Crawl Key, Florida-Curry Hammock State Park

We spent four weeks in the Keys and moved around the area a bit so instead of posting chronologically, I  will just post by location so that it is easier to understand the area we explored.

The first location is Curry Hammock State Park in Crawl Key (which is the middle keys). We stayed there for a week and a half and it was so nice. 

Our campsite was as close to the beach as you can get without actually driving onto the sand. There was a dune right behind us but I could still see the beach from a standing position and the path to the beach was right beside our RV. AND we were right across from the showers.

Overall, the park is small but that was nice. The day use area and playground were a short walk away but we spent most of our time on the beach playing in the sand. The wind and water were still a little cold so the kids did not swim much. I just loved that I could take the kids to the beach without having to lug everything far away or drive.

The water was so beautiful and clear but since we couldn't get in without freezing we decided to explore the waters by kayak. We paddled against the strong winds and made it into the mangroves and then back out to the beach. 

It was a lot of work but little Jordan did a wonderful job trying to help paddle.

We also met some friends at the playground,

had fun watching the kite surfers,

and checked out the really low tide that happened on two days.

Outside the park, we took a tour at the Sea Turtle Hospital. 

In a classroom type setting, we learned quite a bit about the different species of sea turtles and the impact that humans are having on them. Then we headed out to the tanks to see the “patients”

Many of them will be rehabbed and released but some of them, like Bubblebutt (pictured below) and Montel (who has had way too much drama in his life) will remain there permanently.

It was a great almost two weeks, with an awesome campsite. And there was one other important event: a couple days after arriving, our little girl turned 6 years old! The years go by so fast and I am so glad that we have this opportunity to spend so much time together. She is learning so much (both of them really) and I love being there when she discovers something new and when she makes a connection with something she has learned before.