November 12
Today was the visit to Biscayne National Park, a 270 square-mile world of water (think movie Waterworld with Kevin Costner). 95% of the park is under water. The few pieces of land are mainly the barrier keys, and the Dante Fascell VC area. A general description would be everything between Key Biscayne and Key Largo. If one stays at any of the chain hotels in Florida City on route US 1, it is a straight path going east to reach the VC, in just 15 minutes. You will drive by the Homestead-Miami Speedway. I am familiar with this track since NASCAR runs here and part of my career at Goodyear was in the Race Tire Production division.
There are multiple concessionaire activities out of the VC. I chose the 1/2-day snorkel tour. Others were heading out for kayaking and paddle-boarding tours. SCUBA and boat tours are also available in the park. Biscayne National Park Institute is the official vendor for these tours. I had brought my own snorkeling equipment, therefore able to pass on the extra fee charged for the equipment. Eleven hardy souls headed out with Captain Dave and Guide Juan. They dropped anchor a bit offshore from Elliott Key. Their suggestion was the closer you made it to shore, more fish would be visible. The west side of Elliott Key is basically a nursery for all the species of fish which live out on the ocean reef. Eggs are laid here, then one to three years later the grown fish make a dash for the reef. Sure enough, there were plenty of fish species and fish to go around. One could have lost count on the number of juvenile Barracuda. Since us humans are so much bigger at this stage, they darted away if I came too close. That was not the case with the 3+ footer which swam by me as I was getting ready to grab the ladder at the end of the first session. A short transit to Billys Point (a geographical feature on the key) and we were in the water for the second 45-minute session. This area is known for the mangrove trees which extend out away from the shore, when during high tide (which it was at this time of day) make for great hiding places around the roots for all the small fish. Dave/Juan told us to swim into and under the mangrove trees. Again, jackpot.
While onboard a conversation ensued about our National Parks. One woman was now at 32 of the 63 “National Parks”, while a couple were at 33. Once back at the dock I provided some information on how to access Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, and the park in American Samoa. If you have not traveled to those two outlying destinations, the effort to get there can seem daunting. Just keep in mind that many other people have traveled before you and have had wonderful experiences, so there is no reason for you to not do likewise. And the travel industry loves to take care of passengers, so there are hotels, air flights, and rental cars waiting to accommodate you. Yes, in Alaska you will have to pay more for lodging, food, and rentals, but it is Alaska, and you will not regret it. The most expensive part of American Samoa is the $950 roundtrip plane tix on Hawaiian Airlines.
Anyway, it was great to go snorkeling with other fans of our park system, and to meet other folks whose quests are to visit more national parks. Go for it.