When The Ancient Mariner complained, "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink," he could well have been speaking of the Florida Keys. This 100-mile-long chain of tiny islands is completely surrounded by water, none of which is potable. Ah, but the views are spectacular! From the southern-most point in the continental United States you can watch both the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset over Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

This is the self-proclaimed Conch Republic that "seceded" from the US in 1982 to protest the government's establishment of roadblocks to search and question everyone leaving the Keys. The secession ceremony was held in Mallory Square, the new Conch Republic flag was hoisted, and the rebels tossed a stale loaf of Cuban bread into the air - a token "shot" declaring war against the United States. Next they handed out passports to the citizens of the Conch Republic, "surrendered" to the US (to gain eligibility for foreign aid), and then they partied. That week-long celebration has become an annual event.

While you are here, take a boat or sea plane over to Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles (112.65 kilometers) west of Key West. This Civil War fort saw no action then, or, in fact, since. However, snorkeling, swimming, bird and loggerhead turtle watching are all excellent here.

It's easy to understand why Ernest "Papa" Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet fell in love with the Keys. Go ahead, come on down. And don't worry about those roadblocks - they disappeared long ago!