The Everglades

We also went to Everglades National Park on our trip and I thought it was REALLY cool. We didn't have high expectations, but even before entering the park we saw an alligator swimming along in a pond. The first night we went on a little trail and saw about 20 alligators. It was so awesome bc you just walk right beside them. There's no fences or anything of the sort. It's a little scary since it's we're programmed to be scared of them, but I suppose if you leave them alone, they will do the same. Almost all the alligators we saw were on this trail. Since it is the wet season, they spread out more and you don't see as many throughout the park. We were also told since they have a fear of man they pretty much hide from us, but the ones on this trail I guess are use to us. I was so amazed by every single one I saw that I couldn't stop taking pictures and so I just put them all up. I apologize for alligator overload. 

We also camped out one night at the very most southern point called Flamingo. We drove in late and only found 1 other camper and no one at the pay booth. We thought this was a little strange since we were expecting it to be packed. Once we actually got out of the car we realized why no one was there--mosquitos!!!!! They were insane! We put our tents up as fast as possible and didn't go out until the morning and left asap. Apparently Flamingo is where the US Gov goes to test mosquito repellant bc they are so intense there. I have no idea how many bites I got, but they were everywhere. The next day we were talking to a ranger and she's like "I'm surprised your still here!" bc apparently camping at this time of year is that bad of an idea. 

baby gator

this guy was a serious creeper. like a foot from the trail hiding all sneaky-like

being brave

This guy hissed at us. It was not a pretty sound

the camp site

We also did some canoeing-didn't see any alligators, but did see a manatee!

out in the Florida Bay-salt water area

dead gator! prob hit by a car. poor guy.

tried some gator. it was ok,  kinda chewy. don't really desire to eat it again.

We decided to drive out to Key West...but it was a 3 hour drive TO key west. so we drove about half way down the keys. It was really pretty!

Stopping at the lower matecumbe key

We kept seeing Key Lime Pie signs and realized, hello, we're in the keys! we must eat key lime pie! So we did. It was good.

Stopped at Cape Canaveral on way home. Then we found out it was $50/person to get into the Kennedy Space Center. Hope they're flying us to the moon for that price. So we just took a picture and left.

It was a fun trip! I would love to go back in the Winter. Thats when the mosquitos aren't as bad, and it's the dry season when the alligators are more concentrated and hopefully not as hot!

Miami

Once we got back from our "hurricane evacuation" and realized we had another 4 day weekend, we decided to go to Miami with some friends. It was fun, the beaches weren't as nice as they are up here and were pretty crowded probably due to Labor Day weekend, but I'm glad we went and checked it out. We stayed in North Miami Beach, went to South Beach and walked around Ocean Drive for a little bit. I loved all the palm trees they have down there, but not a town I'm dying to go back to anytime soon.

So this was hilarious. All these guys working out and all lathered up in oil. Not showing off at all or anything. Did I mention it was like 90 degrees out there?  Oh people.

St. Augustine

With Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaac rolling in earlier this week, Duke was given the go-ahead to evacuate if we so pleased last Sunday. We decided to take the free time off to head over to Jacksonville and visit our friends that recently moved there. We had a great time with them and jetted over to St. Augustine on Tuesday for a fun little afternoon. We brought Winston with us there, which turned out to be a big mistake. He lasted all of about 10 minutes before he was about to die from the heat. So we ended up boarding him for a few hours so we could enjoy the city.

We didn't spend that long there, but we toured the old fort that was built way back in 1672. I loved the old cannons they had on display, they were so ornate. It seems that art was incorporated into so much more back then. Also, for your history lesson, St. Augustine is the oldest, continually occupied European-establishment in the US, founded in 1565. It was a fun little place to visit. Really touristy with a bunch of little shops and what not, but very pretty and fun to visit!

One Year

"I was walking along looking for somebody, and then suddenly I wasn't anymore."

— A.A. Milne

Thanks for making me so happy Duke.

Anniversary Celebration

Our anniversary is actually tomorrow, but we decided to take the weekend to celebrate! We went down to the Redneck Riveria aka Destin, FL. I love Destin. We've vacationed in this area my whole life so it's a little sentimental place too. I'm always overwhelmed by the beauty of Destin every time I go. It's so beautiful!! If you haven't been, you NEED to go!!! 

My recommendations are to check out the gator farm at Fudpuckers and to invest in some cheap floaties. My food recommendations are Vinij Wine Bistro, Cuvee Bistro and Donut Hole Cafe. I don't know how it was my first time to go to Donut Hole-but I thought their donuts were bomb. (We love food if you can't tell)

It was a great weekend. I love celebrating love!!