Day 4: Little Torch Key

We’re now staying at Dolphin Marina in Little Torch Key. We were generously upgraded to a cottage with a sun room, living room, kitchen, bedroom with king size bed and a newly renovated bathroom. The amenities are nice but I wouldn’t say they were spectacular, though the scenery is nice, like palm trees and weathered piers. Anyway, enough about the locale…

Little Torch Key is near mile marker 38, so 38 miles north of Key West. It’s considered part of the middle keys and is much more laid back than Key West. This area caters more to the fishermen, which we are not. It does have a State Park here that offers snorkeling opportunities. So, on Tuesday, we headed to Bahia Honda State Park.

In 1992 this state park was rated the Best Beach in America, and we can see why. At low tide you can wade through the clear blue water for nearly a mile out to see and never have the water get above your waist. While we didn’t go quite that far, you can see how attractive the location is. People here are expectedly laid back, you don’t have the crowds of the Jersey shore, and there is plenty of wildlife. We saw several species of birds, including a pelican diving for fish. We also came across these mussel-like things stuck to some driftwood, but we aren’t too sure what they are (see photo).

After a day in the sun we were ready for a meal. We headed to a local restaurant and were sitting at the bar when I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was Dave Smith, the father of my best friend growing up. And just behind him his wife. I asked Mrs. Smith if she knew who I was (I hadn’t seen here in 9 years) and she didn’t recognize me. I told her my name and she seemed really excited to see me. What a treat to run into two wonderful people!

After drinks and appetizers we played mini golf, which Kristin won handily, ate dinner, then headed back to the cottage for cards and refreshments. Another glorious day in the Keys.