A Key West Interlude

I was away again for a few days last week, to do another dream drive on the way to a business function. Fortunate to have another chance to experience another few days of an  "endless summer," my husband and I flew into Miami and drove along U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway, through all the Florida Keys: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the lower keys, and Key West.

This video shows some scenes of the Overseas Highway and explains why it was named an "All American Road" in 2009. (You can also watch this video on this link: http://youtu.be/dDmBtMuHZac)




The Overseas Highway is the only All-American Road in Florida. It’s the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by the U.S. Congress in 1991. Only 31 other roadways in the nation have earned the prestigious title.  Completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They include the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, which stretches 6.79 miles across open water and was referred on its completion as “the eighth wonder of the world.”

The views we had of the beautiful turquoise blue water and tropical islands that were situated along the highway were breathtaking to see!

This was our second time visiting Key West -- my prior posts about a longer visit we had there to celebrate a wedding anniversary, can be read on this link.  It was fun to see all the familiar sights we saw before, along with some new ones. Key West has its own very special charm and when you walk in its streets all cares and worries seem to fall away.  Its year long tropical climate, bohemian atmosphere, good food, fishing and sailing opportunities, museums, houses of past famous, stores, naval base, and of course places to drink a frosty margarita or two, all add to it's allure.

One of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting Key West is to go over to Mallory Square and watch the sun go down. This historic waterfront has a daily celebration for the sunset and large crowds gather as the sunset hour approaches. The cruise ship in the harbor departs, and vendors and performers gather.  I even saw an old cat, sitting under a bench, enjoying the warmth of the fleeting sunlight shining on his face.

It is truly magical, isn't it?

There is still time to enter the "My Memories" digital scrapbook software give away on my last post!  The winner will be announced on Tuesday. Click here to enter, and to see examples of the pages I was able to make with the software on my first tries!

I'm linking this post to the following blog events:

Mosaic Monday

Blue Monday

Our World Tuesday
Watery Wednesday

Pink Saturday

Many thanks to all the hosts!