[net.rec.scuba] Florida Keys/Pennekamp Park Touring/diving info needed

johnk@azure.UUCP (John Kirby) (03/12/85)

I'm going to be visiting the Florida Keys in mid-April.   The
plan is to spend a day diving at John Pennekamp Park and stay at
the Tarpon Lodge next to the Howard Johnsons near the park
entrance.  The rest of the time will be spent driving around
Miami and the Keys.

Anybody have any suggestions/warnings about the park and/or the 
southern Florida/Florida Keys area?

	Is Pennekamp Park worth the visit?  
	Are there any particularly good dive tour
	  guides in the park area?
	Are there any must-see dive locations IN the park?
	Is the Tarpon Lodge hazardous to your health?
	Are there any other good  (or better) dive spots
	  in the Keys (wreck diving or cave diving included)?
	Any other good non-dive visitor spots in southern Florida 
	  or the Keys?
	Any suggestions about what my non-diving friends can do around
	  Pennekamp while I'm diving  (good snorkling/swimming areas)?
	Any good bars/restaurants around?
	How about Key West.  Anything there?  Is there a good,
	  inexpensive place to stay there?
	Anything else: eg: "Don't forget to bring ...."
	                   "Don't stop at ...."
	Any suggestions about Miami?


I'd REALLY appreciate anything you can tell me.  If you're too
busy to type in a big reply, mail me your phone number (and best
times to reach you) and I'll give you a call.   

Thanks.

				John Kirby
				Tektronix

nemo@rochester.UUCP (Wolfe) (03/20/85)

> 
> I'm going to be visiting the Florida Keys in mid-April.   The
> plan is to spend a day diving at John Pennekamp Park and stay at
> the Tarpon Lodge next to the Howard Johnsons near the park
> entrance.  The rest of the time will be spent driving around
> Miami and the Keys.
> 
> Anybody have any suggestions/warnings about the park and/or the 
> southern Florida/Florida Keys area?
> 
> 	Is Pennekamp Park worth the visit?  
yes
> 	Any other good non-dive visitor spots in southern Florida 
> 	  or the Keys?
In Key West there is the so-called Audibon House (not really his, but he did
stay there)
If you can swing it, the Everglades and Cape Sable are well worth the trip.
Don't miss the exotic Gumbo Limbo trail if you like birds and or trees.
> 	Any suggestions about what my non-diving friends can do around
> 	  Pennekamp while I'm diving  (good snorkling/swimming areas)?
There is swimming there at Pennycamp, and I think there are also glass-bottom
boats for the non-divers
> 	Anything else: eg: "Don't forget to bring ...."
> 	                   "Don't stop at ...."
Don't forget to bring insect repellant.  If you are going to be away from 
"civilisation" then two different kinds are recommended since some bugs seem
to like some of the repellants we've tried.
> 	Any suggestions about Miami?
Learn Spanish

Hope you have a fun trip.
Nemo