The Lights Are Off

The Florida Keys is such a unique and singular place to explore. The Keys themselves are an archipelago consisting of 1,700 islands which form the most southern part of the United States. The Keys were formed by ancient coral reefs and limestone deposits. The entirety of the islands are 100 miles long, stretching from Key Largo to Key West.

The drive from the bustling, overcrowded, and architecturally significant city of Miami to the laid-back, overcrowded, diverse T-shirt wearing Key West city is always interesting, no matter how many times you do it. The traffic is slow paced, the road-side shops and attractions are in constant flux, and time itself seems to slow down altogether. You are instantly on “island time” and your body easily switches into “vacation” mode.

The crystal blue waters, the abundant wildlife, and the smells of sandy shores beckon you to pull off the road and just look out onto that endless ocean. You want to explore each little cay and cove, wade through the seaweed grasses, bask on the sandy beaches, and walk along the sections of abandoned, once connected bridges. Then it’s back into your vehicle to head to whichever VRBO, resort hotel, RV park, or , if lucky enough, your own home in the Keys.

No matter which Key you stay on, inevitably you will visit Key West, the city made infamous from the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Ernest Hemingway. Both men called Key West home for many years, both churned out some of their mot famous artistic works while on the island, and both probably wouldn’t have loved the way the island has sprawled and changed over the years.

Gary and I had been planning our Key West trip for months, having to cancel at least twice this Fall. November is just the beginning of season here in Florida, but knowing that we reserved a prime spot at the Sunshine Key RV Park overlooking the Gulf makes all the difference.

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