Florida

In late June and early July, Allison and I traveled in southern Florida.  There we visited America's southeast corner in Key West, enjoyed the vibrant beach scene and nightlife in Miami's South Beach, and spent some time with Allison's father near West Palm Beach.

"Deco Drive" at South Beach

Our first stop was in Miami.  There we stayed in the heart of South Beach's colorful Art Deco district, which is filled with lively restaurants and night clubs adorned with the area's characteristic neon lights.  We also spent a day on the beach, among a varied assortment of international visitors from Argentina, Brazil and many other countries.



Filming a variety show on South Beach

From Miami we drove south on Route 1 all the way through the Florida Keys to Key West.  The drive through the Keys on Route 1 is an attraction in itself: approximately one hundred miles passing over long causeways and a procession of tiny flat cays.  Key West is where Route 1 begins, or ends, depending upon your perspective; Allison were at the other end of Route 1 when we visited Fort Kent (Maine) in January.

Route 1 on Key West

In Key West we visited the southernmost point in the continental United States.  I also spent a morning SCUBA diving, and of course we enjoyed the sunset from Mallory Square and then joined the procession up and down Duval Street at night.  After Key West, we spent a relaxing afternoon and evening in Key Largo at the northern end of the Keys.

A hawksbill sea turtle off Jupiter Inlet

We finished our Florida trip spending five days with Allison's father in Hobe Sound, north of West Palm Beach and Jupiter.  Allison and I shopped, ran errands and celebrated the Fourth of July with him while enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.  I also spent two mornings diving out of Jupiter Inlet, a favorite dive destination of mine.