Key West, Florida
During my radical sabbatical, I had many fabulous experiences. This is a story about one of the best ones.
It was time to leave St. Augustine Beach, and it’s glorious sunrise. After that, I would travel along the East Coast of Florida in torrential downpours and excessive amounts of wind. The traffic and weather made it impossible to make proper travel time. So, it would be necessary to pass up some of the earmarked places I wanted to go to stay on schedule.
Exhausted
Key West, Florida, was a crucial spot along this trek. Earlier in January, I flew over Key West on a trip to Costa Rica. Seeing the string of islands below, it was then I set the firm intention to visit that location sometime in the next eighteen months.
There were big driving days, sometimes 500 miles a day, planned for this trip. Knowing I would need a few longer stops, in planning, I earmarked three days for this location as a place to rest and recover from the drive thus far.
Recovery
Knowing I would need a place to recoup, I was looking forward to slowing down with plenty of time to practice yoga, photograph colorful sunrise and sunsets, visit with friendly people. Having some time to immerse myself in the culture, I was glad for the break.
Today’s drive had been excruciating, however, and I was literally dizzy and not sure if I could do another one. There would be other trips, of course, but I was blown away (pun intended) to be so close to Key West and may not get there.
Tough Decisions
Grateful for every decision I would need to make along my Radical Sabbatical, this one would be the second toughest of the entire trip. I found myself toying with the notion to skip Key West and head back up the Gulf Coast instead.
Planning to rest overnight, and with a refreshed outlook the next morning, make the final decision on which way to travel next. Around one that afternoon and sixty miles north of Miami, I took the opportunity to find a comfortable, safe spot to sleep. Unsure of the trajectory the next day would bring, a place close to both the Big Cypress Nature Preserve and Key Largo was important.
Just after 9 pm I finally pulled into the Southern Comfort RV Park. Rain, wind and six lanes of bat out of hell traffic on southbound I95 made the anticipated five-hour drive into eight. That seemingly hard decision to move on or not looking like an easier one to make for sure!
A Jolt Of Optimism
I desperately needed this camping comfort, if for only a few hours. Pulling into the campground, I was greeted by Sam, the security guard. Fully depleted, his smile as he directed me to my site gave me a jolt of optimism.
Excited for electricity, a real shower and air conditioning to combat the 100% humidity, I backed into my site. Knowing I wouldn’t be rousted from my parking spot would make tonight the best sleep I had in a while. Falling into bed, I set my alarm for 4 am to check the weather.
Wondering what lay ahead, I dropped into a deep sleep with my son Nick’s exclamation, “But mom, you are so close not to go on” resonating in my dreams.
Key West, A Tropical Escape
After an amazingly restful sleep, I woke to find only a 50% chance of rain in the afternoon forecast that would extend for another four days. My window of opportunity was open. With an excited YES!, I quickly prepared for the drive to Key West.
And then, almost as seal of approval from above, in Key Largo, the early morning clouds and sprinkles gave way to a glorious sunrise.
The Florida Keys
An amazing seventeen hundred islands make up the Florida Keys. One way to Florida’s Mile Marker 0, the furthest southern point on the Continental United States, is along the overseas highway, Route One. The two and half hour jaunt took me over fourteen main islands to the one I was dreaming about – Key West.
U.S. Highway 1 is the longest road in the United States. Just shy of 2,500 miles, it runs along the Eastern Coast of the United States from the Canadian border in Maine to the tip of Key West in Florida. I wanted to be near the Atlantic Ocean as much as possible on this exploration, and therefore, it was the one I traveled most.
The blue-green waters surrounding the islands are inviting and serene. Best known for fishing, snorkeling, and a host of other water activities; fortunately for me, exploring and photography too!
To keep the schedule and circle the United States in thirty days, I could only spend one day here. Not to mention, the forecast had storms during the next few days here. Therefore, I would need to maximize my time. As I arrived, I made plans to walk around the historic downtown area, explore the lighthouse and practice yoga. Of course, a visit to the southernmost spot of the United States and to step into the surf was top of my list.
To The Gulf!
After parking and walking two short blocks south, I found a short pier at the Duval Street Pocket Park near the Southernmost Point Guest House. This tropical cabana against billowing clouds and greenish seas was my first visual impression of the Gulf Of Mexico, and for that reason alone, the start to a perfect day.
Hey! There's Cuba!
Key West is a short 278 miles to the Bahamas but a quick 90 miles to Cuba – another place on my travel bucket list!
In search of the Fountain of Youth, it was Ponce de Leon, who discovered this area in 1521. But in my opinion, this whole area is a fountain of youth. Set against a gorgeous backdrop, caressed with salt air, I instantly felt rejuvenated.
As I continued to walk in search of the Southernmost point, it was the long line for a photo that found me first. At least a hundred people deep, I decided not to waste precious time and stepped off to the side to make my own.
Out Wandering Key West
Famous for the many bars on Duval Street, nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square and Ernest Hemingway’s Home & Museum, Key West offers something for everyone.
As is my style, a favorite part of this day was wandering each street looking for the unusual. I was not disappointed. Colorful signs, delightful smells and an overwhelming sense of belonging greeted me on every block.
Many houses and businesses were creatively decorated for Halloween. It was hard to tell, though, if this was a family having fun or one who sat too long observing the endless stream of passers-by.
Coconut-lime is a favorite flavor here too. Many of the sweets, drinks and even pizza offer it as an ingredient. I found this premium French soda an exceptionally refreshing treat as I sat on the steps of the same porch. Mindful of the skeletons next to me, I didn’t stay long.
Street parking is accessible and inexpensive, but you should plan to make several circles around the area to find an open spot.
Driving my 22-foot van usually proves a little more complicated, however, and so I always look for one at the end of a row.
Also, the side streets all look the same, so be sure to take a photo of the street sign as an easy way to find your way back or use your phone app to mark your location.
Chickens Gangs
While walking toward the downtown shop area, a gang of chickens busted out of some bushes and scurried up to me. As someone who is not fond of birds, this was a bit terrifying and I let out a little scream.
Trying to recover, I quickly ducked into a store to avoid them and asked the shopkeeper what was up. I found out quickly they roam free here. Yikes!!
He told me they are descendants of the birds brought here by island ancestors from Cuba and the Caribbean islands to be used as food (probably Ponce de Leon). And, over the years, many of the birds had escaped their enclosures or just released when cockfighting became illegal.
I would quickly add to today’s itinerary, covert operations necessary to avoid chickens!
The Lighthouse
I was thrilled to find a lighthouse I could explore. Constructed in 1825, I found out the Key West Lighthouse assisted ships entering the port and avoid the dangerous reefs surrounding this furthest most southern tip of the United States.
Along the moderate climb up the 88-steps to the top, the iron spiral stairway offer stops to rest and peek out portholes. It’s a hint to the fantastic view that awaits the stroll along the catwalk at the top.
Rain, Again.
Spot on to the morning’s forecast, the promised rain started again at 2:45 pm just as I was leaving a yoga class. As much fun as I was having, this was my cue to start back to the mainland.
I’d decide how much further to drive toward Big Cypress before stopping for the night when I reached Key Largo. Again, heavy rain and storms would slow my progress, and the trip back was two hours longer than expected (a definite theme on my radical sabbatical).
Reaching a Walmart in Florida City at 7 pm, I planned a quiet night listening to it rain. This was also an excellent place to get some much-needed supplies.
As this part of my trip concludes, I am grateful for my son Nick’s encouragement to keep going. It would have been a considerable regret if I had not made an effort to explore Key West.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.