Key West, Florida

Key West is 90 miles from Cuba, so that puts us closer to Castro's island than the US mainland. The highest point here is 18 feet above sea level. Shops are full of souvenirs, shot glasses and beachwear. The uniform is shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. The look is rumpled and comfy. Happy hour is from 7-8AM. In other words, just relax!

There are chickens roaming around everywhere. When cock fighting was outlawed, the roosters were set free, and are now protected by law against harm or harassment.

Ernest Hemingway's house is here. It's a home you could move right into and live happily ever after. Beautiful arched windows, covered verandas shaded by African tulip trees, and his second wife's chandelier collection from Paris installed in every room, including the bathrooms. There are 47 cats living on the property, all descended from Hemingway's cat, Snowball, (who had 6 toes). They have the run of the house and garden. We found two having a nap on Hemingway's bed.

Harry Truman, 'the uncommon, common man', came to Key West for rest and vacation. His home here is called The Little White House. It has been used by Kennedy, Eisenhower, Carter and Clinton and is still available for presidential retreats. Truman's desk with "The Buck Stops Here" sign is in a corner of the living room.

The Key West winery bottles a Key Lime Wine and another called Hurricane. We shipped a case home, so stop by for a sip or two.

In the evening, Key West celebrates sunset at the dock near Mallory Square. The square fills with street performers and their audience is in full party mode. Our favorite: Dominique, the cat man and his cat circus!

Enjoyed Royal Reds, a large sweet shrimp for lunch, with key lime pie for dessert...and a cheeseburger in paradise at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant for dinner. His food is unremarkable, but his music is the best!

Running Odometer: 4248
States: Florida Total: 14