Which musician and singer spent some time in our fascinating destination town and opened the first of his famous bars, "Margaritaville", there?
After disembarking from our floating Dawn we reunited with The Turtle, who was patiently waiting for us at the Marriott Fairfield Inns and Suites, and we scooted off down the historic US -1 to the Florida Keys, destination Key West!
What a spectacular drive! 42 bridges and 126 miles later we arrived at Key West having crossed the many keys which are surrounded with crystal clear water that is a multitude of green shades. The Keys is the home of the USA's only coral reef and water activities of all kinds is what attracts people to the area for pleasure, leisure and work - surrounded by the Atlantic and the Gulf, life focuses on the water!
The largest island is Key Largo, 30 miles from end to end, and is one of the outstanding diving destinations in the world. It is home to The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the adjacent Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary including 90 square miles of coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps.
Below Key Largo is Tavernier named for the drinking establishments that were so popular with the "wreckers' of the 19th century. The towns historic district has more than 50 buildings dating to the early
1900's.
Next is Islamorada (the "purple isles" - associated with a purple shelled snail found there, as well as the colour of the orchids and bougainvillea that grow prolifically there) which is the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World". It is also renowned for its historical and archaeological feature. The Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park has remnants of coral formations that gave birth to the Keys 100,000 years ago, and the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is the final resting place of one of the 21 Spanish galleons that sank in a hurricane in 1733.
The Islands of Marathon span the next 15 miles in the middle of the Keys and are known for their magnificent beaches and birds (the feathered variety!) Also the 7 mile bridge with its 65 foot high span is a Marathon landmark!
Big Pine and the Lower Keys lead you to the "one of the world's most intriguing cities", Key West!
Strolling Duval Street (affectionately called the longest main street in the world because it goes from coast to coast- from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico) you soon realise what a treasure trove this quaint, amazing, casual, relaxed and laid-back town is! Set in a tropical environment the historical homes and buildings have been preserved and they take pride of place as restaurants, shops, bars, hotels, guest houses and museums for all to enjoy! Not to mention the fascinating and interesting cast of characters that are evident around the streets, milling amongst the tourists and holiday makers. No wonder Jimmy Buffet (did you guess correctly?) wanted to "waste away" here! This, and his other rendition, "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude", captures the essence of the Florida Keys perfectly!
The sunset celebration, with its carnival-like atmosphere, begun in the 60's by a group of hippies who gathered there at sunset to sell their wares, is alive and well today, and with a cast of thousands joining Peter and me we watched the sunset from Mallory Square and Pier - interesting feeling and a great experience standing on the most southern point of the USA watching a stunning tropical sunset!
Do you know Cuba is closer than Miami is to Key West ! - it is only 90 miles away, while Miami is 126 miles away! Also Ernest Hemingway lived here! - another man who loved the sea!
We camped at the KOA on Sugarloaf Key - what a beautiful location!
Another great adventure today! and another part of the USA that has unique and interesting appeal!
Off we go across 42 bridges!.................... ( Click on the pics to enlarge)
Looks great .... want to go!
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