Q: I was just wondering if you had any ideas of scenic places to explore in the Keys where everyone else won't be there. I also would like to know where I can go canoeing through the trees that look like they are standing on their tip-toes out of the water. Thank you so much, great Web site! -- Carrie

A: Glad you like the site, Carrie, and thanks for your question.

EcoFlorida gets your question -- in general -- quite often: "Where can I go to get away from everyone?" I think more and more people will be asking this question as more and more people populate our planet. Besides, everyone needs some quiet time once in a while.

Getting away from crowds might be hard to do in the Keys because they are a popular destination year-round. But my personal opinion is that the lower Keys seem to be less "busy" than other parts of this chain of islands in southern Florida. From the Seven-Mile Bridge to just before Key West, the lower Keys also have some great natural areas, like Bahia Honda State Park, where you can camp near the beach or stay in a cabin (really more like a house), and Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge. You'll find more places in Natural Wonders of the Florida Keys: Exploring Wild and Scenic Places by Deborah Straw.

The trees you mentioned are called mangroves. They grow in salt water and brackish water, and along the shore. There are 3 species: red, black and white. There are a lot of mangrove islands in the Keys where you can paddle. Contact a lower Keys outfitter/tour guide like Big Pine Kayak Adventures about mangrove paddling.

Have fun!

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