Day 7 - Key West

You know how you've heard it said that getting there is half the fun? Well, in my case, getting there is 90 percent of the fun. Once to my destination, I'm already starting to think about hitting the road again. I guess I'm just funny that way. Never satisfied with what I have. Always looking over the next horizon.

Key West is a tourist town, no doubt. I went looking for a particular sea food place on Duval Street last night but there were so many people partying that I couldn't find it (it was Friday night.) I cruised Duval Street three times looking for it.

Despite the small size of this island, it is possible to get lost here. Heh, good thing I had the map I got at the front desk when I checked in. It gives you just enough information to make you think you can find your way around [grin].

I had just a few things on my to-do list while here.

One, I wanted to find the "southernmost point" buoy and take a picture of me and the bike in front of it. Once I got there, it was so crowded I was unable to park the bike near it and set up my tripod for a shot. I was lucky to get one shot with just the bike and the buoy and another shot that clearly showed the writing on the buoy.

Southern-most point buoy:


Two, I wanted to eat some fresh seafood. I found a place on Duval Street called Capt. Mario's Seafood Buffet. I finally found it on the second day and had lunch there. It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special either.

Captain Mario's Seafood Buffet:


Third thing was to walk along the beach for a bit. I guess I should have listened to Merrilou and brought some sneakers. My riding boots are not bad but sneakers would have been better. No problem, my feet will heal.

Smather's Beach:




So I've accomplished all I set out to do. I made it to Key West on the bike and I did the three things here I wanted to. Even with all the issues along the way and the return trip still in front of me, I am declaring this journey a huge success! I am so happy I didn't decide to bag it when the luggage rack broke. I never would have forgiven myself if I had called it quits at that point. Heck, I was even considering ditching my extra clothes, I was so determined.