Florida keys`

We are going this summer so I am interested in all the facts and places too. We are coming from Texas so it won't be any hotter in Florida than in Texas.

And so what if it is sweltering. The temperature rarely gets above 90, it's the humidity that causes the difficulties. And the keys are "exposed", with some sort of breeze most of the time.

And, if you're not a "fan" of heat, why visit the "tropics"?

You should have plenty of fun.

And when it rains in the afternoon, take a bar of soap and shower in it. It's an experience. Done that many times while fishing from a bridge or shoreline.

I would sugest packing extra shirts, and the type of clothes (micros fiber) that dries quickly.

Embrace the keys.

First of all, the temperatures are rarely equivalent. Secondly, the evenings are always more pleasant in the northern states. When I am up north in the summer, that is the first thing I notice compared to my environment in south Texas which is similar to south Florida. It is not uncommon to still be in the mid 80's at night with high humidity which I find unpleasant. Ninety degrees at night in a LV summer is much more pleasant to me. Kudos to Melbedewy (from R.I.) for understanding how brutal it is down there.

Thanks so much guys,just the kind of responses i was hoping for. Very beneficial and makes me want to go now,i'm getting kinda stoked to go. Summer is just around the corner for me and enough time to learn all i can about traveling down there.
RE the heat. We can live with that as we live in no. va outside of DC which is basically built on a swamp. The heat and humidity here is pretty brutal so we'll be OK.
As far as a place to stay i remebered that my older brothers best friend (and close friends to me and our whhole family) has a house down there. I think hes on the water and has a boat too. He's been going there for years and finally just bought a place. I talked to my brother last night and i'm pretty sure we'll be able to stay there. That would be awesome.

Thanks again everybody,i rally do appreciate it and keep any other info coming!

JOHN

What's the difference? 1500 freaking miles that's the difference. Anyone going on a vacation to South Florida in the summer needs their heads examined. There are reasons why the $150 room in February goes down to $19 in August.
But to each his own. Better you than me.

The Keys are 15 minutes from my backyard (for the last 52 years) and I can say they are naturally cooler than the Florida mainland, usually cooler by 5 -6 degrees during the summer daytime.

The always present sea breeze along with the typical Keys wardrobe (no socks please) the climate becomes bearable. And after adding in a couple of margaritas or maybe 6, you won't care what the temp is.

Enjoy your trip jatki99. The State of Florida needs the sales tax revenue.

n5p

I just found a booklet that I picked up all about the Florida Keys. Since I won't be using it in the near term, I could mail it to you if you're interested. Just Pm me you address.

We are going to Key West in May of this year. But, I last went in March of 2007. That is a great time of year to go. However, someone there recommended that if we still wanted cooler weather to go the first week of May. It is still pleasant weather and the costs drop significantly.

When I went before, I stayed at the Hyatt. A bit pricey, but I loved it! Right on the water and a convenient walk to Mallory Square and Duval street.

We are staying at Key West Harbor Inn this time. I'll post on how that was when I return.

Have a great time!

John, first you have to plan your visit either before or after the hurricane season in the Atlantic,
which begins June 1st and ends November 30th.


Then you have to beware of the following;

In the Keys there are alligators AND salt water crocodiles.

There are Feral pigs, also known as wild boars, that number in the thousands.

There are many varieties, and countless numbers of poisonous snakes, otherwise know as "Merchants of Death".


.... AND NOW there is the recent and uncontrolled invasion of Burmese pythons.



Have a Nice Vacation !!!!

Rick

Rick... You live in Florida, yet forgot to mention the elusive Florida Pygmy Elephants. I'm not "up to date" on this so it may not be exactly accurate, but as I recall reading on the internet several years ago, ................

Many years ago, when Flagler completed the overseas highway in the early 1900's, for the "Grand Opening" a circus was arranged to travel to Key West, just prior to the "Grand Opening", as part of the grand spectacular festivities and entertainment to celebrate the historic undertaking of connecting Key West to the mainland via the Overseas Highway".

A severe hurricane struck. As severe, or worse than "Andrew" or "Wilma", it devasted the keys. It also destroyed the circus train. The storm delayed everything for several years after as much had to be rebuilt.

All of the circus animals escaped or were killed. Tigers, Lions, Bears, Elephants, Monkeys, and more. Many, if not most, were killed during the storms, and their remains found, or recaptured. But quite a few were not, and professional hunters and trappers from around the nation were called in to help recapture them.

Three elephants were never found. One male and two females. The females were also pregnant at the time. They were the smaller "Asian" breed.

After a year or so, they finally gave up on finding them. With the vast wilderness known as the Everglades, hundreds of islands on both sides, good forage and cover, they prospered and reproduced. However, probably because of Darwin's Theory, they also evolved into much smaller elephants over the generations since escaping and going wild.

Everyone has heard of the "Key Deer" the size of a dog. Well, those elephants also evolved to a similar size, about the size of a small pick up truck. Eventually a "herd", they now number, it's estimated 20-50, and larger ones weigh up to 600-800 pounds.

"Everyone" knows about "Monkey Island" where hundreds of "research monkeys" live in the wild, and are subsidized nutrionally by the government. The same is done with "Elephant Island", only it's actual location is a well guarded secret, and visitors and tourists not allowed on or near the island.

Very reclusive, and a well guarded secret by the Florida Fish & Game people, They are, naturally, protected, and news stories or footage ridiculously censored. They now reside on two islands that are not connected to the main chain. Occasionally, one or a few may show up in the keys as most people know them, espceially afer heavy rain & storms, and are usually quickly rounded up and returned to their designated home. Elephants are good swimmers. They may come assure as far north as the 12 mile stretch of the Overseas Highway.

With luck, maybe during your visit, you'll hit the jackpot and spot one of those elusive beasts.