Key West, end of Highway 1

We had a coffee and danish from the hotel for breakfast and set off to hire bicycles to see the town.

Across Duval Street from us is Tropical Rentals where for $7 each we could have a bike with a chain for the day. No helmets in sight, but it was going to be slow going along the busy streets anyway. You can hire electric golf buggies and scooters, Harley Davidsons and jeeps. 

We rode down to Mallory Square where the sunset festivities are held daily, through the more residential streets to the Little White House, where President Truman stayed regularly to look after his health in the warm climate. The surrounding houses are magnificent - huge ceilings, wide verandas, freshly painted weather boards in white, lush trees and an air of tranquility. 

Mozzigear arm bands - great idea for easy-to-wear protection from an Aussie company (bought in the departure lounge in Brisbane)

Ernest Hemingway's writing studio 

We stopped in at Ernest Hemingway's house on Whitehead Street. Entry was USD13 each, which seemed a little pricey compared to other entry fees. It's a lovely house - two story weatherboard, high ceilings, lovely bathrooms and a separate studio where Hemingway wrote during his nine years in Key West. He wrote 70% of his work here. 

Blackened shrimp, conch fritters (tasted like all fritters - whatever the sauce is!) and a margarita for lunch and we were off to the beach. I'm glad that we had the bikes - such a good way to get around. It was a warm and muggy day and I never would have elected to walk to the beach, but riding was a breeze. 

The ocean temperature was perfect and we really enjoyed our swim. 

Inclusive cross walks 

It was a beautiful day today - hot and sunny. Late in the afternoon we set off on foot towards Mallory Square for the sunset celebrations. There are many bars and restaurants along this road (and variety of types and prices) as well as shops selling t-shirts and touristy knickknacks, cigars, and even a few of the big name outlet stores. We thought that it would be quieter in town being a Monday, but no. The bars and restaurants were jumping. Especially after sunset - it would have been tough to get a seat for dinner. 

At Mallory Square we watched a cruise ship depart, jugglers and a sword swallower do their thing, and the sun dip below the horizon. There are marketeers and musicians. Key West is definitely a holiday and party town. Small, contained, but capable of supporting a lot of visitors. The place to stay is defintely within walking distance of Mallory Square. 

Odd things about Key West: there are chickens and roosters everywhere in the street. The cats have six toes on one or multiple paws.