Hello All Carol and I are considering a Dec/Jan week-long transit along the Keys. Unfortunately, we recently saw an article that suggested that the water pollution was such a health hazard that one only gets wet at the serious risk of infections and disease. Before we plan a trip to Florida, is there any local knowledge to confirm or deny the pollution reports? How about camp sites between Islamorada and Key West? Thank you. Gar *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 8/5/99 10:01:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, GarRobbins_at_aol.com writes: << Carol and I are considering a Dec/Jan week-long transit along the Keys. Unfortunately, we recently saw an article that suggested that the water pollution was such a health hazard that one only gets wet at the serious risk of infections and disease. Before we plan a trip to Florida, is there any local knowledge to confirm or deny the pollution reports? How about camp sites between Islamorada and Key West? >> Hi, Gar: I remember reading something about pollution off, I think, Smathers Beach in Key West. Perhaps others can give you more accurate info. However, I wouldn't let this put you off. I live in the southwest area of Miami-Dade County -- less than an hour from Key Largo which is the uppermost key (John Pennekamp park). The Paradise Paddlers club operates under the aegis of Florida Bay Outfitters. Frank Woll, owner, (FBOKayak_at_aol.com) can give you all sorts of advice and fit you out with rental equipment as well. There are plenty of campgrounds throughout the keys and I can send you photocopies from some of my books via snail mail if you send me your address. I'll also send you copy of an article I wrote when 3 of us recently took a trip to Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas (National Park). In it I include all the Web and phone contacts for the places we stayed at. Be aware that you will be going in the height of the seasons and prices will be high. I'll get the Florida Keys website for you also and you can request tourist info from them. I'll be happy to host you both if you want to stopover in Miami - either going, coming, or both ways. There is a lot to see here. Sandy Kramer Miami *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 04:55 AM 8/6/99 EDT, you wrote: > I'll also send you copy of an article I wrote when 3 of us recently took a >trip to Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas (National Park). In it I include >all the Web and phone contacts for the places we stayed at. > Did you paddle all the way to Fort Jefferson or is there a boat that'll take kayakers and their boats out to the Tortugas? I was there a couple of weeks ago diving and thought the area would make a good paddling destination. I have a trip report on-line by the way at: http://home.HiWAAY.net/~lukeh/Tortugas99/Tortugas99.html It's mainly a dive trip report, but there are some pictures of the Fort. Luke -------------------------------------------------------- Luke Hoffman lhoffman_at_colsa.com COLSA Corporation In the great human comedy, one day we're spectators, the next day we're performers. Garrison Keillor *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
There are a number of FL State parks that lie between Key Biscayne and Key West as well as some nice KOAs with water access. You may have trouble booking a slot, even this far in advance. You may be able to surreptitiously camp on some of the Keys in Florida Bay. The Keys are pretty well developed and the areas that aren't are pretty much off limits. You may want to consider the paddle from Flamingo to Everglades City as an alternative. As for pollution, it's a major problem. Constant exposure to the waters around the Keys leads to something we call the "Keys Disease".... cya -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of GarRobbins_at_aol.com Sent: Thursday, August 05, 1999 9:29 PM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Florida Keys Hello All Carol and I are considering a Dec/Jan week-long transit along the Keys. Unfortunately, we recently saw an article that suggested that the water pollution was such a health hazard that one only gets wet at the serious risk of infections and disease. Before we plan a trip to Florida, is there any local knowledge to confirm or deny the pollution reports? How about camp sites between Islamorada and Key West? Thank you. Gar *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: Bob Denton <snip> >Constant exposure to the waters around > the Keys leads to something we call the "Keys Disease".... > > cya > Even in the 70's, before more modern medicine, Keys Disease was a real threat. We protected outselves by eating a slice of key lime pie daily, it's a precaution recommended to many tourists. bliven *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:01 PDT