Leg One of a Long Adventure

Yesterday, Tuesday, March 26, 2015 was the beginning of a long journey that would take us to the Arctic Circle and back. I wanted for this to truly be a Southernmost to Northernmost points in America run, so, for me, this journey begins in Key West, Florida.

Here I am at the beginning - wide awake, well fed, and full of pep - though the heat and sun would soon change that just showered and refreshed feeling.

Yesterday was one of those days I warned you about - I was just too pooped after almost 13 hours of riding and covering over 560 miles since leaving the comfort of air conditioning in Clearwater. The ride was worth every minute and every mile. I never get tired of riding along the water through the Keys. It's just beautiful.

As you ride along the Keys and you can look at the remains Henry Flaggler's Florida East Coast Railroad. A little over on hundred years ago in 1912, the first Steam Engine rolled over the water, across these old bridges and into Key West. You could almost hear the steam whistle as tons of iron and steel rolled over the water. It must have been nice to ride, but mother nature had other plans and didn't approve of running a railroad over her water. In 1935, the Labor Day Hurricane destroyed most of the rails and some of the bridges, and reclaimed the Keys for herself.

I have a video clip of the ride through some of the Keys, and when I can figure out how to edit it, I'll post it. Until then, here's the Key West Southernmost Point Buoy photo.

Made it there by 4:34PM. After the official start photo at the Southernmost Point in the United States, I went to El Sibony Cuban Restaurant (what else) and had a nice cold Dos Equis and a Roast Pork Dinner. Just what I needed. Went over to the Key West Firehouse Museum before I left for Florida City to deliver a Deer Park Ladder Company 4 patch I promised when we were there in December. Was going to mail it, but knew I was making the trip, so decided to bring it myself. Three more hours and I get to shower and rest. Once settled in Florida City, I didn't hear a thing until the alarm went off this morning.