The Visitor Center and Robert is here

Today, we took off for a shopping trip in Homestead.

On the way out, we stopped at the Visitor Center.  They have a nice display inside.

On the path to the center was this sign next to a tree at the center.  WAIT! WHAT!

Something caught my eye... POISONWOOD!  Isn't it enough to have Poison Ivy?

Yes, they have a tree here and in the Keys that is not to be touched. It is considered the most poisonous tree in the world. 

Whatever you do never bite the fruit because it causes immediate blisters, extreme pain and if swallowed it may kill you. 

Not only can contact irritate your skin but the sap is poisonous and acidic causing blisters.  If you then touch your eyes, you can temporarily GO BLIND! If it catches fire, the smoke can cause blindness.  Wow!

​On our way back to the Everglades, we stopped at what may be the most famous fruit stands in Florida and maybe the country.

"Robert is here" has to be the strangest name anyone has ever picked for a fruit stand but there is a story behind the name.  Robert as a boy had a small stand out in front of this house.  His dad made signs to show that Robert was available to sell and all he put on the signs was “Robert is here”.  Well, the name stuck.

Of course, they have all the normal items we find at a fruit stand but specialize in having fruits from around the world.  I saw many that I had never even heard of or knew existed.  We bought some fruit among other things.

They have the best smoothie I have ever had.