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Post by hikerjer on Mar 24, 2016 13:02:22 GMT -8
I tentatively have a cross country bicycle tour scheduled for this summer. A few things have to fall in place for it to come to fruition, but at this point, it's looking good. I'd like to end the tour in Key West but I've heard some pretty negative things about hugely expensive motels/hotels, lack of camping facilities or just ones that cater to huge RVs at exorbitant costs and a generally negative attitude of local officials toward itinerant wanderers such as myself. Having never been there myself, I wonder if anyone with experience in Key West would care to comment and offer any suggestions.
As always, thanks much.
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Post by rwtb123 on Mar 24, 2016 14:27:43 GMT -8
I've ridden my bike self-supported down to the Keys twice.As Tdale says,the attraction is the Keys themselves ,particularly the more remote ones,not Key West which I didn't linger around very long either time.During the winter tourist season prices skyrocket but are more affordable during the off season.I actually stealth camped twice along the old bridges and once stayed at Long Key SP which has remote primitive sites which are like wooden platforms at a very reasonable price and which I would recommend as long as it's not summer when the no-see-ums are horrendous.
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Post by hikerjer on Mar 24, 2016 16:17:39 GMT -8
once stayed at Long Key SP which has remote primitive sites which are like wooden platforms at a very reasonable price Thanks. That sounds good. I'll be there mid or late October.
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Post by rwtb123 on Mar 24, 2016 17:01:55 GMT -8
www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/tripreport.asp?trip=568I was there in July, but it sounds like from this report no-see-ums are a year round problem.I still like the old bridges with sections missing to prevent thru traffic.People set up tents on them and fish all night and they are away from the mangroves and other coastal habitat that attracts so many insects.But,you are exposed to the wind, as I found out when a water spout formed and passed over me on an old bridge just outside Key West.
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VAN
Trail Wise!
Posts: 133
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Post by VAN on Mar 27, 2016 14:00:09 GMT -8
We were there 2 years ago. We stayed at a B&B we found online. It was nice. We went to dry tortugas also.
Try airbnb if you are looking for something cheap? Key west is really bike friendly, it's the last place I rode more then a few miles on one. You are probably not going to want to camp in the summer. The bugs. the heat. By October you might be ok. The satate parks fill up 6 months in advance. I don't know if you are prior military but there is a navy base, and a Navy Lodge that was relatively inexpensive also.
Good luck!
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null
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Post by null on Mar 28, 2016 1:22:16 GMT -8
Camping in the keys is pretty expensive and generally unavailable. About 10 years ago I stayed in Boyd's Camground. Hardly backcountry but it's about as close as you'll find to Key West. People there take a dim view of camping in part because of all the homeless people in the area. When you pass through Shelter Island, look through the trees and you'll see quite a few people living under the trees, on the beach or under their tiny boat ... or at least it used to be that way.
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Post by rwtb123 on Mar 28, 2016 7:25:38 GMT -8
Their tolerance for alternative lifestyles attracted a huge homeless population.When I was there the mangroves across from Smathers Beach were teeming with them,Shelter Is.,under bridges,etc.As Key West became more gentrified, it became such a problem they had a major crackdown ,thus the attitude in the OP towards wanderers there now.It is the start of the Eastern Continental Trail though,and it is almost obligatory to get your picture taken there when starting. In general,the people in the Keys are easygoing and friendly.I've read journals of hikers/cyclists getting permission to stay at churches,behind bars/restaurants/stores throughout the Keys.As in the rest of Florida, if you have a well maintained bike,stylish/decent panniers and clothing,and clean shaved you will be treated better.You don't want to be perceived as a homeless person or you will get hassled, particularly by law enforcement.
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Mar 28, 2016 9:46:39 GMT -8
Good point about being treated like a homeless person. Some of the Florida Trail hikers start in the Keys and stealth camp their way to the official southern terminus. Sometimes it goes well and other times it does not
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Post by badknees on Apr 3, 2016 14:18:33 GMT -8
Jerry. long time no speak. I lived in S. Fl for 30 yrs and know it quite well. There are campgrounds on a lot of the keys, with Boyds being the last in Key west. Keep in mind, for Boyds, it is solid coral and is windy at times, so steel nail pegs are the only way to keep a tent in place. PM me if you need some more info. PS: how are your knees? I am getting close! UGH!
John
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Roger
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Post by Roger on Apr 4, 2016 6:57:54 GMT -8
As far as bugs they are present all year. It is all a matter of numbers. If we have a dry cool winter there are fewer bug. From spring through fall there are plenty of mosquitoes and no-see-ums. A few years ago there was a Dengue outbreak in Key West which took a couple of years to eliminate. If you are prepared you will probably keep your sanity a most of your blood but there is no guarantee. All said it is a great place to visit.
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