another day in paradise - VIDEO

Its been such a "to die for" beautiful day today I thought I'd reprise this video I shot and put together on a very similar day a couple of years ago.

Enjoy. . .

southernmost point

"A larger than life concrete buoy marks the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, only 90 miles
from Cuba.
Located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, it's the backdrop for a Kodak moment for virtually every traveler to Key West."

Well, that's pretty much the party line on the thing. . .
Actually the southernmost point in the continental United States is somewhere along the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor and as for our red, black and yellow concrete buoy, it's more like 94 miles from Cuba. (but, trust me, I understand better than most that marketing trumps truth every time).

image courtesy of conchscooter

Back in the day, the site was marked by a much less ostentatious sign that was stolen as many times as the city could replace it. So in 1983 the city fathers (and mothers) decided to plant a little something that was just a bit too big to fit in the trunk of a car. Since then, our Southernmost Point buoy has been the most visited and photographed attraction in Key West. (mostly, I'm thinkin', because it's FREE)

I've even heard a story that the place is haunted and if you get there at dusk or just before dawn, when no one else is around, you might see the ghost of a young man gazing out over the water to the horizon.
But like I mentioned earlier, marketing trumps truth
every time.

another day in paradise - VIDEO

I'll admit that outside of offering helpful directions now and then or the occasional "where're you from" afternoon small talk at the Green Parrot, I don't have very much direct contact with our tourist visitors to Key West. But, always the artist (and an open minded one at that) I spent a little time with our visiting brothers and sisters last weekend.

Their Key West is an alternate reality to be sure. They come for some fun, too much time in the sun, a "cheeseburger in paradise" and by sunset they're back on the boat that brung 'em, leaving a little of their hard earned in their wake.

Say what you like, I've come away thinking it's a win-win for everyone.
(and yes, there was only one tune that could do it all justice)


click arrow to start video. run time, 4:14

key west walkabout, too

I've spent most of the day, this so far sunny Sunday, out and about shooting footage and stills for yet another Key West the Blog Video Feature. ( if you've missed some of the others, I'll leave a few links at the end of this post)

Anyway, as you might expect, I ended up with some serendipitous stuff that fell under the heading of yesterday's theme of mapping one's travels. Since the feature won't be finished for a few days I thought I'd post these odd bits in the meantime. . .

Greene Street

Ann Street

Pier B

Front Street

Mallory Square

South Street & Whitehead


Duval Street
(click arrow to start video. run time 42 secs.)

Additional Videos, if you care to. . .
FANTASY FESTIVITIES
PEACE VIGIL
CASA DE LA NAVIDAD

"it's all good!"

A new, exciting, colorful T-shirt design by Keys' local artist, Art Winstanley.

These high quality, printed T-shirts capture the freedom of spirit and fun in the sun that is Key West at it's best.
Featuring some of Key West's most popular landmarks and attractions, critters, street names and things to see and do in America's southermost city. (see below for details)

click image for enlarged view

Description: Active, comfy fashion with preshrunk cotton.

Key Features:
• Preshrunk 100% heavyweight cotton
• 6.1-oz.
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Seamless collarette
• Double-needle neck, sleeve and bottom hem
• Available in Large, Medium & Small sizes

Price: $30.00 (includes shipping)
(please allow 7 - 10 days for delivery)