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. 🙂