The Saltier the Sea, the Sweeter the Destination

Today, I found an island just off the coast in Florida. It was small, it was abandoned, but it was a sight to see. Located in between Plantation Key and Tavernier, the small island known as Kalteux Key awaits eager tourists and locals alike. Why is it traveled to on a daily basis though? Well the sheer beauty of the site and very shallow surrounding makes it a wonderful place to enjoy a small piece of paradise. Whether it be a romantic date kayaking, or a family boat trip to the key, being that I have been there myself, almost guarantee the excursion is worth it. However, If you do not own a boat of your own, getting to the key can prove to be challenging... especially on a kayak. Why is that you ask? Because the sea is ruthless and will do everything it can to protect its most beautiful locations. Not to mention the loads of boat traffic approaching you head on to re enter the docks. Allow me to explain my journey, through the treacherous 2 mile strip of water, to Kalteux Key, and the awe I found there. 

Accompanying me as my kayak first mate was none other than the unpitying, guile, inviolable, Count Chaundhri or otherwise know by his defeated enemies, Count Chowder. (Since he would turn them into chowder with just a cold stare.) Around 3 o-clock, our odyssey began. The crushing winds and salty breeze bellowed against us with zero empathy for our salt cracked skin. The Herculean currents bashing our shining yellow vessel mimicking a paradoxical phenomenon as we rowed in place. However, our dedication to our journey in the name of science gave us no other options but to push on. On top of the already addressed obstacles, Goliath sized vessels approached us at top speed. These were no match for the true strength of First Mate Count Chowder and Captain Alex Breezy. As the ships approached, they passed, near missing us, and unleashing waves resembling Poseidon's unfeigned power. We were toppled and tossed but held our own, pushing on to Kalteux Key. We put in everything we had for the final stretch, looked below deck, and saw the sea floor elevating closer to us. We had done it, Land HO. 

Kalteux Key was as beautiful as we had imagined, teeming with life and marine biology. The mangrove made island consisting of Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) and Red Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) provided cover from the beating sun as we enjoyed our victory to the island. The substrate, made of crushed corals provided a comfortable feeling beneath the feet. Hermit crabs, crabs, snails and other forms of life helped us better understand the ways these organisms interact with the mangrove island. The biggest takeaway was not only the interactions and wonders witnessed with nature at our destination, but the interactions between friends, and sharing the journey together. Travel to the Key yourself, and find out just how rewarding it could be. 

#buddiesforlife #chowderstare #dankisland #brothatwasrough #round2? #tropicalbois #totallyworthit