April 5-9
Day 14.
Before leaving Everglades for Miami we decided to go for another walk: to Bear Lake (3.5 miles return). But first we had to drive to trailhead on dirt road along Wilderness Waterway, the same road where we saw nest-building crocodile the day before. It was no longer there, probably better as we would not like to disturb it driving by so close. The trail goes through dense vegetation along small canal reclaimed by nature to muddy shores of Bear Lake. Altogether we spent 6 days in Big Cypress and Everglades, plenty of time to explore.
By the end of the day we arrived at Miami River Inn (recommended) in Miami Little Havana neighborhood, after slowly driving just 80 miles and stopping on the way in Coral Gables (famous Miami suburb) for a short stroll.
After some delay we checked-in to comfortable apartment. Then walked around like locals with laundry and shopping bags, to Brickell Cleaners & Coin Laundry and Presidente Supermarket. Chose 305 Peruvian Modern Cuisine for dinner (Aquadito de mariscos and ceviche mixto). Plus tropical fruit for desert at home. Well deserved.
Day 15.
We spent most of the day in Miami Beach, crossed Miami River and took bus from there. It was fun to watch wild roosters with chicken parading in the middle of big city.
It was beautiful Sunday and we were just meandering along and between Ocean Dr, Collins Ave, Washington Ave and South Beach with many people, looking at Art Deco buildings, with stops for coffee, ice cream and swimming. Subtle pastels and whites; famous (saturated) Miami Pink seen only in ice cream cups and small accessories. Laid back atmosphere with signs of preparation for beach parties, but restaurants already packed. We are often surprised by lack of simple changing places on public beaches, no exception here.
In the evening, our first try of Cuban cuisine at Habana con B (recommended) in Little Havana neighborhood. We were there early and had the place pretty much for ourselves. Great food and opportunity to talk about Cuba.
- Aporreado de pescado – shredded boiled fish in sauce, Yuca con mojo – boiled yuca, Platanito maduro fritos – fried sweet plantain (left photo)
- Lechón asado – roasted pork, Congris – rice and beans, Tostones – fried plantain (right photo)
- Fish croquettes, Cuba Libre and coffee.
Evening walk up and down Calle Ocho – heart of Little Havana.
Day 16.
Next morning we navigated to Wynwood Walls (murals) around NW 25th St and NW 3rd Ave. After few loops and photos we got on I-95 north.
Another slow driving day, just 200 miles to Coco Beach. Driving through Miami metropolitan area and then on major highway was not interesting, but at the end it got much better – across Indian River Lagoon and along the coast. We decided to settle at Travel Inn of Titusville, nicely renovated apartment in roadside motel from the sixties. Road noise bothered Joanna, but location was very convenient, close to Kennedy Space Center.
The plan was to go swimming, but weather was not cooperating so we spent hour and a half walking on sandy beaches: Pineda and South Coco Beach (Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park). Collecting shells and observing juvenile Atlantic ghost crabs popping-up everywhere. Very relaxing afternoon.
Day 17.
Technology day at Kennedy Space Center and it was worth it. It turn out we had many snippets of information about space exploration and it was perfect set-up the get the information illustrated and organized. Stayed at Anastasia State Park Campground.
Day 18.
Walking on wide beaches and sand dunes of Anastasia State Park (recommended) was nice counterpoint to rocket science. We were learning about protected bird nesting habitat and then tried to identify different species on the beach.
St Augustine took us a bit by surprise. Crowded with tourists (impossible to find street parking) but still nice. We visited Castillo de San Marcos fort – interesting history and place to learn more about town claiming to be the oldest in U.S.
We left Florida and at the end of the day we got first feel of Georgia staying at The Isetta Inn (recommended) in Savannah – old houses/mansions converted into airbnb complex. High quality, interesting set-up. And opportunity to talk to other travelers in shared kitchen at dinner time.
