Today I discovered there are two Keys: the Keys of the natural features and the Keys of the man-made support structure for tourism. The natural features, the islands and the ocean, form a very wide, horizontal scene. A photo of the land and ocean would look like a dark green brush stoke on a pale blue background without any detail. You need eyes and a brain to process the scenes into a vision with the wonder of it all.

I took the first photo from my bike as I crossed a bridge. It’s fuzzy, but you can see an island and the ocean in the distance.

The infrastructure is simpler to photograph, but unfortunately you can’t take enough pictures to capture all that has been built. Store, resort, store, store, resort, store… ad infinitum.

I kicked back and took it easy as I rode down to Key West, where I scouted out the locations I’ll need for tomorrow’s official start.

Touring

I met a guy at the southernmost monument, who was sweeping up and offering to take pictures of people around the monument. I talked with him a bit and learned he is artist. He told me he lives on an island, eeks out a living by painting, and cleans up his island. He said, “What else could anyone want?” I think each of us has a similar desire to live simply, earn a living, and to give back to the community.

The post office opens at 8:30 in the morning and I’ll be there. Then I’ll head back up the coast.

Islamorada, FL to Key West, FL – 106 miles

Today’s Photo Album

Getting started a little later than usual.

Stores everywhere.

The man-made Keys.

The marker says it all.

Southernmost resort and museum.

The end of US 1, but the word, "End," has been stolen.

The start of US-1.

Picture for Corner 1.

and one for the "ABCs."

the Map.