Thanks. Several helpful replies so quickly.
I'm just drawing lines on the chart now, and it's not actually that much longer to go via Homestead as apposed to my original choice of route which was:
APF - X01
Follow the coast south east to (approx) Flamingo/East Cape - the most southerly point of the 'real' mainland
Due south towards MTH (approx 22nm over-water) - ideally at a good altitude - 10,000ft or more (yes, I know - odd thousand plus 500ft).
Then follow the road (subject to ATC requirements obviously), avoiding the baloon.
I sort of threw the direct overwater route in just to gauge people's opinion - as well as the safety issues there's navigation to consider over 80 miles of water. And the lack of sightseeing of course.
The coastal route above seemed best. It takes you miles from any possible diversion airfield, but then again so does Everglades to Homestead (50nm). At least following the coast would remove the need for very accurate navigation. It's just that choice of landing on open water or swamp that still bothers me. Sharks or Alligators? I personally don't mind taking the small risk either way, but I have a non-flying passenger and the responsibility of taking these risks with somebody else's life as well just hit me.
I really fancy the "Miami Beach at 500ft" thing. Probably end up doing exactly what tredigraph and PhilD did - follow Hwy 41 Naples to Tamiami or Homestead, then follow the keys all the way down and back.
Are Tamiami, Homestead or Marathon worth a stop off for coffee? What are the FBO at EYW like? Helpful?
I definatley intend to visit Everglades (as part of my checkride probably). Also going to Venice for lunch at Sharkys one afternoon. Anywhere else I shouldn't miss?
Thanks again.