Juana and I decide to take a short road trip to Big Pine Key with our bikes. Big Pine Key is known for its Key deer, which are very tiny and cute, as well as the Blue Hole, which is an old limestone quarry that now fills with fresh water. This key was hammered by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Though much of the housing has been repaired, the landscape is still pretty barren in parts.
We first go to the Blue Hole looking to see if we can spot an alligator. None are visible, though we spot saltwater tarpon and needlefish swimming about. Apparently, Irma blew them into the Blue Hole and they have been doing just fine.
We walk the trail between palms, poisonwood, mahogany and mangrove trees. No sign of deer or gators.
We then hop on our bikes for a short ride to @nonamepub, where we will have our lunch. The ride is hot and and the wind is pushing us backwards. The forests next to the main road is filled with a mix of dead trees and new growth. Turkey buzzards fly overhead in concentric circles, perching on a tree ahead of us. One darts out almost knocking Juana off her bike but she recovers and continues ahead where she spots a tiny Key deer crossing the road. These endangered creatures are just like the big ones who graze our gardens up north but are only about 24 inches high.
Juana smiles at our fortune to see the deer and soon we reach our lunch destination, the No-Name Pub. This bar is best known for the countless dollar bills that paper the ceiling and walls.
After refueling, Juana and I start back to the Blue Hole where our car is parked. Since we did not see a gator first time, we hope second time lucky.
We are not disappointed.
