We just got back from a few days "camping" on the Florida Keys. We stayed in our camper van. It's not exactly roughing it and we see a lot more than we would if we stayed in a motel. This little beach was at the end of a nature trail that we walked, near our campground.
Florida abounds in beautiful scenery -- and sun and shadows -- making this post a good fit with SCENIC WEEKENDS and SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY, both hosted by the lovely, talented -- and very busy -- Gemma! Thank you.
These two pictures were taken from the old Bridge at Bahia Honda State Park, near Marathon.
And below, the beginning of another beautiful Keys sunset.
Time just seems to fly by when we're in Florida -- either because we're getting old(er) or because there is so much to do here at the resort where we spend the winter (or both). We love all the activities (and just doing nothing) here at Upriver, but we also love getting a chance to get out and explore more of this beautiful State -- and the Florida Keys certainly qualify. We had a good time.
I so love your water views! Love the different blues in one large patch of water! Water is always special for my spirit!
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | February 09, 2013 at 01:43 PM
Gorgeous captures, Sallie!! Incredible skies and colors and what a beautiful place!! The sunset is breathtaking! Love the water, too!! Surely does beat the upper east coast right now!!
Posted by: sylviakirk | February 09, 2013 at 01:53 PM
These are glorious photos! I feel as if I've had a vacation! Wonderful.
Cheers from Cottage Country!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | February 09, 2013 at 02:03 PM
Sallie, beautiful shots from the Keys. The sunset is gorgeous. The water looks gorgeous! I have find out your favorite spots and must see places. Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. Hope the rest of your weekend is great!
Posted by: Eileen | February 09, 2013 at 02:04 PM
Right now these are the exact beautiful photos I need to see ~ 21" of snow in MA ~Photography is magnificent!
Thanks for your well wishes ~ Hope you are where the photos are!
Carol of (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Posted by: Carol and artmusedog ^_^ | February 09, 2013 at 02:05 PM
Wow...I wish we were there to take these marvelous shots! I really love your sunset shot and the bridge off in the distance is nice too!
I hope you are having as much fun as it looks like you are! Fantastic shots!
Posted by: Jackie | February 09, 2013 at 03:02 PM
Oh wow! Gorgeous shots! What a beautiful place!
Posted by: Karen | February 09, 2013 at 04:58 PM
Wonderful shots from your excursion to the Florida Keys. Something I enjoyed last time I was in Key West was going to the Dry Tortugas. I can't remember how long it took on the boat but my daughter and I did one of these things where you pay to go on a boat with a group and they supply snorkeling equipment too. I can't remember if you've ever posted shots from there so it may be something you've already done.
Posted by: Carver | February 09, 2013 at 05:11 PM
So warm and beautiful. Your photos thaw me out!
Posted by: SandyCarlson | February 09, 2013 at 06:29 PM
Great to know that you both had a fabulous time.
The pictures as shown certainly display that this area is an
area to just enjoy, without the "hustle and bustle".
No stunts on that totem pole bike, eh? Wise move by TOH
or did you put your foot down???
No horrible February here in Brisbane for 2013. Thank God.
Stifling heat and humidity. Already the sun is coming up far later
in the mornings.
Must have been blown away in our storms and monsoons.
Cheers and glad that you had a good relaxing time.
Colin (Brisbane. Australia
Posted by: Colin Huggins | February 09, 2013 at 06:42 PM
We have a good time.
That is the aim.
Posted by: Rainfield (雨田 Malaysia） | February 09, 2013 at 07:15 PM
just lovely! turquoise waters. pretty sunsets. :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | February 09, 2013 at 08:03 PM
Looks like a slice of heaven!
Posted by: ladyfi | February 09, 2013 at 10:00 PM
I love the last photo, the coconut palms swaying in the wind
Posted by: ann nz | February 09, 2013 at 11:25 PM
Lovely photos, the scenes are beautiful as well as the sunsets-I'd have wanted to stay longer! (Here in UK Midlands, 4cm snow is again forecast at low levels with more tomorrow).
Posted by: HAZEL | February 09, 2013 at 11:53 PM
I wished I could jump through the screen and lay under the palm trees ! How beautiful !
Posted by: Gattina | February 09, 2013 at 11:59 PM
Perfect place to be this time of year, and I adore that sunset and little "private" beach.
Posted by: Selma, Ala., Daily Photo | February 10, 2013 at 03:44 AM
Nice tropical weather and landscape. No wonder people retire in Florida.
Lovely!
Posted by: Ebie | February 10, 2013 at 04:47 AM
Gorgeous shots, Sallie. Quite the difference from blizzard-y Minnesota today.
Posted by: Sally in WA | February 10, 2013 at 07:19 AM
You really managed to capture all the beauty of The Keys. You had me at the first shot and completely wowed me with the sunset. Bet you wanted to freeze time to enjoy it more.
Posted by: Gail | February 10, 2013 at 09:28 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous scenery! It's been too many years since we've vacationed in the Keys.
~Lindy
Posted by: Lindy | February 10, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Excellent! I just love all the gorgeous scenery! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful part of the good old USA!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | February 10, 2013 at 12:58 PM
What a beautiful part of the state this is! Sounds like you had a great time!
Posted by: Wally | February 10, 2013 at 02:41 PM
That looks like such a beautiful place. I've never visited the Keys, but it's high on my list.
Posted by: Al | February 10, 2013 at 02:46 PM
You are a gadabout, Sallie! I never know where you'll be next. Our friends were just in the Keys for a month. They love it there. Your photos show its beauty.
Posted by: Barb | February 10, 2013 at 07:44 PM
So gorgeous! I've never been to Florida, but you are making me want to plan a trip.
Posted by: Clair Z. | February 10, 2013 at 09:06 PM
You do seem to enjoy spending time by the water. I think I would enjoy exploring the Keys.
Posted by: Martha Z | February 10, 2013 at 10:54 PM
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos! You showed us how beautiful your world is. Our world has a lot to show! I hope the weather is okay where you are. I saw a lot of places which were affected by heavy snowfall. Florida looks very tropical and warm.
Posted by: Reader Wil | February 11, 2013 at 01:05 AM
Sallie, you captured the tropical feel of the Keys beautifully. Picture postcard photos of the Florida I know and love.
So much has changed over the years but the Keys remain as gorgeous as ever ~:) sigh..
Posted by: Pam :) | February 11, 2013 at 01:57 AM
you have no idea how amazing these scenes are to me right now
I'm not really a warm weather person but after our blizzard I am so in need of warmth and sun
it's raining really hard and the snow piles are ponding and falling over onto the shoveled walk and ...
OY! :)
hugs from me and Hope
Posted by: dianne | February 11, 2013 at 08:30 AM
wow, what a beautiful place. I think I could spend a week or two there. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | February 11, 2013 at 12:36 PM
That looks like a great spot to exercise the Roadtrek. Morro Bay wasn't bad either. Guess we both like to camp by the water but your water is warmer.
Posted by: Martha Z | February 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM
I've always wanted to go to the Florida Keys since I was a teenager and watched Flipper. :)
These images are so gorgeous! The palms, the color to the water and that last shot - stunning!
Posted by: Carletta | February 11, 2013 at 09:47 PM
I'm happy to know you have a good time. Its looks like so beautiful... and warm !
Posted by: Annie | February 14, 2013 at 09:27 AM
Oh wow..I wish I was there...
Posted by: Rambling Woods | February 16, 2013 at 02:21 PM