Bahia Honda SP, FL

Originally Posted by brulaz

Long Key was nice in some ways. Our site had lots of privacy and our own beach. But you're very close to the Hwy so there's noise. And there were "no-see-ums" or biting sand flies.

We met some folks there from Florida's Panhandle who suggested we try some of the beaches up there as well. So on our way back to Ontario next spring we hope to do that.

Appreciate everyone's input. Helps a lot. Yes, have dealt with sand fleas and flies before. Am thinking of getting those insect repellent bracelets for kids and wearing on our ankles. Maybe that will help with the insect problem. Also getting noseeum netting to put on the sides of the screen house. Not taking the dogs along for this trip due to the insect situation. Beaches have their own particular issues, at times much different from other camping spots. However, even with all the challenges, excited about the trip and looking forward to it!! Have not been to Keys before. DH counting the days!!

First off, I should say that I love to camp in Florida, as well as live here, and September usually is the start of the really good camping times of the year! But, a couple of cautionary notes:

1. As noted here in other posts, TM’s can get a little warm in a hot Sun, and So. Florida has been HOT in the extremes so far this summer. Any shade that can be found on a site will be important, and Bill’s comments elsewhere about putting the tail end of the TM to the west and the awning to the south, if possible, are the start of a great plan.

2. An old friend of mine who grew up here in So. Florida used to talk about working in the fields and rolling the layers of mosquitoes off his arms to see if his arms had any skin left – . Sometimes, it does feel that way. However, problems with gnats or with no-see-ums can sometimes be reduced or eliminated totally by standing next to a woman (almost just kidding!). Those pests are often attracted to hair sprays and anything perfumed. As for mosquitoes, not everyone can use DEET safely, but I love the stuff because it works for me – and as you probably already know - just don’t try using it on man made fabrics.

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3. Hurricanes are nothing to fool around with and it can take a loooooong (did I say loooooong) time to exit the Keys whenever everyone has the same idea. A battery operated emergency radio (and any other weather source) is an essential item that should be checked every day. I remember watching the weather reports on Hurricane Andrew when it was just a “disturbance” a couple of DAYs before it wiped out sections of Miami as a category 5.

My plans for September? I hope to see your there!!

Originally Posted by HIKERZ

Just got back from Bahia Nice. Bring extra hose. The hook ups can be a distance if you want to do the snorkeling boat to the reef reserve the day before. Kayaking is great but pricey. We took our own. A must stop is the sunset grill just before you hit the seven mile bridge. Very tropical place and they have a nice pool deck. You can even get served while in the pool. Curry hammock has more waterfront sites but there is much seaweed to contend with and any shade is at a premium

Thanks for the tip! Will get the extra hose just in case.

Depending on the length of your site, you might also need a 30 amp extension; as well as an extra hose; we had a long site when we were there, and we needed ours.