Riding through the Keys we passed over some of these fantastic bridges, one being seven miles long.

  On our way back from Key West we stopped for a coffee, we were joined by Dan & Kay, fellow motorcyclists travelling to Key West to camp, lovely couple, we chatted for a good hour before heading off in different directions. If you read this Dan & Kay, please keep in touch, use Phil’s e-mail address which is on the back of the card, let us know how your plans for the ‘big’ trip are going..   

  We checked into a motel in Islamorada in bright sunshine, ten minutes later this is what we had, perfect timing on our part but our thoughts were with Dan & Kay who we spoke to earlier & were of camping..

  We headed for Key West stopping for lunch at this small fishing marina in Islamorada.  

  Steve reckons he cought this shark, i’m not sure! he does look pretty calm though!

  Key West was full of these old style buildings, nice place but to many people, we planned to do some sea fishing but the sea was to rough, boats not going out so postponed it to another day..

  After nearly two months in the USA we made to here, the Southern most point on the continent. 

  After leaving Flamingo we headed back in land to South Miami ( Homestead ) leaving the nice countryside & quite roads behind. 

  The area around Homestead is full of agriculture, fields full of crops & citrus fruit trees.

  On our way to Flamingo we stopped at one of the many lakes, this big Alligator is sat watching the two German guys in the canoe, trying to decide on dinner or sunbathing!!

  Phil is trying to encourage it to go get some dinner!!

  This couple believe in taking the whole family away on biking holidays! two little Jake’s in the trailer.

  They look quite happy in there..

  On the radio mast above the visitors centre at Flamingo was this Bald Eagle nest with two young birds in it, this is one of them watching out for Mum or Dad to bring home dinner.. 

  On our way out of Flamingo crossing the road bridge Steve spotted these two ‘River Mermaids’  feeding on the Mangrove tree roots. 

  Heading South we travelled through the Everglades, home of the Aligators! we stopped at the roadside & spotted this big guy cruising the stream, he spotted us so we stayed clear!!

  As well as the Aligators the roadside stream was full of other wildlife like this bird looking out for his lunch..

  Not all the Aligators were big ‘man eaters’ this guy was only 18 inches long, still kept our distance though.  

  The bikes during our journey have been reliable from the start with only a few minor repairs, half way through the States Steve’s bike developed a oil leak from the rear suspension unit, after a few e-mails between Oz at BMW in the UK & these guy’s at Euro Motorcycles in Tampa the unit was changed under warranty. 

  After getting the bike repaired we headed south towards the Everglades, stopping at Bradenton on route. For a change we decided to pop to Wallmart & get a bottle of wine & some food to eat in,we were there for hours buying clothes & goodies for the boat trip home..

  We headed to Orlando, found a Best Western Motel for a few days, time to chillout, we thought about doing the theme parks etc but poolside with a book seemed the better option.

  Around the pool was quite,but come darkness the place came alive, neon lights as far as the eye could see, most advertising good healthy food!!

  Our next stop was Clearwater, we found the Sun Burst Inn at Indian Shores, the Inn was owned & run by Frank & Kim, a lovely couple from Birmingham (UK). They made us very welcome as you can see,take it easy Steve!!  

  Not only did they welcome us,they even moved the Hummer so we could get the bikes under cover..

 Could this be the Heron that’s eating all Steve’s fish, if he is he has had a long flight.

  Walking along the beach we tried to get photo’s of the Pelican’s flying overhead, this is the best we managed.

  Continuing South we were forced inland, after the beaches we continued to look for water,we found Steinhatchee, a small village on the river with a motel,marina,one resteraunt & a liquor store.. 

  Steve took this photo from the bridge as we were leaving the following morning, looking back at the boat marina..

  We continued South through Florida stopping at some of the lovely beaches which were endless & empty, on most the only sign of life was the Pelicans & other sea birds.

  Forget the two guys in the picture, look at that lovely view behind, white sand,flat calm sea & clear blue sky..

  Our hotel for the night in Mexico Beach was the Driftwood Inn, situated right on the beach.                                                                                                     The hotel had its own style of staff,here Phil is talking to the receptionist!!