Darlene and I had to adapt and change some plans to start our day. Remember we planned our trip back a few months ago. Today we were going to wake up early, grab a coffee and drive down to Pine Key. We were going to The Big Pine Flea and Farmers Market. We had planned to eat there and look around for most all of the morning. We got our coffees and headed south. I started looking on the website for food ideas when, oops, they are closed for renovations. This was to be the biggest part of the day.
We decided to fast forward to the afternoon plan and then wing it. We went to The Key Deer Refuge. This is a large refuge for the endangered Key Deer and Marsh Rabbit. We stopped at the visitor center just a couple of miles from the refuge. The staff there was very helpful with maps and advice. Key Deer are kin to the White Tail Deer, only much smaller, as they are about the size of a large dog.
We looked around inside a bit and talked to one of the staff. She warned us again about Poison Wood Trees on the refuge. I guess if you live down there, you look for that stuff like our part of the country notices poison ivy or poison oak.
We left the center and drove the few miles to the refuge. We drove slow and kept a close look out, but no luck, no deer. Halfway through we came to Blue Hole, the only fresh water lake in the keys. It is a small area with trails, and signs explaining the small lake and its surroundings.
The worker at the main platform there showed us Tarpon in the lake. This is interesting because Tarpon are a saltwater fish. He explained that in 2017, Hurricane Irma, with its massive storm surge, brought them in with the flooding. These fish not only survived, they flourished and populated the small lake. These Tarpon are not as big as their salt water brethren, but show their ability to adapt and reproduce.
The guide also showed us an Anhinga nesting. The guide is there to inform visitors and answer any of their questions.
We then walked around part of a trail and enjoyed the tranquil setting.
It was now a little past noon and we were getting hungry. We drove through the rest of the Refuge and still did not see any deer. This seemed odd because they are supposed to be very plentiful on the refuge. But driving to the restaurant through neighborhoods, we saw many of the Key Deer. Why forage in the marshy refuge for food when you can find peoples flowers, shrubs, and gardens to eat? They were even turning over garbage cans and eating their fill. Much like bears in the mountains, these deer have adapted to humans and found alternative food sources.
We arrived at our lunch spot, No Name Pub. It was a locals place in the middle of nowhere. The sign even says “you found us.” This place has been in business since 1936 so you know it is good. We split a fried platter consisting of clam strips, shrimp, and grouper. We topped that off with a piece of Key Lime pie. The food was very good. A very interesting story about the pub; the inside walls, ceilings, and door frames are covered with $1 bills that customers have signed and put up as long as the pub has been opened. There may be some valuable bills in there!
We left the restaurant and figured we had seen all Pine Key had to offer. We headed back north toward our resort looking for other ideas for places to go or things to do. We stopped in Marathon at a putt putt course. It looked shady enough and we always enjoy a good round. We got to hole #2 and a very curious iguana decided to join us for holes 2, 3, and 4. People in Florida consider them a major nuisance. But for tourists that don’t have to put up with them everywhere all the time, they are unusual and cute for a while.
He got bored and left us after hole #4. Maybe because this round was non competitive as Darlene spanked my butt good. I got to hear about that for a while and still am. Oh well, sometimes karma gets you. Especially after I had bragged about how badly I would beat her!
We left the putt putt course and decided to find a place for a drink. We stopped in The Marathon Ale House. This was another locals place that was very friendly and hospitable. The waitress was very personable. We were watching some more of the college baseball world series and just talking and enjoying each others company. There was a table of old vets behind us and they had one younger off duty police officer that was very friendly. His name was Chris. He introduced himself to us and to us to his friends. He talked to us for a bit. My wife is very outgoing and friendly and we also meet people wherever we go. That is part of what makes travel so fun.
We decided to go ahead and get a bite to eat. We ordered seafood bisque and chicken wings to split. Both dishes were good
This place was good until it turned sour, thanks to one ass behind the bar. We were watching the baseball world series. This sports bar had 15 different TVS. When the clock struck 7:00, every single TV went to Soccer and the NBA playoff game. Really???? Now I know everyone has different likes and enjoys different sports. Me? I don’t care if the NBA ever bounces another ball and I don’t watch soccer. We asked the waitress to put one of the TVs back on the game we were watching. Simple and easy enough requests we thought! She tells the bartender and he said no; everyone wants to watch basketball and soccer. That is the first time in my 71 years an employee has decided for his customers what they like and what they will watch. We paid the tab and headed to our room. I am sure the opinion of a couple of tourists does not make any difference to a local place, but I want everyone who reads and follows my blog to remember this place. Marathon Ale House! Good food, friendly local patrons but a bartender with an attitude that will ruin your visit!
Still it was another good day and more unforgettable memories. Check back here in a couple of days to hear about our day in Islamorada.
simple man, simple ideas 
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