What’s a trip to Key West without the iconic Southernmost Point photo? Well, of course, it would still be a trip to Key West, and that’s all fine and pretty darn good, but we decided to indulge our inner tourist and go for it. Jill heard it’s best to go early to beat the long line, and that was a fantastic tip.
The line moves quickly, unless, of course, you’re like us and find yourself behind a senior portrait photo shoot. C’mon, folks, I’m all about making sure sweet Jennifer-Rebecca-Elizabeth’s last year in high school is commemorated in a unique way, but outfit changes? Really?! There’s a line, people! While waiting for our turn, I strolled around for a couple surrounding shots.
Statue of Albert Kee
The Conch Blowing Greeter
Albert Kee was Key West’s unofficial goodwill ambassador. He would stand at the Southernmost Point, blow on a conch shell, then while waving he would yell, “Welcome to the island!” to anyone and everyone. He did this right up until his death in 2003. Dedicated some years later, this bronze statue memorializes him.
After only about a 15 minute wait, we were at the front of the line. Smile! Click! We’re outta here!
The “bouy” marking the Southernmost Point
There is a great amount of debate as to whether or not this is the TRUE Southernmost Point, as there are islands in the chain of the Keys that are further south. Those islands, however, are all privately owned, so this is what is known to be the public Southernmost Point. If you’re more of a scholar regarding this debatable factoid, please feel free to weigh in with a comment.
Keep looking up 🙂