Cutter Loose, an IP 460: Wednesday, January 11th

Today we travel 45 miles west to the southernmost point of land in the continental United States. Key West. Latitude 24 degrees, 34 minutes N. Capital of the Conch Republic and THE east coast destination for those seeking an anything goes, laid back tourist experience.

Our mode of travel is not by boat, but rather by bus. Public transportation is provided between Marathon and Key West nine times daily. And the price is right. The cost is $2 for passengers that have attained the age of 60...$4 for less mature riders. The 90 minute ride takes us over the Seven Mile Bridge and through a series of keys that offer outstanding views of the water on both sides of the highway.

Key West is the largest town in the Florida Keys. Our bus winds its way through the suburban fringe of Key West with its shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and busy boulevards. Once in the Old Town neighborhood near the water, we pause to consume a pastry and stroll along Duval Street, the primary shopping and entertainment district.

[caption id="attachment_2712" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Truman White House"]

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Some of the architecture here dates back to the Civil War. It is miraculous that so many of these older homes and commercial buildings have survived 150 years of hurricanes.

[caption id="attachment_2709" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Free-range roosters are ubiquitous and largely ignored"]

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Free range roosters roam the streets of Old Town, unnoticed by the locals. After a short time, we grow weary of the t shirt shops and bars on Duval Street and turn our attention to lunch. We rendezvous with friends Hayden and Radeen at My Blue Heaven, an outdoor bar/restaurant on Thomas Street. Cats and roosters are here as well, seeking handouts from the patrons. This dirt floor establishment with minimalist decor was allegedly the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's composition Blue Heaven Rendezvous.

[caption id="attachment_2698" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Blue Heaven Rendezvous"]

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[caption id="attachment_2707" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Mallory Square"]

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From here, it is on to Mallory Square where street performers entertain tourists at sunset. But today, the Square is empty. Thunder, lightning, wind and rain are the sole form of entertainment this afternoon.

In light of the weather, we beat a hasty retreat to the bus stop to catch the Lower Keys Shuttle back to Marathon. A day trip does not do justice to Key West. There are several museums of interest, and the waterfront is an interesting place to linger. We will attempt to return here during our remaining time in Marathon.