John and I love visiting Key West. This little gem of a city has a unique and unusual culture much of which stems from its long and colorful history. In pre Columbian times it was inhabited by the Calusa people. The first Europen to set eyes on the Keys was Juan Ponce de Leon....you remember, he was looking for the Fountain of Youth. In later years, the area was claimed by Spain but had no government control. An assortment of settlers arrived, fishermen, pirates, salvagers and even descendants of Loyalists who had fled to Burmuda during the American Revolution. Key Limes, breadfruit, tamarind and even pineapples were planted. Salt was produced and sponges harvested. Cigar makers arrived from Cuba. In 1822, Lt. Commander Matthew Perry planted a U.S. flag and claimed Key West for the United States. In 1823, a U.S. naval anti pirate squadron took charge and was tasked to end piracy and slavery. In 1889, Key West was the largest and wealthiest city in Florida...probably due to all that salvaging. Henry Flagler completed the railroad to Key West in 1912 and rich Americans began to arrive for vacations. Later on Labor Day, 1935, most of the Florida Keys railroad was wiped out by a ferocious hurricane. It was replaced by the Overseas Highway in 1938.....Key West became the end point of the east coast, Rt. 1.
Key West is a lovely town to walk or bike. Yeaterday we chose to bike around. I love exploring the small and interesting neighborhoods. Some houses and structures date back to the early days. Most houses are small with beautiful gardens, high walls and interesting gates. The streets are tree lined and offer a shady cool ride on a bike. The neighborhoods are densely built but creative gardens and fences give a lovely illusion of privacy. Ernest Hemingway lived here for quite some time. President Truman spent time here during the winter months. We avoid the main drag... Duval Street. It is crammed with tourists, bars and cheap souvenier shops. There are lovely galleries down side streets and excellent restaurants for lunch or dinner. Key West has an unusual population of chickens and cats. Don't be surprised to see elegant roosters strolling along main streets or hens with delightful clusters of chicks hurrying under garden gates. It is all part of the flavor of Key West.
Just picked up a fresh baguette!
Below check out this amazing Banyan tree. There are a number of huge Banyans in Key West.
Today, the wind switched from the northwest to the southeast....uuuummmm, lovely and warm finally. We went for a kayak around Boot Key... 6 miles... A beautiful morning. We pulled up on a little beach littered with empty horseshoe crab shells.
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