Bahia Honda State Park

When we pull into the state park, we already know this place will be great. There are two beaches, lovely grounds to walk, and the people are so friendly. We saw manatees close by which the park staff said was a relief since they hadn't seen them in a few days. As we were hosing off our boat as we always do upon arrival, two manatees came for a visit to our swim platform. They floated

around, lazily spun around and even put their heads up near the swim platform. These amazing creatures visited for over 1/2 hour and let Jaxon and Brooklyn pet them. We realize this may not be in the manatees best interest, but how could the kids help themselves. These gentle beasts were poking their heads up and floating around seemingly begging for attention. We did not feed them or offer them fresh water. We were told during our

Christmas trip down to Florida that manatees love fresh water from hoses, but it's not really good for them. We enjoyed this special moment for as long as it lasted.

After our massive visitors moved on and the excitement settled, we ventured over to look at the longer beach side. It is gorgeous. The aquamarine water near shore turns deep blue several meters off shore. We learn this change of colour is because of the sea grass growing further out from shore. There are snorkelers and a few beach goers in the calm clear water. We needed to get the dogs out for a bit of a walk and dinner on the table so we headed back to the boat. We had so much to look forward to tomorrow.

When morning comes, Gord and Brooklyn take the dogs for their morning walk and meet someone they think is important for me to see. Brooklyn shows me the way, and introduces me to Jill, a volunteer at the park, and also a beautiful painter. Jill tells us about how the Bahia Honda rail bridge was designed by Henry Flagler . The trusses/trestle were put in place because of the current and tides under the bridge. They were concerned that if the train derailed there would be no hope in saving the passengers from the deep water and strong current. With the these structures in place is was unlikely the train could derail. In 1935, the bridge was damaged in a hurricane and could no longer be used until it was converted in 1938 to be used as part of the Overseas Highway.

Jill also knew a ton about the sea turtle egg laying season which is actually just about upon us. Soon, some beaches will be closed to allow for the eggs to be laid and hatch. She told us about the Leatherback turtle that came to Bahia a few years ago. They can get up to 1000 pounds! She told us how the babies find their way to the water by navigating by the stars and light which is why beaches in the area only have amber/red lights (no white light) as to not confuse the babies as they dash for the water. She has had the privilege caring for some of the wee sea turtles until they are strong enough to get out to sea on their own.

Jill shares her paintings with us, and generously gives Brooklyn a small postcard size one she has finished recently. What a great souvenir. Jill also has a lot to tell us about hurricane Irma and the effects it had on the ecosystem and island.

We head back to the boat so much wiser than when we left. We are expecting guests today that happen to be in the area. Gord has known them for years and we are excited to see them again. When Randy and Nancy arrive, they have brought some groceries with them. Just some essentials to top us off and we are super thankful. They get a tour of the boat and then treat us to lunch from the Bahia Honda Park Cafe. We had a lovely visit.

They are experienced boaters and have lots of tips, advice and wise words for us for navigating the seas here and we gladly take note. Randy and Nancy leave early afternoon and the the kids are antsy to get to the beach soon after. We pack our things and head over. We've also met a really nice family. They have a 40' Catamaran that they purchased in Guatemala and have sailed all the way to Florida and are now in the Keys. Their story is fascinating. They had limited boating/sailing experience before this adventure. They have sold their home and this is now their way of life. They have three beautiful children, and our two and their three play together like old friends reunited. We are enjoying our stay at Bahia so much, we decide to ask the Dockmaster if there is room for us on the dock for one more night. Lucky for us, there is! We have a lovely evening on the back of Holy Cow with the other couple while the kids play on the boat and on land. Dinner time comes and goes and no one bats and eye until it's dark and we realize we need to break up this social gathering to make some sort of makeshift dinner for our families. We say our good night and know the kids will be looking for each other first thing in the morning.

In the morning, the manatees visit again. They enjoy the sea grass that has blown in and have their breakfast just behind our swim platform. A little later, I take all the kids on a Geocaching hunt. There are four caches very close by so we should find them all. I won't bore you with the details, but these caches are really clever. We have fun finding them and on our last one, a lady in a long summer dress stops by and introduces herself. She's the owner of the four caches we've found today. How special is that?! I've never met the owner of a cache I've found before. She also tells us about the island and the damage Irma caused.

With treasures in hand from the caches, we make our way back to our boats to get our beach and snorkeling gear and head over to the paradise like water. We set up and the kids are off playing. Jaxon and Oliver throw a football and the girls play in the sand. It's a great day. The kids snorkel and even I attempt it for the first time ever. I'm not comfortable at first, but eventually settle in and Gord, Jaxon and I head out to the darker water to see what we can find. We are not disappointed. There are puffer fish, hermit crabs in Queen Conch shells, a variety of smaller fish and all sorts of sea grass and growths. Eventually, we pack up our gear, head to the boat and of course, hose all the salt and sand off of everything! We had another lovely evening with the family we've met. We take a sunset stroll up to the rail bridge to get some pictures and to enjoy the evening. We head back to their boat and another dinner time comes and goes and it ends up being a popcorn and cheese platter night shared by all. We are leaving in the morning, but we are hoping this is not goodbye. They are traveling a similar course to us; however, they travel slower and have a planned maintenance delay. We have some lengthier stops planned along our way home, so we hope to meet up again.

In the morning at high tide (remember the shallow channel), with contact information exchanged, we say our hope-to-see-you-soon goodbyes and head on our way. Our destination is John Pennekamp State Park, but unfortunately they don't have room for us tonight so we are stopping at Blue Fin Rock Harbour for one night. The wind is forecasted to be quite nasty so we want to tuck in somewhere safe until Friday. Snorkeling tours are cancelled, glass bottom boats tours are cancelled. It seems everyone is buckling down a little for what is coming in the next couple of days.

Clever Geocache hiding spot