John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Pete was able to get two night at this great park.  Normally is booked solid but there was a cancellation. My Mother brought my sisters and I here years ago and I remember snorkeling here on the reef.  The water is too cold today for snorkeling but it was perfect weather for an amazing hike with Ranger Susan who was an expert in butterflies, birds and trees.  She captivated us all with her knowledge for two hours.  One of the trees she showed us was the Poisonwood Tree.  It is a relative of poison ivy and contact produces a terrible rash--think poison ivy on steroids.  The other tree is a Gumbo Limbo tree with a peeling bark that the sun shines right through.

Poisonwood tree

Kayaking trail at the park

We also went kayaking through the the mangrove trees.  They gave us a map and told us that if we didn't show up by 4 pm they would come after us and charge a hefty "finder's fee"!  The "trail" was not well marked but Pete did a great job getting us out of the maze and back in time.  It was an absolutely perfect day to be on the water--sunny and 80 degrees.

Two happy kayakers

The showers here are very nice...always a plus for us!  Our camper neighbor brought us over cookies she had just made so life is good.  There are "no see ums" that like our Ohio tender flesh and cause some itching but no mosquitoes.  Tomorrow we leave for the KOA at Lake Okeechobee!  Looking forward to seeing our friends there from last year!