Big Pine Key and Key Deer

Besides working around the boat and being lazy, we took our bikes on the bus to Big Pine Key.  This was on my list because it is a frequent setting in Hiaasen novels.  You only see a small fraction of it from Highway 1 so I wanted to see more and the bikes were the way to do it.  First we stopped at the visitors center and got the scoop on where to go and things to see.  We've always read and heard that the Key Deer are extremely elusive and rare.  This must have been our lucky day as we saw them all over the north end of the island.  In one spot,they were so used to humans that we were able to get just a few feet away.  Sadly, these pretty creatures are endangered and are currently experiencing a screwworm infestation that is causing their numbers to decrease further. Since my own recent encounter with a parasite, I feel their pain.

A sign at the Blue Hole.  This is an abandoned quarry that has filled with rain water over the years.
During one of the hurricanes in the 90s, it was overwashed by the tidal surge and 2 tarpons have managed to survive.

Across the Blue Hole from the overlook.  There was a park ranger there who was very
informative about the area and the pond habitat in particular.

The trail around the hole.

In one of the depression around the park, you can see this tangle of white mangrove roots.

A tiny key deer.  This is not a fawn but a full grown doe.

She is trying to decide if I'm ok.

She decided I was and went on with her grazing.