What a Wonderful World (An #AtoZChallenge Post): K is for [Florida] Keys

 

The view from a car driving along Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys: the road disappears on the horizon, and water is on both sides of the road

My husband recently re-retired, and we are front-loading travel. My #AtoZChallenge posts this year will explore our adventures--some pre-retirement, some post. Today's location: the [Florida] Keys.

Driving the Florida Keys was something I had wanted to do since childhood. I don't remember exactly where I first heard about the Overseas Highway--perhaps in a Childcraft Encyclopedia or in the Weekly Reader--but the idea of a highway going over water intrigued me. I was curious if the actual experience would match with my mental image. The answer was, yes, at least for the span of the Seven Mile Bridge. The highway goes through the keys (islands) as well, so that part of the drive seems like any other road on land. 

We started our trip down the keys with a snorkeling trip off of Key Largo with Silent World Dive Center. I would definitely recommend them. Snorkel gear is provided; the crew explained everything well and everyone on our boat, from children to adults, had a good time. 

After snorkeling, we grabbed lunch at a waterfront restaurant and then drove to Marathon, where our hotel was. 

Pelicans sitting on docked boats was a common sight

A palm tree grows near the beach and the sun sets in the distance

The next day we drove down to Key West. We stopped at Old Town Bakery for the best slice of key lime pie you can find on the island. (Trust me; we've done extensive first-hand research on this!) We also snapped an obligatory selfie at the end of the highway.

We managed to snap a sideways selfie in front of the marker of the Southernmost Point in the Continental US. It was raining; the line for the better angle was long, we had been here once before, so we just thought we'd go for the walk-by on the sidewalk selfie. Our faces show how amazed we are that this technique actually worked as well as it did!

We visited Truman's Little White House for the first time. That was an amazing tour! Our guide, Robert (Bob) Wolz, wrote a book about its history, and we learned so much. 

Truman's Little White House, where Truman actually conducted government business often during his presidency

The Presidential car on display outside the museum

After spending a few hours in Key West, it was time for our return drive up the Overseas Highway. We definitely could have spent more time on many of the keys, so if you have a chance, meander. 

Come back tomorrow to see where in the world we'll visit next!