We started riding about 8:30 am on an optional ride with Joe. Today the entire group did the optional ride into Key West. The temperature was 81 and the winds were out of the east at 15mph with gusts of 25. When we finished our 20 mile ride, the wind increased to 24mph and the gusts were up to 29mph . We visited several of the prime “tourist stops” including the Southern Most Point in the continental United States, and the Mile 0 marker for US 1. We also enjoyed breakfast at the Banana Café which specializes in crepes. Six of the group had one of a variety of crepes; I opted for a Banana’s Foster waffle. It did not disappoint. After the ride, everyone was on their own for the afternoon.
Alan and I visited the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. It was hard to choose just a few photos to include in the blog because there were so many beautiful butterflies, moths and birds. Afterwards we ventured to the Southernmost Pint Brewpub - Blast Beer Company. We each had a flight and shared a cashew and beet hummus with tortilla chips. The humus was the star of the show and served as an appetizer because then we headed to the Waterfront Brewery for dinner. With dinner, I sampled a key lime cider and it was my favorite tasting of the day.
We ended the day at Mallory Square for the sunset ritual. The sun cooperated and provide an array of yellows and oranges. After sunset the rest of the group headed to the Conch Republic for dinner. We headed back to the hotel early in anticipation of 50 miles into a headwind the next day.
Sunset at Mallory Square
On the way to Downtown Key West.
Our group in a quick photo on the way to the southern most point in the continental U.S.
Breakfast at the Banana Café.
An iconic photo stop.
Why does a chicken cross the road?
I’ve had so much Key Lime pie this trip, that I only took a photo at this shop.
A beautiful Blue Morpho at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
An Atlas moth. I wish I had a reference for size in this picture because it was at least seven inches across.
This Malachite butterfly was one of my favorites. The photo doesn’t do the green justice.
Alan and I visited this brewery.
Sunset at Mallory Square.