Southern States Tour – Day 29

Today was cooler than the past few, with temperatures in the mid 80’s. Sunny with some clouds providing occasional relief, especially in the afternoon. Winds were moderate.

Day’s distance: 134 miles
Total trip distance: 6,302 miles

Today was an easy ride through the Keys. I had to arrive after 4pm so I lounged around the hotel until checkout at 11am. I set the GoPro on my helmet and recorded video on my way down Hwy 1.

My first stop was for a late breakfast at Harriette’s. I saw this place and turned around to stop. It was crowded and the sign says they’ve been there for 30 years. Sounded like the place to be.

I sat up at the breakfast bar and spoke to a 33 year resident of Key Largo. The food was good and the ice tea refilled many times. Definitely recommended !!

My next stop was a rest area in Lower Matecumbe Key. It seems power lines follow the highway down the Keys on one side or the other. They aren’t photogenic but I included it here as part of the record of life here.

My last stop before arriving was at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Little Duck Key, where I saw a coconut vendor. It seemed appropriate to stop and try one 🙂

The vendor, Tony, had some great motorcycle stories and we talked for about 30 minutes.

The cold coconut milk through a straw hit the spot.

Finally, I had to stop at the Southernmost Point in the continental US for a photo, signaling the end of the first leg of my journey across the country (and back). Parking is restricted and there were crowds in front of the marker, so I parked across the street and took a quick photo.

I arrived at my friend’s Andy and Kai shortly after 4pm. We celebrated with drinks by the pool. I’m happy to have arrived; traveling through ten states, meeting loads of people, seeing some great parts of the country, camping some, and having no problems with the motorcycle.

I’ll take a week off here, parking my motorcycle and renting a bicycle to get around the island. 🙂