
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Amanda

previous post
Tropical Eats – Homemade Coconut Milk + Spicy Noodles & Veggies
next post
Online RV Essentials

You may also like

From Louisiana to Arizona

December 6, 2019

Through Oregon & Into Nevada

November 20, 2018

Last Week in the Florida Keys

February 24, 2015

Camden Hills State Park

July 18, 2015

5 Reasons Why We Love Oregon Coastal State...

October 31, 2012

Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota

July 22, 2012

Visitor Season Has Begun!

February 1, 2017

Cruisin’ through Santa Cruz

November 16, 2012

Back to Nature at Petit Jean State Park

May 10, 2017

Tropical Eats: Key Lime Pie & Starfruit Upside...

January 18, 2015

7 comments

laura crowley February 9, 2015 - 1:41 pm

Do you two make reservations at the campgrounds or wing it. I’m headed to the panhandle next week without reservations and am now getting a bit anxious about getting a site. I like the state parks. Love your site and posts. Thanks.

Laura

Reply
Amanda February 9, 2015 - 3:17 pm

Some of both. Down here in the Keys you can’t get into a state park without a reservation. We were in the panhandle in November and the state parks had plenty of sites. Not sure about now. Might be worth it to go online and check.

Reply
Jim and Gayle February 9, 2015 - 3:55 pm

We loved Long Key SP but got eaten alive by no-see-ums one November when we were there.
Those are some great sunset photos!

Reply
Amanda February 10, 2015 - 8:42 am

The no-see-ums haven’t been terrible this week because it’s somewhat breezy. Last week at Bahia Honda they were swarming us. Definitely the down side to paradise.

Reply
Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkers from NM February 10, 2015 - 1:14 am

The color of the water is amazing. You are in paradise! How nice to also be near family.

Reply
Amanda February 10, 2015 - 8:43 am

I am constantly in awe of that turquoise water! It has been a treat for us to spend so much time with family. While we love traveling out west, it can be hard to be so far from all our family for so long.

Reply
Laurel February 12, 2015 - 5:28 pm

Those sunsets! Those beaches! That water! You take the most gorgeous photos of paradise. I’m so happy that you enjoyed your meal at the Square Grouper — it was our favorite restaurant in the Keys.

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

days on the road

About The Watsons

About The Watsons

This is the story of Tim & Amanda. Since 2012, we have traveled the U.S. while living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream. Follow us on our crazy journey in search of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, interesting people, tasty foods, and more…

Keep in touch

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Email

Subscribe by Email

* indicates required

Wandering Threads Embroidery

Wandering Threads Embroidery
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Email

@2017 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top