Day 4 - Key West or Bust

OK, no late night runs for Loosie last night…pardon the pun…so we're good to go for the very early, pre-dawn start we had planned for today's ride. Our plan was to hit the road early and make it to Florida City three hours away for breakfast. This would leave us with enough time to hop the islands in a leisurely manner so as to be able to enjoy a few stops along the way. For once, best laid plans worked perfectly. We shoot down US-27, and pick up 997 down to Florida City. For those of you that haven't hit this stretch of road before, lemme tell ya, it's gotta be the source of every palm tree and tropical landscape bush in the entire USA…musta been dozens of tropical nurseries in this 30-mile stretch of road. After 30 miles of CK pointin out which palm trees she liked and didn't like, and simulatin the leave shapes with her arms (like I could see her hehe)…which Cuz said looked like she was performin some exotic backseat boogie…we arrive at Florida City in time for breakfast at Sam's Kitchen This place didn't look like much on the outside…actually was in a li'l strip mall and looked like a small, boarded up chain store of some sorts…but they were servin up a tasty breakfast on the inside, and that's what counts, eh.

After breakfast, we take the advice of some fellows that had been seated next to us, and hit Sound Card Road down to Key Largo…the first island on our hop down to Key West. This was a good choice, as it let us avoid some construction on US-1, and afforded us a ride along some mangrove lined roads instead of the busy main drag. The first half of our island hoppin was pretty disappointin, as it is pretty over-developed, and pretty much like ridin in any other town along the way…well, 'cept for the gozillion tourist traps. But things get a li'l more interestin 'bout halfway down the island chain as we enter smaller 'n smaller keys with a more islandy flavor. We stop at Robbie's Dock where we pay the two bucks to go out on the piers and watch tarpons take handouts from the tourists. Apparently, CK had found this place on the internet, and was just dyin to see it. I was skeptical at first…ya know, just more touristy crap to separate ya from yer greenbacks…but I'm gonna tell ya it was worth it to me. These things were huge…and FAST! Now, I'm a certified scuba diver, and have seen all kinds of sea life…but this was indeed entertainin and worth the price of admission. OK, ok…so I'm a little bit of a tourist at heart…sue me.

After feedin the fish, we head on south for a ways…over the 7-mile bridge…and on to Bahia Honda park where we stopped for a li'l swim and relaxation on what's rated one of the top beaches in the country. We had a nice swim, got to watch paramedics haul out a dude that swallowed too much sea water, stuffed our clothes back into the bags, and finished our ride on down to Key West in swim wear 'n sandals. Ahhhhh…we're finally on island time. Now, where's that margarita? Well, funny I should ask…seein as how CK pointed out every tiki bar on the way down. I finally cave in to her demands and we stop at one of 'em for lunch and drinks.

We arrive in Key West 'round 3:00 Monday afternoon, and check into our "Duval Square Penthouse" condo…really nice accomodations with large rooms and located just off Duval Street, the main party drag. The condos were second level with secure, gated parkin for our scoots underneath, and just steps away from party central. We're shittin in high cotton now, aye. After unpackin our gear and showerin off the day's road grime, we head out on a stroll down Duval Street to see what the fuss is all 'bout. Let's see…tourist shop…bar…bar…tourist shop…bar…bar…clothing-optional bar…screeeeech. OK, so we didn't really go in there…heard there were more old farts in the place than young sexy chicks like they show in the movies ya know…and I didn't want an image burned in my brain I couldn't get rid of for the rest of the trip. We eventually settle into some barstools at a place called Willie T's. I know, I know…what 'bout Sloppy Joe's and the myriad other famous bars? To tell the truth, Willie T's ended up bein a lotta fun, we ended up meetin some locals, and anyways I'm not usually the one to run straight to the usual fare as advertised by every biker mag on the scene. We did stroll thru Sloppy Joe's and Hog's Breath, but they were packed…as expected.

After samplin several lesser known establishments along Duval, we stumble back to the condo for a few more, albeit less expensive, drinks, and shoot the chit 'bout the sights 'n sounds of the day. So go ahead…have 'nuther drink and we'll see ya in the mornin…we're on island time now fer sure.