We just came back from the Florida keys. Having never gone before I was transfixed. How I loved the peaceful ocean breezes and views, the snorkeling and the sunsets. The tropical air was just so soothing and I haven’t slept that well in a long while. Windows were open, and warm breezes soothed us to sleep every night. One evening we kayaked out around the Key, a tranquil place focused more on preserving the natural fauna and flora. What a wonderful little place. We were inches away from fish being hunted by hungry pelicans who did not care that we were invading their dining area. Several times we were splashed by these and many seagulls diving into the water to catch dinner.

We stayed at Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, which is a wonderful place with breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere. The owners Jen and Harry are committed to sustainable living, protecting the endangered Key deer and turtles on the Key and providing a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. They have truly created a little sanctuary. The pictures above are taken at the Inn.

The Key deer are very tame, having been protected. This is a full grown doe and so much smaller than our White-tailed deer here in the Hill country. (In the picture below, Dick was not feeding her, but she sure was sniffing hopefully for a treat.)Big Pine Key is completely opposite from the energetic party and shopping atmosphere on Key West. And after a heavy day of shopping and late night partying, Big Pine Key is the prefect resting spot for weary travelers and exhausted livers. 😀

Low tide at the Key. The Bed and Breakfast is on the right hand side of the picture behind all those lovely palm trees. The owners do not clean up the seaweed from the beach as it provides a much needed habitat for sea critters to live in. This in turn feeds the many ocean birds that depend on them.

More shots of the view from the porch from our room. Sigh….

We are soooooo going back!!! 🙂