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Published: March 14th 2014
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MM 0 the end of US 1
I have been to each end of the road. Note the car in the picture, no it's not mine. The day was another beautiful day in Paradise so I decided I would go down and enjoy Key West for the day. It is about a 1 1/2 hr. drive and I wanted to stay for sunset, and that's at 7:30, so I had to board Oscar overnight. I found the local vet was very professional and friendly so I dropped him off about 11 am and headed south on US 1.
The traffic was terrible, seems like everybody had the same idea. It was bikers week in Daytona last week so a lot of bikers are here along with spring breakers. It makes for very crowded roads and there is only one that goes to Key West. But OH what a road. The views of the ocean and the gulf are breathtaking. The blue of the water is gorgeous sometimes changing to greens and even pinks. It was hard to keep my eyes on the road.
The first thing I did in Key West was to get a sticker for the camper denoting the end of US 1. The furthest south one can go in the US. I have been on both ends of the road so I
had to get my picture taken at the official street sign.
Then I hoped on the Conch Train to tour the city officially. The ride is 90 min and they are giving you history the entire trip. It is quite a city, non like it anywhere. Filled with houses built in the early 1800s as the older ones were destroyed in a city wide fire. All roofs must be tin from then on, helps prevent the spread of the fire. There are bars on every corner and several in between. There are fabulous eateries with outside dining under big, beautiful centuries old trees. And people everywhere! What a culture shock coming from the state park where you hardly see people all day.
I did some shopping, then it was time for festivities to start at Malory Square. Key West celebrates the sunset every night with a big circus on the square and ships sailing out to bid farewell to the Mother Star. There was a man on stilts, a fire eater and sword shallower, a juggler that walked a tight rope, a dog that walked a tight rope, a magician, and all sorts of venders selling everything you
can imagine. All this and roosters crowing, hens running around, loose cats and lots of very ODD people. One could just sit and people watch and be thoroughly entertained. All this going on and the cruise ship left the harbor with much whistle blowing and other ships entering the harbor to sail to the setting sun.
The entire pier was lined 7 deep with people to watch the sun hit the ocean. There were ohs and ahs and clapping when it disappeared. A true ceremony.
I had dinner under the stars in a lovely old court yard and enjoyed it thoroughly. Then it was time to battle traffic and head home. After I got out of town we moved along just fine and I was home about 10:30. Very happy to calapse in bed.
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