May 6, 2026
Today we make the long drive (8 hours) from Key West, the southern most point to New Smyma Beach on the Atlantic side of Florida near Daytona. I did a bit of a walkabout to revisit my favorite places before loading all our gear into the car.
The only way out of the keys is to cross the same 42 bridges that we crossed when we drove down. We did stop at Everglades National Park so I could have another stamp in my National Parks passport book. We even saw an alligator….OK just the backside!! We had a picnic of leftover pizza before getting back on the road.
We arrived in New Smyrna around 5:00pm and unpacked at the condo. Then we chilled on their deck with an incredible view. I could have sat there all evening but we were on a mission to achieve one of my bucket list items, seeing manatee’s in the wild.
When I was in the Amazon we searched for days to find Manatees and failed so seeing them has been on my bucket list for a long time. We headed to a local pack that has an inlet where a group of Manatees hang out and I was not disappointed. They were frolicking in groups just off the shore. It is hard to get pictures because they are quick but I got to see them. They are often called gentle sweet potatoes because of their shape. I am so happy to finally see them!!!!
There was a manatee mailbox at the house next to where we encountered the manatees that I really want!!! Unfortunately I have a community mailbox….wonder if he will fit on the porch?????
We had dinner JB’s Fish Camp restaurant that had good food, a spectacular sunset and yet another manatee encounter!!!
I am so blessed to have another “Best Day Ever…So Far”!!!!
