Long Key State Park

Every now and then the sailing weather will simply not cooperate. The waves are to high, there is no wind, too much wind, or time is not on my side. Hey, a sailboat only goes about 6 miles an hour. I’ve never understood why anyone would race one of the slowest forms of transportation on planet Earth, but hey, it’s a big sport… anyhow, no wind? That’s when we drive our land yacht, more commonly referred to as a 5th wheel…

Sunset on the beach

We have discovered that Florida State Parks have some very nice campgrounds. From the sporty high end Class A motor home, to a pup tent, there is a spot waiting for you in one of the great parks dotted around Florida. This trip had us in the Middle Keys. For the folks not familiar with the Florida Keys they are divided several different ways. Upper, Middle, and Lower. You will also notice that most things are refrenced with mile markers. Mile marker 1 is in Key West, just one mile north of zero, the beginning of US 1.

The upper Keys are around Key Largo, near the 100 mm (mile marker) on the north end of the island chain. The middle Keys are around Marathon, mm 50,  with Key West obviously being on the lower end.

There is another whole story about Key West, and weather or not they even belong to the United States anymore. It seems that on April 23rd 1982 the good folks of the Florida Keys set up a new border in front of Skeeter’s Last Chance Saloon in Florida City. This is where you leave the mainland and enter the tropical island nation now forming under a new government.

On the day of secession, a ceremony was held at Mallory Square in Key West. The Mayor read a proclamation declaring the Conch Republic as an independent nation and exhibited rebellion by breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of a man dressed in a United States Navy Uniform.

http://www.conchrepublic.com/

The rebellion only lasted one minute whereas the new leader of the Conch Republic, Prime Minister Wardlow, turned to the Admiral in charge of the US Navy base illegally located on Key West, and immediately surrendered. He subsequently requested one billion dollars in foreign aid to rebuild his tiny nation.

Did you know that you can get a Conch Republic passport and officially enjoy dual citizenship with the US? The Conch Republic annually celebrates Independence Day, which turns into a week long event. (No surprise there) They even have an official Conch Republic flag that is… oops, getting way off track here, where was I… Oh yeah, the state park…

The camp site

Anyhow, Long Key State Park is in the Middle Key’s of the Conch Republic. It’s still run by the Union Forces of the State of Florida. They have agreed to a reasonable fee for staying at the park, which is why they stay pretty darn full. You can try the first come first serve method, but don’t be surprised if the place is booked solid. Some of the parks, the RV spaces anyway, are booked ten months in advance. In order to reserve a space you have to go to the website, log in, and pick your spot. They have a nice map listing the spaces and when it’s available. The price is the cheapest you will find for any camping spot in the Keys, $28.00 a night.

http://www.reserveamerica.com/

Long Key is situated along the shore, Atlantic side of the island. Each campsite is on the water. I can only describe it as breathtaking. We backed our 5th wheel into the slot. We had electricity and water on the site, along with a picnic table and bbq grille. When we opened the blinds facing out the back of the trailer we were rewarded with on spectatular unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. Fifteen steps were required to step onto my semi-private beach and into the water. All the camp sites have the same view. Wow… and what a view it is.

What a view

The park has all the standard ammenaties, showers, toilets, garbage disposal, dump station and such. They also have kyack rentals, hiking trails, and some fantastic sunsets. When you feel the need for a night out on town, Marathon is just down the road. Shopping, restaurants, waterfront bars, everything you would expect.

Prepare to slow down, unwind, and relax… set your clocks to the Conch Republic time zone.

Kayaking in the Keys

Now this is a sunrise!