When Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe was sailing and exploring the Keys at the turn of the 20th century from his home on Biscayne Bay, he ducked in and out of Hawk Channel through the myriad channels along the islands and spent many nights anchored in their lees.

The Commodore's reminisces of the settlements and people of that time are delightful reading and portray Florida as a new frontier and destination for visitors seeking warm weather and a tropical paradise.

Today, the Keys remain worthy of discovery and those who make the journey are seldom disappointed. Boating, kayaking, cruising and biking in the Florida Keys are just as magical as they have always been.