Mark, a retired boomer with a powerful survivalist streak, manages to avoid contamination from the deadly NOEL virus, released worldwide by terrorists on Christmas Eve. Within 3 days, 99.9% of the world's population succumbs. He decides to bug-out in his survival-prepared, live-aboard trawler to Boca Chita Key, an uninhabited island seventeen miles from Miami, where he uses his wits, resilience and mechanical know-how to homestead as a self-sufficient hermit. Access to unlimited fuel will guarantee his freedom to travel, and power the air-conditioning, laundry, hot water heater and freezer. He quickly learns the essential secret of harvesting diesel from marina pumps using his portable Honda generator. In a vastly changed world, Mark faces his first challenging year with only the companionship of a shipwrecked survivor, his dog Shadow. In his Journal, he reflects on preparing for life aboard, watching the weather, harvesting the gifts of the sea, and nurturing the miracle of a kitchen garden. His encounters with a variety of animals and a handful of survivors succeed with the help of a salvaged Coast Guard Defender Class quick-response boat, a sawed-off 12-gauge pump Decksweeper shotgun, a stun-gun disguised as a camera, and some creative chemistry. He records a prepper's perspective on hot-wiring boats & cars, breaking & entering, false imprisonment and misdemeanor manslaughter. But Mark's Journal also celebrates the mundane: bicycling, baking bread, doing laundry, and fitting-out, running, and maintaining his boats, island repairs and improvements. In the months following NOEL, South Florida and the Keys suffer a series of natural catastrophes including a deep freeze, drought, uncontrolled wildfires in the Everglades, two hurricanes, and Lake Okeechobee breaching its dike, inundating South Florida. The first anniversary of the terrorist attack closes with a gathering of a small band of immune survivors, setting the stage for the creation of the community of New Islandia. Boca Chita tracks a careful and thoughtful man achieving equipoise as custodian of his "green" island hideaway, overcoming isolation, and taking the next steps. It is the first book of the NOEL trilogy, which includes Calusa Coast and The First Coast.

"Your new Florida Keys cruising guide is terrific, and is now my personal choice for cruising the Keys. Everywhere we went aboard Bluewater, we compared what you said with what we saw and you were virtually 100% on target." --Milt Baker This completely updated edition by the king of cruising guides provides reliable instructions and lively commentary about traveling from the Port of Miami all the way to the Dry Tortugas. Boaters may choose one of two routes to the Florida Keys, the inside route via the Intracoastal Waterway or the offshore option through Hawk Channel. In both cases, the authors pinpoint and assess obstructions, anchorages, marinas, fuel supplies, and other facilities for cruisers. Cruising the Florida Keys also contains first-hand evaluations of restaurants, cultural attractions, and historical sites, including the many things to see and do in Key West. Cruising the Florida Keys can be used alone or accompanied by Claiborne Young's Coastal Charts for Cruising the Florida Keys (sp), which contains the latest NOAA nautical charts cross-referenced to the cruising guide. These maps include anchorages, marinas, fueling stations, bridges, restaurants, historical sites, and other important bits of information for boaters.

Biscayne National Park protects the larger portion of south Florida's Biscayne Bay, a uniquely tropical lagoon harboring crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, and Caribbean fish.Tropical trees cover its islands, while the fourth-longest coral reef sits offshore. To protect these unique natural and historical resources and to assure its enjoyment by future generations, half a century ago, the federal government created Biscayne National Monument, which later became Biscayne National Park.

Whether you want to snorkel in the Keys, relax on Miami Beach, or tour the Everglades, the local Fodor’s travel experts in South Florida are here to help! Fodor’s South Florida: With Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Keys guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor’s South Florida travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time MORE THAN 20 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Beaches in South Florida,” “Best Day Trips From Miami,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local art, architecture, cuisine, and more SPECIAL FEATURES on ““An Art Lover’s Guide to Miami,”” “What to Watch and Read Before You Visit,” “What to Eat and Drink,” “Art Deco Guide” and “The Everglades” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Miami and Miami Beach with South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, the Design District, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana, Aventura, and Bal Harbour; Fort Lauderdale; Hollywood; Palm Beach; Everglades National Park; and the Florida Keys with Key West, Key Largo, Bahia Honda Key, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Planning on visiting Florida? Check out Fodor’s Florida and Fodor’s Florida Keys. *Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

Harbour must learn how to navigate life on the streets when her father doesn’t return from his sailing trip.