Florida Keys

Another long driving day, the new recurring theme to the trip; couple of nights exploring somewhere, then a loooong drive somewhere else. I think it would be fair to say that we slightly underestimated distances to our chosen destinations, but nothing was unmanageable. I mean on the map it didn't look that far to Key West, but when you get there and the only road in or out has a speed limit of 35m.p.h., and a driver willing to stick to it means a longer day.

I won't lie - I was aware, and took note of all signs for Hurricane shelters or evacuation routes. It was October, but still by no means out of the danger time for a sudden flurry of wind and rain to pelt down on the unprotected and unnervingly narrow Keys.



7 Mile Bridge connecting the last island of the Keys, Key West to the ... second last island.

Key West is flamboyant, yet laid back. I can see why people flock there to relax, even from slightly less laid back locations elsewhere around Florida. We were luck to find a bed, arriving the night before their big festival week, something along the lines of Mardi Gras. We managed to secure beds at Angelina's House, just a few blocks off the main drag, with some of the friendliest people we stumbled across.

It was still hot, and time for a pre-dinner cocktail - a proper one, celebrating our arrival in the Keys. The local spot is out on a pier that juts out, maximising the view of the sunset from any seat. It was a little stormy, but it was also very cool, and the cocktails were hitting the mark.



Sunset, Key West.

Next morning it was time to sample the famous Key Lime Pie. Now its not revolutionary by any stretch, but gosh, darn, golly, its good. One dish combining my love of lime and cheesecake - how can you go wrong??? Subsequntly I picked up the recipe conveniently located on a magnet that would remain even more conveniently located on my fridge for any Key Lime Pie emergencies that may arise in the future.

Had we had more time, I could have easily hung out in the Keys for much longer. Anyone planning to hit Florida, I recommend not being put of by the long drive, its just a nice friendly spot and well worth the miles.