The journey is as enchanting as the destination.  At least for me traveling SR 27 to Route 41 to and from the Florida Keys and Key West.  It's a ride I enjoy most alone because on a whim of discovery or moment of artistic opportunity, be it 3 am or 12 pm, I can stop and linger until my curious soul is satisfied.  Yes there are the ubiquitous alligators with DNA going back to the dinosaurs, but there is also the calm, peaceful spirit of the residents, the Miccosukee Indians which began inhabiting the area in the mid to late 1800's pressure by the influx of Europeans.

Traveling Rt. 41 towards Kendall is a scenic shortcut to the Keys.  Every passage promises a new adventure.  Fish are bountiful, as are birds of every indigenous kind, oh and did I mention the mosquitos.  I've seen baby bear crossing 27 in the dew of morn.  Once in the dark of night, I swerved to miss a huge, I mean 4.5 ft high or more grey heron standing in the middle of my lonely lane.  It never moved!  Airboats, unique galleries and isolated villages incites wonder on the daily life of the local folks.

Passing the 'Big Fish' as my Daughter, Natalia used to call it, entering the Keys just past Homestead and Florida City, you immediately know you are not on the mainland any more.  

I will save the rest for another post, but will let the pictures speak for themselves.  Finally, of all the places I have been blessed to visit and live, Key West is the only place I wake daily wanting to be.  Until the day I wake there not having to 'go home', I will continue to capture and share with you the beauty and quirkiness that is my Photo Journey to Key West.