End of the road, Key West

  Up at 6:00, got it together, bid Hank and Kathy farewell and started rolling for Key West 35 miles west.  Easy going, no tourists on the road; the miles clicked off rapidly until Key West appeared.  My introduction to the town was deafening Navy F15 roaring overhead doing touch and goes at the naval base on the Island.  Rode to the bitter end of route one and then found the giant land bound buoy marking the southern most Point in the United States.  A line stretching fifty feet were those tourists wanting a picture of buoy and themselves, me included.  Making friends along the way was instrumental in getting someone to snap my picture.  I stood out because I was on a bike, sweat head to toe. Humidity the last two days has kept me sweating profusely. From the buoy I navigated over to my hostel, NYAH (not your average Hostel) on 320 Margaret Street. Great place with a classic Key West facade, modern interior including three pools, one being a hot tube. After a swim with my riding shorts, I changed over to my civilian clothes and headed down the street to Harpoon Harry’s for lunch, a laid back diner atmospheric place. Check in was 16:00 and my rooom was wonderful. Very well laid out with three spacious bunks with a nice bath and large shower.  After a much needed nap, there was a happy hour on premise where I had a beer, cheese, etc..  I walked downtown and took in the street life, outdoor restaurants with live entertainment, art galleries and, of course, the tourist stores selling pork pie hats, flamming gay shirts and a bakery selling six dollar massive cookies. With a roosters everywhere, naturally there was a rooster store selling funny items related to the bird. What a riot; needless to say I had a good time picking and choosing. I found my way home and sacked out. Tomorrow I bicycle the town.