And today’s agricultural practices are messing it up. It’s this complexity we work with when we build our bodies from the sun’s energy using photosynthetic plants as our go-between. With delight, he details the complexity of an evolved relationship between bacteria, fungi, plants, tiny organisms (including members of an entire phylum I’d never heard of called symphylids), and the chemistry and geology of the planet. His glorious opening chapter, which should be compulsory reading for anyone who makes or, indeed, eats food, is about the ecosystem that supports all terrestrial life: soil. That is the greatest strength of this book: Monbiot’s beautifully simple explanation of why none of this is simple. He acknowledges, even embraces, the complexity of the crisis we face. There is a temptation when writing about enormous topics to oversimplify, to distinguish your own approach by promoting a single definitive solution. It’s easy to stop, not out of the way and will only add a 30 – 60 minute “detour” to your trip/drive but it’s a MUST.Never hectoring, always highly readable, Regenesis is an intelligent, deeply researched passion piece that ranges from microbiology to social justice by way of apple trees and GM wheat. Regardless, if you’re staying in Islamorada or just passing through on your way to a southern Key, definitely add this as a quick stop to your trip.
Now, you’re packed on the dock like sardines, with kids throwing fish everywhere and pelicans chasing you. In the past, there would be 5 people on average on the dock feeding the huge tarpon. I was shocked to see a fancy website for Robbie’s… but that is a sign of the times I guess. Don’t expect good conversation or local tips anymore. Basically – just pay your money and move along…. My last several visits to Robbie’s the staff wasn’t warm and charming as they used to be back in the day, but are now the typical South Florida hospitality tourist spot mentality type of service. The parking lot is jam packed with tourist trap vendor stands with jewelry, clothes, etc. It is still a must see, but will never be the same. Over the years the tourists have discovered Robbie’s.
I’ve eaten at the adjacent Hungry Tarpon several times – usually super super crowded, but a decent stop to have a meal. It wasn’t crowded and the staff was so friendly.
My first visits many years ago were the best, as it was still a secret and undiscovered. Don’t worry – you may get a little scrape but they’re not going to cause any real damage or hurt you. Most people get scared and drop it, but if you're brave (or have slow reflexes!) the tarpon will probably grab your fingers or hand with the fish. You lean off the edge of the dock, dangle a fish over the top of the water and wait for a HUGE tarpon to leap out and grab it from your hand. Buy a bucket of fish for a few dollars and walk out on the short dock to feed the tarpon is fun and a great photo opportunity. On just about every single trip I make a point of stopping at Robbie’s. I’ve lived in South Florida for over 15 years and have traveled through the Keys on countless occasions.
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