Marathon, FL-Key West, FL 11/10 130 driving miles; 11.8 walking miles.

Today, we made it to the end of the trail; mile zero as it were. Cuba was just a short ninety mile swim from where we stood after a fabulous breakfast at Blue Heaven, which was recommended by a pirate we met in St. Augustine. We've decided to splurge (On the always precarious, "You only live once theory") and spend tomorrow night in Key West itself. I'm looking forward to seeing what the night brings out because it gets downright pleasant around here after the sun goes down. Today was our walking tour of the historic district, which is filled with character filled homes both large and small. We endured the stifling heat and humidity on our self-imposed march. We passed Hemingway's home which along with the Key itself was larger than we expected. We stopped in at the Little White House, and of course, we had our picture taken at the Southern most point. We also walked from the Gulf side to the Atlantic side three or four times. We found tomorrow's motel, and I walked Ed by several dive bars so he can  choose where I buy him his traditional Veteran's Day drink tomorrow ( Or two) to honor his service to our country. He'll have to have an extra long siesta if he hopes to stay awake past eight-thirty. If he doesn't, he won't get to hear any live music. We also walked by a dizzying nimber of T-shirt shops, tourist opportunities, galleries, inns, Bed and Breakfast places, and of course, bars. Key West isn't as liberal as Savannah in that they don't allow alcohol in open containers, but it doesn't seem to stop anyone. Like I said, "I can't wait to see what the night air brings out." I missed the opportunity to recognize two "best" humans yesterday, so I went back to talk with Melissa and Renee' today. Yesterday, they told us where to find good Key Lime pie. Today, they sent us to a great spot for dinner (Sparky's Landing) where we had Gumbo that was excellent, and Happy Hour shrimp and wings for thirty cents a piece (Six piece minimum). Happy Hour was lost on us because we weren't drinking, but it didn't matter because the locals were quite busy adjusting their attitudes (And possibly latitudes). It was a nice day, and we're thankful to report that life is good, especially today.  

We'll eat here again, Thursday morning. Quite good.

I opted for the Bacon Lobster Benedict with a piece of fresh baked banana bread  for dessert. Oh my!

Our goal met, one way or the other.

This guy was impressed.

These two mocked us a little bit.

There are several magnificent homes in Key West.

 And there are also quite a few clapboard houses tucked away down the side streets.

Hemingway's house, quite a palace actually, is located on prime real estate.

 Ed says, "I'll have the fish."

And a piece of Key Lime Pie for a chaser.

Melissa recommended Sparky's Landing.

Renee' recommended Burdine's.

They say it's Christmas everyday in their shop (You should see the Christmas room).

Gumbo yummy, Crawdad!

Happy Hour wings and shrimp.

The view from our table at Sparky's Landing.

The only hurry is get on down here. As Curly, the coffee guy said, "I came here to go fishing, and I never left."