Earlier this month, I took a chance on the weather and ventured a little further out of my Fort Lauderdale backyard to my favorite isle of the Florida Keys, Islamorada. Located about 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale, Islamorada is not only a water sports aficionado’s paradise, but also one of my ideal spots for catching a Florida sunset (as being an East coaster that doesn’t happen very often).

Although the day was covered with clouds combined with the doom and gloom of weather forecasters, I knew that by mid-late afternoon the summer showers would clear to be a good, cool kayaking afternoon with an impressive sunset.  After a late departure, I arrived at Islamorada nearly at 2:00 PM.  Luckily, with the rain gone and the sun not at its highest peak, it was a perfect time for kayaking.

I stopped at my favorite kayak shop, Robbie’s.  This locale has fishing charters, “Feed the Tarpons”, a small diner, shops, and most importantly kayak rentals.  I chose a moderate kayak route from Robbie’s passing through the “Feed the Tarpons” (mind you they are bigger than humans) and under the US1 bridge.  This route allows one to explore the oceanside and around an island located roughly a half-mile out.

I was amazed by the crystal clear water and the varied depths from channel depth to very shallow and rocky with only inches of water.  Believe it or not, there were places along the route that the kayak was bottoming out.  With the water so shallow, it was not uncommon to see a passing fish or stingray.  Robbie’s does offer another alternative if you want to experience the mangroves.  I prefer the oceanside, but the mangroves are good for bird watching and dodging crocodiles or alligators (I believe there are both in the Keys).

After cleaning up enough to be what I would call “Keys Presentable” (flip flops, shorts, t-shirt, and hat), I went to my absolute favorite restaurant in Florida, Pierre’s. As a restored house with East Indie décor, the bar and restaurant overlook the gulfside.  The downstairs is the bar surrounded by an outdoor porch with wicker chairs for lounging.  Upstairs is a fine dining restaurant, where my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon dinner.  With a good hour before sunset, I found the most comfortable wicker chair, glass of wine, and enjoyed people watching.

As my words will not do justice for the actual beauty, take this video as your evidence that Islamorada is top-notch for sunsets, bar none.

Keep you posted on my journeys in and around the South Florida area as well as my up and coming trips to Vegas, NY, Nashville, Quebec, London, and more.