Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

After one more stop at our fav sporting goods store on Islamorada Key where all was resisted except some spicy beef jerky we stopped by Sombrero Beach for a walk before stumbling onto Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

The park is focused around the historical harvesting of the Key's bedrock (i.e. limestone) for various construction projects over the last few centuries. It was harvested much like marble and granite are today. Huge slabs are sawed or chiseled from the limestone substrate and further sized as needed for building blocks and other purposes. Kind of a miniature quarry operation.

The cut surfaces are unique as they reveal various fossilized corals and other undersea material. We are told to remember that the Keys were underwater for much of their history hence the formation of these limestone deposits.

After the park we returned to one of our fav restaurants for lunch before returning home.