Driving to Key West

Amid all the Thanksgiving posts I offer you a tropical paradise! 

Travel Tip #1 Vsit Key West in November.  The weather was ideal.  

 The scenery was spectacular while driving down through the keys.  This one and the one below are straight our of the camera.

We got out between islands to drink in the view and while everyone was on the bridge I clambered down a steep hill on a well worn pathway to capture this shot.
Travel Tip #2 Look for unusual angles for your photos

There were cruise ships peeking out from in between ancient buildings.

The taxi's were flamingo pink and they were everywhere!
Travel Tip #3 Pay attention to the unusual.  It's surprising how many travelers notice and respond to something familiar rather than unique.

Everywhere you looked it was a postcard

There were no end to the extraordinary places you could visit.
Travel Tip #4 Always stop and read Historical Markers!  They are a wealth of information and you don't have to pay admission to get it!

Everyone gathered at Mallory Square to capture the sunset.  It's a daily event and the area is filled with vendors to provide food and drinks and actors and acrobats performing for tips.
Travel Tip #5 Ask the locals what is special to see in their town.

The next morning I woke up and my view from the hotel balcony  was glorious.  It was early morning but the sun was already up.

The beaches are lovely...notice the lone dreamer, sitting below the palm tree.

I wished for a better view of the lighthouse, you can see the top and bottom but the middle is hidden behind the lushness.  

This was an exciting place!  Imagine!!!
Travel Tip #6 Get out of the car when you see something unusual or interesting.  Especially if there is a crowd.

Another reminder of how far south we were.  Highway 1 ends here!

It runs 2,377 miles (3,825 km), from Fort Kent, Main to Key West, Florida

The drive home afforded colossal sights for tourists
Travel Tip #7 Don't believe everything you see! 

Found at Key Largo

Found at Pigeon Key 

One of the original cars from the railroad that once connected the keys.

A simple canal out to the Atlantic

And I couldn't resist taking this as we drove towards the mainland.  What? Why? you might ask?  

Where else would you find the cement wall between lanes carefully painted an aqua marine blue?

Attention to detail folks.  It sets the stage coming down and makes you wistful going back.  

I hope this isn't my last visit through the Keys.


Travel Tip review:

Travel Tip #1 Vsit Key West in November

Travel Tip #2 Look for unusual angles for your photos

Travel Tip #3 Pay attention to the unusual.

Travel Tip #4 Always stop and read Historical Markers!

Travel Tip #5 Ask the locals what is special to see in their town.

Travel Tip #6 Get out of the car when you see something unusual or interesting. 

Travel Tip #7 Don't believe everything you see! 

Linked to:

Rednesday
Curb Alert's Friday Block Party!
Pink Saturday
Straight out of the Camera
Blue Monday