After having stayed a lot longer in Marco Island that we had anticipated, we eagerly got our act together this cool clear Friday morning so that we could cross the Florida Bay to Key West. As a trip of over 100 miles on waters wide open to the Gulf of Mexico, it should have been a concern, but the forecast was for 1 foot seas, little breeze and clear skies. It's always interesting to see what it's like to be out of sight of land - and this is the first time since the Apalachicola to Clearwater jump that we'd done this.

Map of the the Marco Island to Key West route; Marco Island fading into the rear view.

The crossing was uneventful and smooth - a few swells here and there, that really didn't get interesting until we got closer to Key West. The first indication that we weren't heading straight into nothingness, was the view about 15 miles out from Key West of what looked like two huge hotels. We hadn't been to Key West for nearly 30 years so perhaps they had really added some tourist real estate - but as we got closer, it was clear that these were cruise ships docked in the harbor. We headed straight for the gargantuan ships and then headed into the Key West Bight channel which led to the historic harbor.

Views of the cruise ships dwarfing all structures and vessels for miles around; view of the Galleon Resort and Marina from the channel.

Turning into past the breakwater to the harbor and taking a very sharp right, we entered the Galleon Resort Marina and took our slip along the boardwalk. A fishing tournament was taking place this weekend and we had a number of competitors surrounding us with their center console boats and big bait traps in the water. All very exciting to be in the excitement of Key West after a very quiet couple of weeks on the west Florida coast! The view from Salty was magnificent facing north - and just a short walk westward brings you to Mallory Square where the famous sunsets attract thousands.

Views toward the Key West Bight; Sunset from Mallory Square; Floating tiki bars and sailboats jostle for sunset viewing spots.

Key West has had a checkered history with long traditions of somewhat negative things - excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, lawlessness and violence (piracy, rumrunning and the like) and dysfunctional isolation - pick up a copy of Ernest Hemingway's opus on Key West, To Have and Have Not for some atmosphere. Warning - it is dated and not very politically correct. Those days seem long gone - the streets are full of holiday makers, cheerful restaurants and bars line the main streets and chickens with their baby chicks walk freely in the streets (Key West is in a bird sanctuary - so you can't harm them or get rid of them). What was great and strange about this busiest of all places is that wildlife like manatees and green herons paid us visits at the marina.

Manatee visitor next to our slip; our skillful fisherman friend the Green Heron; and a feral chicken crossing the road.

Key West is a fantastic place just to walk around and see the sights, the architecture, the dining options and people watch. Duval Street is the main drag - full of tourists, but lots of activity and variety that we hadn't really experienced since New Orleans. The historic harbor, part working fishing port, but mostly filled with small excursion and fish tours and restaurants was right at our doorstep.

Key West is the as far south as we go!; Fort Zachary Taylor; Historic Harbor at night.

Key West is also the perfect size for a 5-6K run, if you run along the perimeter of the main town. One of Roy's cousins came to run the Key West half marathon (which brings you out around the airport) - so lots of possibilities for running and biking. We ate out a few times on Duval Street (Grand Avenue Cafe, Onlywood, La Trattoria, Old Towne Mexican Cafe, 915 Restaurant) as well as on the Historic Harbor (A&B Lobster House, Conch Republic Seafood, Alonzo's Oyster Bar). Playing tourist is also fun - the Heminway House is a must (even if just to see such a great house), the Truman Little White House (where he spent at least 9 visits during his presidency), Fort Zachary Taylor (Civil War era fort built on earlier British fortifications) and the Key West Lighthouse (on Duval, if only for the superb view of the town and surrounding seas). We also took a trolly tour to get the scope of the town and a sketch of its colorful history.

Hemingway House; Truman Little White House; view up Duval to the cruise ship docks.