The view of the water. The sunsets. The occasional sound of the wind. The many sounds and views of wildlife in and around the water. The view of many boats going wherever, some working, many just enjoying themselves. Even from ground level, the view of Florida Bay is dramatic. From the second floor, it's beyond dramatic. The view of Florida Bay is prominent, and beautiful, whether you're just walking from the living or family room to the kitchen, eating in the living room, or especially if eating on the patio. The view of the water is constant, and it's beautiful. To see sea life so close. To see so many fascinating birds so close. To see an occasional dolphin swim by. To see a large, but gentle manatee swim by. Bookshelves made by my father from lumber found while beach combing almost 50 years ago. Enough fascinating books on local history, marine life and seamanship on those shelves to keep you busy for quite awhile. You'll quickly realize that you're not in a hotel. You're not in a motel. You're not in a resort. You're in a real home. And you'll love it and enjoy it as much as much as we do. And we're within quick reach of six fascinating state parks, three of which can be reached by a short drive; three of which require either kayaks or a boat. These parks are the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, San Pedro Underwater Archaeological State Park, Long Key State Park and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. In addition to the State parks, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation museum in "downtown" Islamorada is a world-class museum unto itself. The amount of history in the middle Florida Keys, especially in the Islamorada area, easily rivals that of Key West, and vastly exceeds that of the upper Keys. If you enjoy exploring, dining out, have a sense of history, or just like experiencing new things, you'll love this part of the Keys.