Search This Blog

Saturday, April 4, 2015

John Kennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Aloha Everyone

We woke up to the sound of a Red-bellied Woodpecker looking for breakfast in the tree just adjacent to Honu. Sorry he was too quick and also camera shy.

This being the Easter weekend and students are either wrapping up or beginning their spring break. We wanted to secure our lodging for the night early.

Now I can add Florida to the short list of states where I've driven Honu. I drove approximately 38 miles (one hour) from our campsite to the entry of Everglades National Park.  Fortunately, there were only a few other cars on the road.



John Pennrkamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the two full camping facilities in the  Keys. Located at the entry to Key Largo, this was the first undersea park in the United States.




One big difference between other state parks with camping facilities is that this park is set up to accommodate a large number of day-time users. There are a list of available activities such as fishing, snorkeling, canoe/kayak rentals and boat launching areas, swimming and sunning beaches, visitor center, etc. 



Pennekamp worked for the Miami Herald for fifty years holding various positions including managing editor. However his life's passion was conservation. One of his greatest achievements was establishing the Everglades National Park in 1947.
The ranger who checked us in said that we are getting the last spot available just for one night.

I am having technical difficulties with my iPhone camera. J.J. kindly took today's photos using his digital camera.
Have a safe and Happy Easter!

Aloha -- Cathi