A street address won’t get you there. In the Florida Keys where scenic distractions loom within almost every view, locations are given by mile marker, or more specifically, by how many miles north of Key West on the Overseas Highway a business, park or residence is situated.
One’s directional options are primarily north or south, so the simplified address system makes sense. John Pennekamp State Park where we enjoyed reef snorkeling and one of our many afternoon picnics is at mile 102.8 (east side). Robbie’s Marina, host to titan tarpons which breach dockside waters to snag dangled fish from the fingertips of thrill seeking tourists, is on the west side at mile 77.5. The Seven Mile Bridge runs from miles 40 – 47. The entrance to Bahaia Honda State Park, the longest beach in the Keys, can be found at mile 36.8. And Mile 0 can be found on a street corner in Key West.
My biggest concern driving Highway 1 last week was usually whether to look to the east or west of the road: sunrise or sunset side. I know. What a quandary…
Did we still get lost? Of course we did, although the best unplanned wandering on this trip occurred amongst mangrove trees in kayaks (from Robbie’s at Mile 77.5).
I found the mile marker system to be quite effective though. It simplified driving to where I could simply enjoy the sea breezes, the endless sunshine and the glorious blue green sea. Whether we landed on the sunrise or sunset side of the road made little difference when the side of the road was an island and at the side of the island was endless ocean.
More album photos: Heather Dugan Creative on Facebook
I hope you’re going to be posting some of those sunrise and sunset photos of the Florida Keys. I can’t wait to read more about your trip.
Thanks Donna! There were some magical moments before the sun disappeared in Key West. Photos to come… ; )