Key West (Cayo Hueso)

Seven Mile Bridge

Someone pinch me!  I can't believe I am in the Florida Keys. We drove over the Seven Mile Bridge on our way to Key West. There are two bridges in this location. The new bridge is actually only 6.79 miles and is open for car traffic. It was built in 1978 and completed in 1982. Each April the bridge is closed to hold a "fun run" for 1,500 runners. 

Arches of the Old Seven Mile Bridge

The older bridge built by Henry Flagler in the 1900s for his Overseas Railroad runs parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge. The bridge was an engineering marvel of its day and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These days only a few miles are open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge appeared in True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger when the old bridge was shown being destroyed by missile strikes. Actually, the bridge explosion was done on an 80-foot model. 

After our trolley tour and lunch at Fogarty's we took a walking tour down Duval Street and around Key West, noting the oldest schoolhouse, the Ernest Hemingway house, Sloppy Joe's Bar, and other architecture around the city.

Entrance to Hemingway's House

Old Strand Theater

Duval Street is a mixture of bars restaurants, shops and people milling about.  There is a general vibe of relaxed fun. 

The Strand Theater was built in the early 1920s, became the home of Ripley's Believe It or Not and is now home to Walgreens.

Only 90 Miles to Cuba

This huge red, white, back and yellow buoy is apparently a must see for every visitor. I couldn't believe there was a line to get your picture taken in front of this buoy.

It's been said that when facing a little to the west of due south from this point on a clear night, you can look on the horizon and see lights in the sky above Havana.

This buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. Actually the southernmost point is at the Naval Station a half block away from this buoy.

Wall Around Hemingway's House Built with Tavern Buddies

Hemingway's Hang Out

Rolling a Cuban

Here We Are

About four o'clock we made our way to Mallory Park to find a spot on the Sunset Pier where we were joined by hundreds of other tourists.

Drinks on Sunset Pier at Mallory Square

The Sunset We Waited Hours For

Seven Mile Bridge in the Moonlight