tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31923142062806028082024-03-13T14:25:16.617-04:00Last DanceMVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-28620821130369462802015-12-23T11:40:00.000-05:002018-04-29T18:11:44.214-04:00Second Time Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLb-HLXXm5c/VnrKVefuwUI/AAAAAAAAKXI/TXL6qluepnQ/s1600/SealBayLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLb-HLXXm5c/VnrKVefuwUI/AAAAAAAAKXI/TXL6qluepnQ/s640/SealBayLD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Realizing the weather-driven pace of completing the Great Loop in one year does not allow sufficient time to visit and enjoy all the many interesting places in eastern North America, the crew of Last Dance made the decision to continue the journey. Loop Two began in the fall/winter of 2012 with a cruise up the St. Johns River, then north on the east coast to Maine in 2013. The second Loop will require multiple years with Last Dance spending the winters in heated storage. To view the places visited on Loop Two, click the link below:<br />
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<a href="http://greatlooplastdance.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Click Here to View Loop Two Blog</span></a></div>
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The image above is from the 2015 cruise to Maine, with Last Dance at anchor in Seal Bay, a very protected cove on the island of Vinalhaven in Penobscot Bay.MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-48647320103751575762012-08-31T07:47:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:12:46.279-04:00Loop Completion - Part 3 - Return to St. Augustine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nakRYcvEs58/UDrN2alXbXI/AAAAAAAAFns/ad71de4E5u0/s1600/GreatLoopPath2sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nakRYcvEs58/UDrN2alXbXI/AAAAAAAAFns/ad71de4E5u0/s640/GreatLoopPath2sm.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">500 Days</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8000 miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Countless Memories</span></div>
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The third completion point of the Great Loop was reached on July 6, 2012, at the point the continuous journey began on March 1, 2011. The adventure, circumnavigating eastern North America via waterways, took the Last Dance crew to many interesting places in the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas. From some of the largest cities to uninhabited islands, interesting and beautiful vistas were experienced. More importantly, many new friends were made in many different places. Thanks to all our old friends who followed us along this journey and to the many new friends developed along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ard2cHFrRJ4/UDrTjU16okI/AAAAAAAAFn8/eoOs8JEz7u4/s1600/StAugustineReturn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ard2cHFrRJ4/UDrTjU16okI/AAAAAAAAFn8/eoOs8JEz7u4/s400/StAugustineReturn2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Gold ALGCA burgee, signifying the completion of the Great Loop was taken to one of the most famous of St. Augustine landmarks, the Bridge of Lions, posed by the northern lion.<br />
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At the time of this posting, Last Dance is undergoing major maintenance in preparation for her next adventure, of which there are multiple options. One is to sell the boat and move onto the next dreamboat - larger of course. The second is to continue cruising on Last Dance, albeit at a slower pace. How can you travel at a slower pace than 7 mph? By traveling shorter days and staying longer at each location visited. The fall will find her traveling north until the cold weather dictates a turn to the south or someone decides to make Last Dance their cruising platform.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dfkhJvA8OI/UDrXalRe6QI/AAAAAAAAFoM/6jjbP2zIwBM/s1600/FLStAugBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dfkhJvA8OI/UDrXalRe6QI/AAAAAAAAFoM/6jjbP2zIwBM/s640/FLStAugBay.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Augustine Bay</td></tr>
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-72683395427125250072012-08-26T21:29:00.001-04:002018-04-29T18:15:15.174-04:00Bahama Islands - Miscellaneous Ramblings<b>Towing</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOtueAplYUk/UDqblQybUuI/AAAAAAAAFnM/wEtDLvnmzDY/s1600/TowingLD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOtueAplYUk/UDqblQybUuI/AAAAAAAAFnM/wEtDLvnmzDY/s640/TowingLD2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pearl, a13' Boston Whaler, trails Last Dance on her short painter (a line attached to a bow of a boat for towing or making fast). The deck of Last Dance is not large enough, nor is the lifting system stout enough, to carry a sizable dinghy aboard. In the Bahamas, a large dinghy makes a great diving platform and adequate fishing boat. So, towing a dinghy provides a great boating resource, though it adds complications and safety issues. Here, heading home to St. Augustine, leaving an anchorage in Ft. Pierce, FL.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gc339j8Gins/UDpxpIbQfII/AAAAAAAAFk4/MvOs4pRA8n0/s1600/ExBigBoatTow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gc339j8Gins/UDpxpIbQfII/AAAAAAAAFk4/MvOs4pRA8n0/s400/ExBigBoatTow.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Even large boats find needs for support boats too big to load aboard. Here, a sizable motor yacht tows a 21 foot center console fishing boat in the Exumas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q24jjNkSDzM/UDp6Wt3TZrI/AAAAAAAAFlI/TjvtBiZYoVA/s1600/ExWardDinghy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q24jjNkSDzM/UDp6Wt3TZrI/AAAAAAAAFlI/TjvtBiZYoVA/s400/ExWardDinghy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And some wish to have a tender that is even too large to tow. The 36' quadruple-engined RIB (rigid inflatable boat) accompanied a 100+ foot yacht. Here, it is backing to a 47' Nordhavn to pick up someone for a gathering on the mothership.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KED3v-WRspY/UDp8ryB0-HI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/pNESFBMl1vg/s1600/TowingHopeTown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KED3v-WRspY/UDp8ryB0-HI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/pNESFBMl1vg/s400/TowingHopeTown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have numerous interests on the water, you can tow multiple boats. Here, off Elbow Cay in the Abacos, a cruiser tows an Abaco racing dinghy (the famous Abaco Rage), an off-shore fishing boat, and a flats boat.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHru3O929Tc/UDp-CntPdnI/AAAAAAAAFlY/2dV4-NPKs2A/s1600/AllansTow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHru3O929Tc/UDp-CntPdnI/AAAAAAAAFlY/2dV4-NPKs2A/s400/AllansTow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are no towing services, such as BoatUS or SeaTow, in the Bahamas. If you experience difficulties, you are on your own. Here, a 36' Krogen Manatee, which had a transmission fail, is towed by a generous guy, who was single-handing a 34' Marine Trader. It took 2 days to tow the boat to the nearest mechanic.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RFhW7EQ6oM/UDp_I2uVTzI/AAAAAAAAFlg/xMuE-01ptII/s1600/GTDeflatable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RFhW7EQ6oM/UDp_I2uVTzI/AAAAAAAAFlg/xMuE-01ptII/s400/GTDeflatable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Inflatables</b><br />
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Boats with inflatable pontoons are the most popular type of dinghy accompanying cruisers in the Bahamas. The inflatable at right demonstrates why the crew of Last Dance tends to describe this type of boat as a "deflatable," although never in earshot of Rubber Ducky, which sits on the aft deck of Last Dance.<br />
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<b>Big Boats</b><br />
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Megayachts travel in the Bahamas, particularly in the Exuma Islands. The large number of them testifies to the fact that the one percenters are doing well. Above, at Manjack Cay, two mega yachts are rafted side to side, with a string of water toys (other boats) on a line behind the boats.<br />
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<b>Pay Up</b><br />
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The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a 176 square mile park that is a no-take zone, creating waters filled with sea life for exploration. The park has very secure moorings in protected harbors, for which there is a daily charge. At the Cambridge Island moorings, cruisers are expected to place their payment in a box on a small island. The park rangers come to check on payments, and will make personal visits to boats whose crew have not made the trip to the small island. A member of the Royal Bahamian Defense Force, carrying an AK47, accompanies the ranger. The Last Dance crew always made the long trip to the box on the island.<br />
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<b>Laid-Back, Easy-Going Pace</b><br />
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The only bank on Green Turtle Cay, in downtown New Plymouth, has hours that brings new meaning to the term "Bankers' Hours." The staff arrives on the morning ferry with a satchel of money and a guard, then returns to the mainland (as Big Abaco Island is called) on the early afternoon ferry - twice a week.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAqxvreWcKU/UDqBizFNoCI/AAAAAAAAFl0/XJw_rHjBdDQ/s1600/GTLibraryHours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAqxvreWcKU/UDqBizFNoCI/AAAAAAAAFl0/XJw_rHjBdDQ/s400/GTLibraryHours.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />
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The library is open Monday through Friday, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. The sign on the door denotes different days, but to be accurate, it would require making a new sign - not consistent with laidbackness.<br />
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One of the interesting aspects of cruising remote areas is the wildlife encountered. This Land Crab, ready to protect his turf, was in the woods on a very skinny peninsula at Powell Cay.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSUM3y4H_-4/UDqETH8zjeI/AAAAAAAAFmM/FqvZYR0a-20/s1600/CritterSand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSUM3y4H_-4/UDqETH8zjeI/AAAAAAAAFmM/FqvZYR0a-20/s400/CritterSand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Only a few feet away, on the beach, this Ghost Crab stands still, believing he cannot be seen if he doesn't move. Although these two species of crabs share a small piece of the island, they would never interact as they inhabit different terrain.<br />
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A favorite in the underwater world is the Trigger Fish. When Jill talks to them, they will come close. This Trigger, just off the beach on Powell, came within one foot. They have not learned to enjoy being petted, but give Jill a little time.<br />
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<b><br /></b> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaVYMsAGu_E/UDqOfvLQETI/AAAAAAAAFmk/_w7Ru7XW4JA/s1600/BookWind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaVYMsAGu_E/UDqOfvLQETI/AAAAAAAAFmk/_w7Ru7XW4JA/s400/BookWind.jpg" width="245" /></a><b>Reading List</b><br />
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<u>Wind from the Carolinas</u> is historical fiction, written much in the style of James A. Michener, describing the lives of the people who fled the United States after the Revolutionary War. It is centered in the Exumas, following a family from the Carolinas who settle on Grand Exuma, attempting to recreate their plantation life. This book is an interesting-to-read account of the Loyalists and British adventurers who colonized the Bahama Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diLNcTJBcP0/UDqQv0mBKLI/AAAAAAAAFms/m0amv2lXqkw/s1600/BookOutIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diLNcTJBcP0/UDqQv0mBKLI/AAAAAAAAFms/m0amv2lXqkw/s400/BookOutIsland.jpg" width="261" /></a><br />
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<u>Out-Island Doctor</u> is an autobiography of an Indiana high school science teacher who retires and moves to the Bahamas. Through self-study and a short internship, he is licensed as a physician to serve the small islands. An Abaco boat builder constructed a ketch for him, which he used to travel the islands serving as the only doctor for many out islands. This book provides a glimpse of life in the Bahama Islands during the late 1940's and 1950's and the adventures of a Midwesterner adjusting to a very different life.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSGEct8YIBA/UDqTLN9kf8I/AAAAAAAAFm0/eW5uYdNUeSE/s1600/BookDontStop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSGEct8YIBA/UDqTLN9kf8I/AAAAAAAAFm0/eW5uYdNUeSE/s400/BookDontStop.jpg" width="270" /></a><br />
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Set in the Caribbean, not the Bahamas, <u>Don't Stop the Carnival</u> describes how the laid-back lifestyle of the islands challenges an American who buys and operates a hotel/resort in the islands. This book is a favorite of Jimmy Buffett, who purchased and operated a hotel in the Caribbean. Buffett collaborated with Herman Wouk to write a musical based on the book. It is a fun, fictional account of life in "paradise."<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-35716153988164402172012-08-26T21:29:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:23:56.662-04:00Northern Bahamas - Abaco Islands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_XRFe6KcLo/UBBrdMP_7TI/AAAAAAAAFg8/QAzFIvI6zu0/s1600/LHSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_XRFe6KcLo/UBBrdMP_7TI/AAAAAAAAFg8/QAzFIvI6zu0/s400/LHSunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Leaving Spanish Wells, crossing the 15,000 foot deep Northeast Passage, brought Last Dance to the first stop in the Abacos, <b>Little Harbor</b>. The only time that sunlight was experienced was at sunset, thus the sunset photo of the harbor beginning the post. The famous Pete's Pub can be seen in the previous post. It is a great, laid-back pub with delicious food. The tuna served at dinner was caught earlier that day. Protected harbor, good food and drink makes windy weather appear much more pleasing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zH0YjjVXaiI/UBBrJuWciZI/AAAAAAAAFg0/VnE8CjigIAk/s1600/HopeTownMarina2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zH0YjjVXaiI/UBBrJuWciZI/AAAAAAAAFg0/VnE8CjigIAk/s400/HopeTownMarina2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>Hope Town, on Elbow Cay,</b> is home to the famous, red-striped lighthouse. Rather than repeat that old landmark, a newly renovated Hope Town Marina is pictured at right. The open-air bar with an in-pool serving station is a grand place to spend some time with friends. It is quite a step up from the previous marina.<br />
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The woodwork and craftsmanship is alone worth a visit. An amazing hammered copper art mobile hangs in the tower portion of the building.<br />
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While on a mooring at Hope Town Marina, a large waterspout ran along the edge of Elbow Cay. Some aspects of bad weather can be entertaining, as long as they stay at a distance.<br />
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Architecture is one of the interesting aspects of strolls through Hope Town. It remains one of the more appealing of the inhabited islands.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RBPb-0uTXg/UCenjpxqCvI/AAAAAAAAFjA/ZaocUfY4ZGs/s1600/MOWAbacoSail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RBPb-0uTXg/UCenjpxqCvI/AAAAAAAAFjA/ZaocUfY4ZGs/s400/MOWAbacoSail2.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<b>Man-O-War Cay</b> is known for boat building. The Albury Brothers skiffs are favorites of those fishing Bahamian waters. The graceful, wooden Abaco sailing skiffs are still being built on Man-O-War.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bY8WaVgqLWY/UCeoVPI-_zI/AAAAAAAAFjI/1UavnqQXBpI/s1600/MOWLolaHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bY8WaVgqLWY/UCeoVPI-_zI/AAAAAAAAFjI/1UavnqQXBpI/s400/MOWLolaHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another of the famous Man-O-War residents is baker Lola. She is often along the harbor in her golf cart selling her baked goods, particularly her wonderful coconut bread. She was not on the wharf, so the crew found her home, which doubles as her bakery.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DENHjRMaQAc/UCeoiXhhdhI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/YI4YASVBsx8/s1600/MOWLola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DENHjRMaQAc/UCeoiXhhdhI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/YI4YASVBsx8/s400/MOWLola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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An added bonus of finding Lola's home was meeting her husband who makes conch fritter dough for sale. Many a meal was enhanced aboard Last Dance with fresh conch fritters. French toast made with Lola's coconut bread is amazingly delicious.<br />
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<b>Great Guana Cay</b> is famous for the bar/restaurant Nippers, and infamous for the upscale Baker's Bay resort and golf course being built on the west end of the island - one example of the old charm of the Abacos being rapidly changed by big money. Good anchorages and natural beauty remain as a sunset from the anchorage in Fisher's Bay attests.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfBDerDcwTg/UDprlGjYNGI/AAAAAAAAFkg/cV1lO9rWscA/s1600/GuanaSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfBDerDcwTg/UDprlGjYNGI/AAAAAAAAFkg/cV1lO9rWscA/s640/GuanaSunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New Plymouth on<b> Green Turtle Cay</b> has a sculpture garden memorializing the Loyalist who fled the new United States after the Revolution. Being loyal to England and King George, they settled in the British colony of the Bahamas, among the Abaco Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTQJpuw9_5k/UB8VfcmBI7I/AAAAAAAAFiA/DqKzhA3L3wE/s1600/GTSculpture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTQJpuw9_5k/UB8VfcmBI7I/AAAAAAAAFiA/DqKzhA3L3wE/s400/GTSculpture4.jpg" width="287" /></a><br />
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New Plymouth and Key West are sister cities and their sculpture gardens are related through the artist creating the sculptures. The Loyalist garden is laid out on a large Union Jack of the British flag.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J11xV5LSkT8/UB8VvyAUtHI/AAAAAAAAFiI/Cgoa2d4aEMg/s1600/GTSculpture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J11xV5LSkT8/UB8VvyAUtHI/AAAAAAAAFiI/Cgoa2d4aEMg/s400/GTSculpture3.jpg" width="277" /></a><br />
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The names of those honored are familiar since the current residents are all related to the few Loyalists who established their new home in the Bahama Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fjkW2PnqVc/UDa0LctM7MI/AAAAAAAAFjg/pIlHqzSNrsk/s1600/GTAnchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fjkW2PnqVc/UDa0LctM7MI/AAAAAAAAFjg/pIlHqzSNrsk/s400/GTAnchor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The populated islands have a government dock where shallow-draft freight ships dock to unload cargo. Everything on the island arrives on the freighter, from food to golf carts. On a day when the freighter was not at the dock, Last Dance anchored in the bay.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiynHzXvi38/UDa0XSHKnhI/AAAAAAAAFjo/4VX6bmim900/s1600/GTCustomsMan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiynHzXvi38/UDa0XSHKnhI/AAAAAAAAFjo/4VX6bmim900/s400/GTCustomsMan.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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The main government revenue in the Bahamas is an import tax. So, the taxman sets up his office at the dock when the freighter lands, keeping track of all items coming off the boat and being loaded. The Bahamians mostly attend college in the United States, so sports allegiances are familiar. Our taxman is a Gamecock fan.<br />
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The Green Turtle Library, which is a great resource for cruisers, is located in an old house. The original kitchen has been kept intact, giving a view of life and architecture in the Bahamas.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIuhU5-q05U/UDpnT9PyiiI/AAAAAAAAFj4/eFGHtPvEg1Y/s1600/GTJail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIuhU5-q05U/UDpnT9PyiiI/AAAAAAAAFj4/eFGHtPvEg1Y/s400/GTJail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Bahamas are colorful. All of the Government buildings in New Plymouth are painted pink, even the old jail.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd4ADnEauFQ/UDpnz8gdNbI/AAAAAAAAFkA/sLjEPMJh9rw/s1600/GTFlower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd4ADnEauFQ/UDpnz8gdNbI/AAAAAAAAFkA/sLjEPMJh9rw/s320/GTFlower3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Color also abound in the tropical flowers growing throughout the islands.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih2YJrE9S9w/UDppNYFKwVI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/AQ0y-sBHPtM/s1600/ManjackDinghy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih2YJrE9S9w/UDppNYFKwVI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/AQ0y-sBHPtM/s400/ManjackDinghy.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b></b> <b>Manjack Cay</b> is the next major island to the west. There are only three houses on the island and the largest landowner is most cruiser friendly. The beach next to his house is open to all to use, along with an assortment of water toys and an in-water tiki hut.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04WzJdTevYk/UDpqVtlG3lI/AAAAAAAAFkY/sUisngzangA/s1600/ManjackSailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04WzJdTevYk/UDpqVtlG3lI/AAAAAAAAFkY/sUisngzangA/s400/ManjackSailboat.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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One of the water toys is a gaff-rigged Abaco sailing dinghy. It provided great fun sailing through the harbor. Once, boats of this size were used to travel through the island chain. This red-sailed boat is similar to one described in the historical fiction <u>Wind from the Carolinas</u>, describing the Bahamas at the time of the Loyalist arrival.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZUMd6Mp4pU/UDpt7-gV8hI/AAAAAAAAFko/06O5mKYHq1U/s1600/ManjackSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZUMd6Mp4pU/UDpt7-gV8hI/AAAAAAAAFko/06O5mKYHq1U/s640/ManjackSunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Manjack</td></tr>
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-89585327371143801422012-06-03T08:36:00.000-04:002012-06-03T08:36:08.742-04:00Loop Completion - Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUOJDv10Dw4/T8tM9iY8g4I/AAAAAAAAFeg/70OC4t3-keQ/s1600/Loop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUOJDv10Dw4/T8tM9iY8g4I/AAAAAAAAFeg/70OC4t3-keQ/s640/Loop2.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Td-Rs4NIIEQ/T8tNKcSmaHI/AAAAAAAAFeo/mWhoSUx-Q-g/s1600/AbLhPetesPub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Td-Rs4NIIEQ/T8tNKcSmaHI/AAAAAAAAFeo/mWhoSUx-Q-g/s400/AbLhPetesPub.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Arrival at Little Harbor, Abaco, completed another crossing of Last Dance's wake and completion of the Great Loop. The title photo in the blog was taken at Little Harbor on July 14, 2007. The purple line denotes the cruise from Little Harbor to St. Augustine that year -- the red follows the trip in 2011 and 2012 -- a journey just shy of 5 years.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-476CrnU8L4g/T8tOSeYfHXI/AAAAAAAAFew/pw3-NljgNz0/s1600/AbLhPeteGold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-476CrnU8L4g/T8tOSeYfHXI/AAAAAAAAFew/pw3-NljgNz0/s400/AbLhPeteGold.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The full moon rising over Pete's Pub in Little Harbor provided a unique venue for the completion celebration. Abaco's most famous resident, Pete Johnson, sculptor and bar proprietor, joined the crew for the unveiling of the gold burgee. Pete's fortified tropical drink, the Blaster, helped create a jovial atmosphere.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq5M8yP0JZU/T8tPaGH0gNI/AAAAAAAAFe4/ILGn8DQDGSY/s1600/AbLhPeteBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq5M8yP0JZU/T8tPaGH0gNI/AAAAAAAAFe4/ILGn8DQDGSY/s400/AbLhPeteBack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pete suggested a poise for the occasion since the trio were all attired in Pete's Pub and Gallery shirts.<br />
<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-8683906141700014742012-06-03T08:33:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:33:33.926-04:00Central Bahamas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcA6GIfI43w/T8pvymQe6LI/AAAAAAAAFWc/jrc0KfR6PdE/s1600/CBahamaPath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcA6GIfI43w/T8pvymQe6LI/AAAAAAAAFWc/jrc0KfR6PdE/s640/CBahamaPath.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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The side trip from the Great Loop to the Central Bahama Islands was planned to continue south past Great Exuma Island and across the Tropic of Cancer. Instead of the normal blue skies associated with the islands in the spring of the year, the crew experienced high winds, rough seas, gray skies, and rain. With the need to return home sooner, the journey was cut short. The voyage accomplished included stops at Bimini, Andros, past Nassau, a number of Exuma Cays and Eleuthera.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCndUfQpww/T8p0ZKk6SNI/AAAAAAAAFXA/xysCZFciHiA/s1600/ChartLargesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCndUfQpww/T8p0ZKk6SNI/AAAAAAAAFXA/xysCZFciHiA/s400/ChartLargesm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A look at the location of the Bahama Islands may be helpful to understand this voyage. This island country is east of South Florida and north of Cuba. From the Florida Keys, a trip to Cuba would have been a similar distance. A number of areas of deep water (as much as 15,000 feet) have to be transited.<br />
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<b>Bimini</b><br />
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The bright blue waters of Bimini greeted Last Dance after a crossing of the Gulf Stream from Key Largo. After a long day on rolling seas, the sight of land is always welcomed.<br />
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Bimini is located closer to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida than it is to any of the other major Bahama islands. Its location has made it a major entry point to the country and, with deep, fish-filled waters within sight of shore, it draws many U.S. based fishing tournaments.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXP3XdpfZxw/T8p4njUOeMI/AAAAAAAAFXk/0qanZeDoEQQ/s1600/BIDolphinHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXP3XdpfZxw/T8p4njUOeMI/AAAAAAAAFXk/0qanZeDoEQQ/s400/BIDolphinHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The color and quaintness of the Bahamian communities are quickly visible in Bimini. The Dolphin House has a museum on the first floor and rental apartments on the second. The outside of the building is covered in tile and stone.<br />
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The small Methodist church displays interesting architecture. Were the flying buttresses part of the original design or a shoring up after a storm?<br />
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Bimini consists of two islands: South Bimini and North Bimini. While North Bimini has the most population and is the seat of government, South Bimini had the old military runway and, thus the airport. Not to be outdone, North Bimini also has an airport, pictured at left. Seaplanes land in the harbor alongside of the marinas and taxi onto this beach -- negates the need to take the ferry between the islands.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgLiPvmVRY0/T8p8Izfbk7I/AAAAAAAAFX8/BJ6sqCgTAsE/s1600/BiBigBoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgLiPvmVRY0/T8p8Izfbk7I/AAAAAAAAFX8/BJ6sqCgTAsE/s400/BiBigBoat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many larger boats cruise the central Bahamas. AlumimericA is a 123'8" yacht, built in Holland, having traveled around Cape Horn and cruised the Alaskan coast. As with many larger boats, it is available for charter (you shouldn't miss the opportunity). With that name, you would correctly guess that it is constructed of aluminum.<br />
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<b>Anchoring on the Banks</b><br />
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With customs and a Bahamian telephone purchase delaying departure from Bimini, no island could be reached before sunset. A new experience of anchoring in the middle of the Bahama Banks, out of sight of any object, other than the setting sun, was a new experience for the crew.<br />
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<b>Andros</b><br />
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Andros is the largest and probably the least visited of all the Bahama islands. A trip from the anchorage on the Banks to the small town of Fresh Creek, on the eastern shore, was planned to provide a starting point for a crossing of the deep Tongue of The Ocean. But, as seems the norm for this trip, plans were changed by the weather. A large storm developed, making the already uncomfortable waters of the Tongue unpleasant. Fortunately, the northern end of Andros has a harbor, Murphys Bluff, that provided a protected anchorage. An unknown benefit was experienced here. The only business in Murphys Bluff is Willie's Bar. If you stop in and buy a drink, Willie will give you the password to his WiFi, which has a strong signal reaching the harbor. This WiFi was less expensive than most connections in the islands and included an extra benefit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCFcFITukKA/T8qB69pKIWI/AAAAAAAAFYo/MhwNmoVJv6A/s1600/AnBoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCFcFITukKA/T8qB69pKIWI/AAAAAAAAFYo/MhwNmoVJv6A/s400/AnBoat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The harbor was also host to many boats abandoned by their owners. Options abound for those interested in a project boat with no initial investment.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoYKmB-4jQk/T8qDBBK-qKI/AAAAAAAAFYw/iVUiuf30pqc/s1600/AnSeaUrchin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoYKmB-4jQk/T8qDBBK-qKI/AAAAAAAAFYw/iVUiuf30pqc/s400/AnSeaUrchin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Numerous sea urchins were in the shallow waters of the harbor. They camouflage themselves by picking up shells and holding them on their backs. This poor guy found a plastic fork and is carrying it around. An example of how plastic is causing damage to the islands.<br />
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<b>Exumas</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XCO8fdcWRA/T8qGU4Sb8YI/AAAAAAAAFZU/RRB9eT4MnZc/s1600/ExWardParkOfficesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XCO8fdcWRA/T8qGU4Sb8YI/AAAAAAAAFZU/RRB9eT4MnZc/s640/ExWardParkOfficesm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Exuma Land and Sea Park is a 176 square mile area including many islands and an 8 mile wide area of water along the island chain. Some of the islands in the park are park owned, others private, including one owned by Johnnie Depp. It is a no-take zone, with no fishing, lobstering, or shelling. This provides for an environment rich in sea life. Just to the right of the park office (above) is a reef full of coral, wide variety of fish, and huge lobsters.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSU8u7JhUk/T8qJfuprFLI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ih90D_ETOCg/s1600/ExWardNEnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSU8u7JhUk/T8qJfuprFLI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/Ih90D_ETOCg/s640/ExWardNEnd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Park headquarters is on Warderick Wells Cay, which has many natural attractions.<br />
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The eastern shore of Warderick Wells borders the deep waters of Exuma Sound with tall bluffs of ironstone worn by continually crashing waves.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXea-LhyzwA/T8qPIr3HikI/AAAAAAAAFao/N5ZLPMdwDAs/s1600/ExWardNEndMoorings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXea-LhyzwA/T8qPIr3HikI/AAAAAAAAFao/N5ZLPMdwDAs/s400/ExWardNEndMoorings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The western shore borders the shallow Bahama Banks and has a harbor protected by a chain of smaller islands. There is a narrow creek-like deep waterway cut along the island by the tidal currents. The Park has installed moorings along this area creating secure, protected places to stop.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbXssvWYiTw/T8qQjEOawiI/AAAAAAAAFaw/6EEDXOr3v5E/s1600/ExWardEmerald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbXssvWYiTw/T8qQjEOawiI/AAAAAAAAFaw/6EEDXOr3v5E/s400/ExWardEmerald.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Emerald Rock lies on the west side of Warderick Wells and has some interesting reefs around it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QMrFMoWlio/T8qRLkuoV5I/AAAAAAAAFa4/MkYS2WFsm90/s1600/ExWardEmeraldBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QMrFMoWlio/T8qRLkuoV5I/AAAAAAAAFa4/MkYS2WFsm90/s400/ExWardEmeraldBeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are beaches behind Emerald Rock with hiking trails across the island. One of the trails at this point leads past the ruins of a settlement of Loyalists who moved to the Bahamas in the late 1700's, after the American Revolution.<br />
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One trail leads across the island to the highest point, BooBoo Hill. The hike provides a slice of the different terrain and variety of fauna on the island.<br />
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BooBoo Hill not only provides amazing views of the islands and waters, it is a place where cruisers document their arrival at the island with names of boats inscribed on pieces of driftwood.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcBaC-iUPvE/T8s-rNBS0kI/AAAAAAAAFbk/ANodNE37PIY/s1600/ExWardHappyHour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcBaC-iUPvE/T8s-rNBS0kI/AAAAAAAAFbk/ANodNE37PIY/s400/ExWardHappyHour.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Amazing places are reached by cruising through the Exuma Cays. Cruising also brings one in contact with many interesting people. At the weekly happy hour at the Park, cruisers mingled and also got to know some of the Bahama Defense Force members stationed here.<br />
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The Park has moorings at other islands within the park boundaries, including Cambridge Cay above. On the east side of the island, a large rock stands just offshore. Its name is derived from its shape - Bell Rock.<br />
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Each island has local flora and fauna, often different from island to island.<br />
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Low tide reveals the Bahamian snails among the rocks.<br />
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The Exumas are known for their clear waters. Here, Pearl seems to float in the air behind Last Dance.<br />
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Much of the beauty of the Exumas lies under the water. A purchase of an underwater camera was considered for this part of the journey, but one was never obtained. Fortunately, Robin Roberts has such equipment and shared some images she captured.<br />
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Coral formations at the Aquarium Reef near Cambridge.<br />
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Queen Angel<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwufBrX285s/T8tDOD5fvNI/AAAAAAAAFck/qK9dYMRmJJ8/s1600/ExUWSergeantMajors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwufBrX285s/T8tDOD5fvNI/AAAAAAAAFck/qK9dYMRmJJ8/s400/ExUWSergeantMajors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sargent Majors<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrJ6t____5I/T8tDiy6w1QI/AAAAAAAAFcs/A0d78GycFRk/s1600/ExUWChristmastreeWorms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrJ6t____5I/T8tDiy6w1QI/AAAAAAAAFcs/A0d78GycFRk/s400/ExUWChristmastreeWorms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Christmas Tree Worms on Brain Coral<br />
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A Lion Fish swims at Emerald Rock. The invasive species was introduced to waters in Florida and the Bahamas by pet owners who, when tired of the care required, dumped their aquariums into the sea. The Lion Fish has poisonous tips on their feather-like fins and have no natural enemies in these waters. Another of man's negative interactions with the environment.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PP-SCnaTeKo/T8tE4FMUKAI/AAAAAAAAFc8/d7kuPSQGO_U/s1600/ExWardSunsetLast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PP-SCnaTeKo/T8tE4FMUKAI/AAAAAAAAFc8/d7kuPSQGO_U/s640/ExWardSunsetLast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An amazing sunset on the second visit to Warderick Wells. What made this sunset so notable was that this short glimpse of the fiery orb was its only appearance in three days.<br />
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<b>Spanish Wells, Eleuthera</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5L2GX7u80/T8tGwG6edRI/AAAAAAAAFdE/c3pF7s0b0IQ/s1600/SWBoat1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5L2GX7u80/T8tGwG6edRI/AAAAAAAAFdE/c3pF7s0b0IQ/s400/SWBoat1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Spanish Wells is an island at the northern end of Eleuthera. It is a Bahamian settlement with an economy based on fishing. The crawfish boats are all in great condition, many appear like new. There are no hotels, resorts or bars on the island.<br />
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Spanish Wells does have the colorful, tropical-landscaped homes of the Bahamas.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuwbZM-xVCE/T8tI_YnGkdI/AAAAAAAAFd4/sLvN7OAkJnE/s1600/SWSchool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuwbZM-xVCE/T8tI_YnGkdI/AAAAAAAAFd4/sLvN7OAkJnE/s400/SWSchool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even the Spanish Wells All Ages School is painted colorfully.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2myuEFEp0fk/T8tJSw25pgI/AAAAAAAAFeA/CpIQomyS1Po/s1600/SWRailway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2myuEFEp0fk/T8tJSw25pgI/AAAAAAAAFeA/CpIQomyS1Po/s400/SWRailway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are only two main roads on the island. The one along the bay side of the island crosses the marine railway at the repair yard. A section of road has to be removed to move boats from the water to the work area. But, with the laid-back pace of the Bahamians, no one probably notices when the road is closed.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ3RTpHDlTY/T8tKA9Q4NKI/AAAAAAAAFeI/a3bN-zJlK6w/s1600/SWSideStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ3RTpHDlTY/T8tKA9Q4NKI/AAAAAAAAFeI/a3bN-zJlK6w/s400/SWSideStreet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VwVwIcgUzU/T8tKuxeWUAI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/AJozlHH1C4U/s1600/SWChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VwVwIcgUzU/T8tKuxeWUAI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/AJozlHH1C4U/s400/SWChurch.jpg" width="400" /></a>The side streets connecting the two parallel roads were designed when transportation methods were by walking or animal. Today, golf carts are the main mode of transportation on the island.<br />
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The road on the other side of the island is located a bit off the northern shoreline, which gives great views to buildings located there. The Methodist Church sits right on the ocean.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH_PiAyvDec/T8tLvORrM1I/AAAAAAAAFeY/MWzq9bWocGs/s1600/SWBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH_PiAyvDec/T8tLvORrM1I/AAAAAAAAFeY/MWzq9bWocGs/s640/SWBeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To the north of Spanish Wells lies the deep and wide Northeast Providence Channel, a body of water that must be crossed to reach the Abaco Islands. This makes Spanish Wells a good place to wait for settled weather, which was not to be on the day of this photo.MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-25416883204825553302012-04-29T11:53:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:37:25.143-04:00Key West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-aV_1IiFgM/T5xp-tvgs7I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/T-JY0DIdrSc/s1600/KeyWestPoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-aV_1IiFgM/T5xp-tvgs7I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/T-JY0DIdrSc/s400/KeyWestPoint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Key West was at one time the largest and wealthiest city in Florida, in an economy based on shipwrecks. It has always been a bit different from the rest of the world and remains so today. In 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol set up a roadblock at the north end of the Keys to search for drugs, blocking US1, the only access. Traffic was at a standstill, residents could not get home, tourists canceled reservations. The protests of the Keys' citizens were ignored. So, the reasoning that if the U.S. border was north of the Keys, they must be outside the U.S. Based on that rationale, they declared themselves an independent country - The Conch Republic. And, so it continues, a different culture, a different country.<br />
The most photographed landmark must be the Southernmost Point monument. Not to miss a Key West tradition, the crew of Last Dance captured an image to prove travel to the famed point.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsdzf8dQgk4/T5xs752mSWI/AAAAAAAAFRA/a16xA5tnFzY/s1600/KeyWestHouse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsdzf8dQgk4/T5xs752mSWI/AAAAAAAAFRA/a16xA5tnFzY/s400/KeyWestHouse4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Key West is known for the residential architectural style that includes large porches, or galleries, as known in the Gulf coast states.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ED_4qNU8oGI/T5xtwJAB9UI/AAAAAAAAFRI/tJfcIUHuOds/s1600/KeyWestHouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ED_4qNU8oGI/T5xtwJAB9UI/AAAAAAAAFRI/tJfcIUHuOds/s400/KeyWestHouse2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl3CxhYWWuE/T5xuDd_XYBI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/E0vKQ6YYH7I/s1600/KeyWestHouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl3CxhYWWuE/T5xuDd_XYBI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/E0vKQ6YYH7I/s400/KeyWestHouse3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Houses, both large and small, always have a gallery to enjoy the sea breezes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5BOBdmg3P8/T5xu2Bn4-3I/AAAAAAAAFRY/ShQyNBvvQqw/s1600/KeyWestHouseSouthern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5BOBdmg3P8/T5xu2Bn4-3I/AAAAAAAAFRY/ShQyNBvvQqw/s400/KeyWestHouseSouthern.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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This house's claim to fame - the southernmost house in the U.S. It, too, has galleries on both floors.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33YZYBQbvNM/T5yGSN4C5YI/AAAAAAAAFSE/ldiuUC9atH0/s1600/KeyWestMarilyn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33YZYBQbvNM/T5yGSN4C5YI/AAAAAAAAFSE/ldiuUC9atH0/s400/KeyWestMarilyn2.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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The large Seward Johnson sculpture of Marilyn Monroe that stands in Chicago is also in Key West, in a life-size scale. Appropriately, she is standing on a street grate in front of a movie theater.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u42OxTCMGcw/T5xxKT_u8CI/AAAAAAAAFRo/7PbotHz0K4w/s1600/KeyWestHavingFun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u42OxTCMGcw/T5xxKT_u8CI/AAAAAAAAFRo/7PbotHz0K4w/s400/KeyWestHavingFun2.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Key West has a collection of Seward Johnson sculpture. A large-scale dancing couple, entitled "Having Fun," stands in front of the Key West Art and History Museum.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cChhTY2Hx08/T5xzCrlqd2I/AAAAAAAAFRw/BiB5cEJRvX8/s1600/KeyWestPhotogrpaherHem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cChhTY2Hx08/T5xzCrlqd2I/AAAAAAAAFRw/BiB5cEJRvX8/s400/KeyWestPhotogrpaherHem.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
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Another Johnson sculpture, "The Tourist," is holding a camera as if he is taking a photo of the bronze statue of Ernest Hemingway. Some claim that Seward Johnson's sculptures are not art, but whatever your opinion on their artistic component, they are fun and interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtAt4CboXCw/T5x1N9jBLhI/AAAAAAAAFR4/kQ_RIF8QrtU/s1600/KeyWestCaroline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtAt4CboXCw/T5x1N9jBLhI/AAAAAAAAFR4/kQ_RIF8QrtU/s400/KeyWestCaroline.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;">There's a woman goin' crazy on Caroline street</span><br style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Stoppin' every man that she does meet</span><br style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Sayin' if you be gentle, if you be sweet</span><br style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-left;">I'll show you my place on Caroline street</span></span> <br />
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Jimmy Buffett<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNpz-dNt4M/T5yHpByC8iI/AAAAAAAAFSY/4kst9v4MgX8/s1600/KeyWestTony's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQNpz-dNt4M/T5yHpByC8iI/AAAAAAAAFSY/4kst9v4MgX8/s400/KeyWestTony's.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the things for which Key West is famous is the bars. There are many, filled with lively patrons. The original Sloppy Joe's was opened on December 5, 1933, the day prohibition was repealed. Joe Russell had been selling liquor illegally for years; the end of prohibition only changed his place of business. He named it The Blind Pig. One of his best patrons, Ernest Hemingway, suggested that he change the name, copying the name of a Hemingway favorite in Havana, Cuba - Sloppy Joe's.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCGD9lbuPDs/T5yIHmAzXSI/AAAAAAAAFSg/vAaNqQc9PXk/s1600/KeyWestSloppyJoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCGD9lbuPDs/T5yIHmAzXSI/AAAAAAAAFSg/vAaNqQc9PXk/s400/KeyWestSloppyJoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In a dispute over rent, Joe Russell decided to purchase a Spanish restaurant a block away and move the bar. On the evening of May 5, 1937, he asked the patrons to carry everything out of the old place to the new. No one missed a drink. The "new" location continues as a favorite in Key West.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrbzrSQoOnQ/T5yG6Dq5zoI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/gQH1tB9UWQQ/s1600/KeyWestChicken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrbzrSQoOnQ/T5yG6Dq5zoI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/gQH1tB9UWQQ/s400/KeyWestChicken1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Key West has an array of fauna and flora, some, in the Key West tradition of being different. The city has chickens. This one was on the steps of a gift shop and, at first, appeared to be one of the items of merchandise.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOpaJl7cTP8/T5yOPutQlEI/AAAAAAAAFSs/tVpwAkKZVYY/s1600/KeyWestChickenCross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOpaJl7cTP8/T5yOPutQlEI/AAAAAAAAFSs/tVpwAkKZVYY/s400/KeyWestChickenCross.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Why did the chicken cross Duval Street?<br />
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Sloppy Joe's was on the other side.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGLQazg3UwQ/T5yOwqRn-aI/AAAAAAAAFS0/F2fhzbVSMxA/s1600/KeyWestButterflyYellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGLQazg3UwQ/T5yOwqRn-aI/AAAAAAAAFS0/F2fhzbVSMxA/s400/KeyWestButterflyYellow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Butterflies abound. Well, not this plentiful in nature. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a relaxing break from streets crowded with people and live music from the bars. An air-conditioned greenhouse filled with plants, butterflies, and birds creates a soothing interaction with nature. Many varieties of butterflies flit around, landing on plants and, often, people.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtMs-PmyaLg/T5yPRUIcW5I/AAAAAAAAFS8/xVguQld3Evg/s1600/KeyWestButterfly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtMs-PmyaLg/T5yPRUIcW5I/AAAAAAAAFS8/xVguQld3Evg/s320/KeyWestButterfly5.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqeaBZGiGis/T5yPmF0EmjI/AAAAAAAAFTE/ZtY9i8BC0ds/s1600/KeyWestButterfly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqeaBZGiGis/T5yPmF0EmjI/AAAAAAAAFTE/ZtY9i8BC0ds/s320/KeyWestButterfly4.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8TK5htm5d0/T5yQhIkGC-I/AAAAAAAAFTM/lwp-4hKAky4/s1600/KeyWestButterfly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8TK5htm5d0/T5yQhIkGC-I/AAAAAAAAFTM/lwp-4hKAky4/s320/KeyWestButterfly3.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezpcB3nMY2I/T5yREZQVvDI/AAAAAAAAFTU/TcAYgIAoMQI/s1600/KeyWestButterflyBrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezpcB3nMY2I/T5yREZQVvDI/AAAAAAAAFTU/TcAYgIAoMQI/s320/KeyWestButterflyBrown.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95qFe9puaRw/T5yR5ckbK4I/AAAAAAAAFTc/dXNRECaPtAI/s1600/KeyWestButterflyBird2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95qFe9puaRw/T5yR5ckbK4I/AAAAAAAAFTc/dXNRECaPtAI/s320/KeyWestButterflyBird2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4baw3BS634/T5yTWGst-8I/AAAAAAAAFTk/_LVYpLML2f0/s1600/KeyWestButterflyBird1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4baw3BS634/T5yTWGst-8I/AAAAAAAAFTk/_LVYpLML2f0/s320/KeyWestButterflyBird1.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1mpM7Jyzjo/T51Pyas4_lI/AAAAAAAAFUo/s1_VTl5OKro/s1600/KeyWestFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1mpM7Jyzjo/T51Pyas4_lI/AAAAAAAAFUo/s1_VTl5OKro/s400/KeyWestFlower.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Walking through Key West creates a constant experience with tropical flora. The streets, yards, and parks are blooming, filling the views with color.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzF_PVbVvq4/T51Uaq8ztXI/AAAAAAAAFU0/Y4oIBw2wSww/s1600/KeyWestFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzF_PVbVvq4/T51Uaq8ztXI/AAAAAAAAFU0/Y4oIBw2wSww/s400/KeyWestFlowers.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztYzwO0i8gE/T51UrUkEkDI/AAAAAAAAFU8/hZg-oNhb99I/s1600/KeyWestBogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztYzwO0i8gE/T51UrUkEkDI/AAAAAAAAFU8/hZg-oNhb99I/s400/KeyWestBogan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sf1Mw8lWwg4/T51X1TCws2I/AAAAAAAAFVI/ItNOmUq84cs/s1600/KeyWestkapok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sf1Mw8lWwg4/T51X1TCws2I/AAAAAAAAFVI/ItNOmUq84cs/s400/KeyWestkapok.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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In the forestry category, this example of a Kapok tree stands proudly in front of the county courthouse. The tropical Kapok has adapted to its environment, often blown by high winds from tropical storms and hurricanes. It grows large, buttress roots supporting the trunk. Smart tree.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdHjVEvymhw/T5yYdZj8tHI/AAAAAAAAFTw/Rffrn8pzAX8/s1600/KeyWestSculptureGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdHjVEvymhw/T5yYdZj8tHI/AAAAAAAAFTw/Rffrn8pzAX8/s640/KeyWestSculptureGarden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OamNKoeLuR4/T5yYxKpdaEI/AAAAAAAAFT4/bLRuRyz-_X4/s1600/KeyWestFlagler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OamNKoeLuR4/T5yYxKpdaEI/AAAAAAAAFT4/bLRuRyz-_X4/s400/KeyWestFlagler.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Flagler</td></tr>
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Sculptor, James Mastin, created the sculptures for the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Many of Key West historic figures are depicted in the Garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdKKKCfm5g/T5yZWpvYs3I/AAAAAAAAFUA/8JFqRhrI3D0/s1600/KeyWestTruman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdKKKCfm5g/T5yZWpvYs3I/AAAAAAAAFUA/8JFqRhrI3D0/s400/KeyWestTruman.jpg" width="290" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Truman</td></tr>
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Mastin also sculpted the images in the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden in New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas - Key West's Sister City.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNQ1DO8HoK8/T5yZk_bjd4I/AAAAAAAAFUI/hssRwpHlR8s/s1600/KeyWestHemmingway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNQ1DO8HoK8/T5yZk_bjd4I/AAAAAAAAFUI/hssRwpHlR8s/s400/KeyWestHemmingway.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernest Hemingway</td></tr>
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To complete the historic experience, the Last Dance crew will have to travel to New Plymouth to view the sculptures in that memorial.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EL7nsN1S67A/T5yccSK3rUI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Vu3lwEU4WJY/s1600/KeYWestStreetPerform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EL7nsN1S67A/T5yccSK3rUI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Vu3lwEU4WJY/s400/KeYWestStreetPerform.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A trip to Key West would not be complete without experiencing the celebration of the sunset at Mallory Square. Hundreds of people gather to watch the street performers and the sunset. This young man rode a unicycle while juggling large sharp objects. An interesting way to earn a living. (His mother believes he is in Key West to attend college.)<br />
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Of course, the real show of the evening is the sunset itself.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-31334214151418350342012-04-28T12:15:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:40:30.213-04:00Key West - Henry Flagler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojlKHhr2qes/T5r5G5-W_kI/AAAAAAAAFPA/HR2c2b-tQOs/s1600/FlaglerStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojlKHhr2qes/T5r5G5-W_kI/AAAAAAAAFPA/HR2c2b-tQOs/s640/FlaglerStation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwELT6ytknI/T5r5eojWPOI/AAAAAAAAFPI/zDBbGxQKCMU/s1600/FlaglerPortrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwELT6ytknI/T5r5eojWPOI/AAAAAAAAFPI/zDBbGxQKCMU/s320/FlaglerPortrait.jpg" width="249" /></a><br />
Henry Flagler had a large part in creating Florida - from the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine through the construction of the railroad across the sea to Key West. His railroad opened travel to Florida, bringing people new to Florida.<br />
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The train station in Key West functions today as a museum to Flagler's accomplishments and the building of the railroad through the Florida Keys.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKyGbsEQqeo/T5r7hZ67aNI/AAAAAAAAFPY/skQ9KrZmBw0/s1600/FlaglerConstruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKyGbsEQqeo/T5r7hZ67aNI/AAAAAAAAFPY/skQ9KrZmBw0/s400/FlaglerConstruction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the planning, Flagler was told it was impossible to build a railroad to Key West. During the construction, it was called Flagler's Folly.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofI15C65FuA/T5r8AB456UI/AAAAAAAAFPg/Lp9EvoPM9dg/s1600/FlaglerPostCard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofI15C65FuA/T5r8AB456UI/AAAAAAAAFPg/Lp9EvoPM9dg/s400/FlaglerPostCard2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the railroad was completed, it was called the 8th wonder of the world. Quite a change in public view.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBmFefB392c/T5r99q6Q39I/AAAAAAAAFPw/l_FZXLMHElQ/s1600/Flaglerarrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBmFefB392c/T5r99q6Q39I/AAAAAAAAFPw/l_FZXLMHElQ/s400/Flaglerarrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Henry Flagler and his wife rode the first train into Key West to celebrate its completion, one hundred years ago. When Flagler arrived in Key West, he said, "Now I can die happy. My dream has been fulfilled."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3mlvwSCH8w/T5r7RQNLHII/AAAAAAAAFPQ/Zdkd5XdaGVs/s1600/7MileLongView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3mlvwSCH8w/T5r7RQNLHII/AAAAAAAAFPQ/Zdkd5XdaGVs/s640/7MileLongView.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Much of the railroad bridges stand today in testimony to the engineering and construction techniques developed for this endeavor. The seven-mile bridge is so long that the opposite end disappears over the horizon.<br />
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The seven-mile bridge still stands strong today, 100 years and many hurricanes later. When the railroad was converted to an automobile highway, a wider deck was installed and the old railroad tracks were used as guard rails.<br />
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The lower end of the 7-mile bridge and the Long Key bridge both have the arched supports that became a symbol of the Overseas Railroad.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68l7BmQS5Jw/T5xmdyvboeI/AAAAAAAAFQg/mwWMmYX59v8/s1600/FlalgerLogo100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68l7BmQS5Jw/T5xmdyvboeI/AAAAAAAAFQg/mwWMmYX59v8/s1600/FlalgerLogo100.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuTQ6jIEM3o/T5xm9pZS1OI/AAAAAAAAFQo/dmL5JsTWd30/s1600/FlaglerPostCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuTQ6jIEM3o/T5xm9pZS1OI/AAAAAAAAFQo/dmL5JsTWd30/s320/FlaglerPostCard.jpg" width="352" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HK9A5754nnk/T5sCbZqbjSI/AAAAAAAAFQM/EIF66Aq1IfY/s1600/Flagler1935train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HK9A5754nnk/T5sCbZqbjSI/AAAAAAAAFQM/EIF66Aq1IfY/s400/Flagler1935train.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 changed the history of the railroad. It was a category 5 hurricane with record low pressures. A train that was sent to rescue people on Islamorada was unable to return to Miami before the tidal surge washed it off the tracks. The Great Depression had cash starved the railroad making it unable to rebuild. The Overseas Railroad was sold to the State of Florida and became the Overseas Highway.<br />
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Another book for your reading list - <u>The Last Train to Paradise</u>. Les Standiford has written a complete, well-researched history of the building of the railroad, in an easy to read, novel style. Standiford, head of the Creative Writing Department at Florida International University, has also written a series of ten mystery novels set in South Florida, with the character John Deal. More books for your list.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thrillingdetective.com/deal.html">http://www.thrillingdetective.com/deal.html</a><br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-88399483450887233762012-04-27T13:49:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:42:18.008-04:00Key West - President Harry S. Truman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjmbABa1W4Y/T5rLpybtFjI/AAAAAAAAFOM/UJJjlbVcUe4/s1600/KeyWestTrumanHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjmbABa1W4Y/T5rLpybtFjI/AAAAAAAAFOM/UJJjlbVcUe4/s640/KeyWestTrumanHouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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President Truman spent many winter vacations at this house in Key West during his tenure as President. Because he spent much time here, moved many staff and Cabinet members here to continue conducting the Nation's business, it became an auxiliary Presidential home and office, gaining the nickname: The Little White House. It is a quite modest home, appropriate for the nature of President Truman. The house has been used by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. The Secret Service does not allow indoor photography since the house may possibly be used by current and future Presidents and other high ranking Government Officials.<br />
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The Little White House was once officers' quarters at the Key West Navy Submarine Base. First militarized by the Army in 1845 as Fort Zackary Taylor, the facility served a number of purposes before the harbor was used as a submarine base. Since the harbor was too small for nuclear submarines, it was decommissioned in 1974 and later sold to a developer for $17 million. For utility easement rights, the State of Florida negotiated from the developer the renovation of the house and its donation to the State. Thus, a small portion of what has become an exclusive, high-class residential development is still open to the public as a museum.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1VD198s9WI/T5rSCP2fKOI/AAAAAAAAFOo/rIv9dXDUlpk/s1600/KeyWestTrumanYacht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1VD198s9WI/T5rSCP2fKOI/AAAAAAAAFOo/rIv9dXDUlpk/s640/KeyWestTrumanYacht.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Docked at Key West, 1951 Presidential Visit</td></tr>
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There is a boat in this story. The Presidential Yacht, U.S.S. Williamsburg, began life as the motor yacht Aras in 1930. She was taken by the Navy in 1941, converted to a gunboat for the war period, then commissioned as the Presidential Yacht in 1945, serving in that capacity until 1953. President Truman traveled on the Williamsburg for the first vacation journey, but due to the length of time required for boat travel and the fact they encountered a big storm, it was his only trip to Key West by boat. The Williamsburg was always docked in the harbor when the President was in Key West, serving as additional housing, a modern communications base, and her galley used to prepare all meals.<br />
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Key West was, at times during the Truman Administration, functioning as the Nation's Capital.MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-14108470191678831112012-04-27T11:57:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:45:48.283-04:00Key West - Hemingway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTzNBaEsCZ4/T5ifldQVIBI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/90-GcUYEIK0/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTzNBaEsCZ4/T5ifldQVIBI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/90-GcUYEIK0/s640/KeyWestHemmingwayHouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ernest Hemingway remains one of Key West's most famous residents. His home is a national landmark, operated as a house museum. A great example of Key West architecture, it is located on a large, garden filled property.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPsaqXsUGRc/T5ig5aNE3hI/AAAAAAAAFKE/hC1M5k1rUjY/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayHouseVeranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPsaqXsUGRc/T5ig5aNE3hI/AAAAAAAAFKE/hC1M5k1rUjY/s400/KeyWestHemmingwayHouseVeranda.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Wide roof overhangs and galleries shade the house to keep it cool. Large, multiple french doors allow breezes to flow through the rooms. Hemingway's bedroom on the second floor demonstrates the amount of wall space dedicated to ventilation. Below, the view from the bedroom gallery.<br />
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A building behind the main house has the entire second floor dedicated to a study and writing room for Hemingway. Again, designed for natural light and ventilation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trrgPi8k_qo/T5qgLWwDkyI/AAAAAAAAFL8/WpiVbDSoHXE/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayGarden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trrgPi8k_qo/T5qgLWwDkyI/AAAAAAAAFL8/WpiVbDSoHXE/s320/KeyWestHemmingwayGarden1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XL9bswVnOc/T5qiuhsa_HI/AAAAAAAAFMU/9CXAaRr347k/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayGardenKeyLime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XL9bswVnOc/T5qiuhsa_HI/AAAAAAAAFMU/9CXAaRr347k/s320/KeyWestHemmingwayGardenKeyLime.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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The gardens surrounding the house provide a quiet, colorful environment, and fresh Key Limes for a drink mixer or pie. Just stepping outside the door brings the communing with nature experience for relaxation and inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyYvbb0cFk/T5qjy1NhnGI/AAAAAAAAFMc/9VwcchgHdtc/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayCatHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyYvbb0cFk/T5qjy1NhnGI/AAAAAAAAFMc/9VwcchgHdtc/s400/KeyWestHemmingwayCatHT.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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Harry Truman still lives in Key West. That's him pictured at left. Hemingway had a passion for cats, having numerous cats with free roam of the house. Their descendants carry on the tradition. All the cats are named for famous people, including a recluse who lives under the house, Howard Hughes. The cats carry a mutant gene which gives about half of the offspring 6 toes, making the front paws look like they are wearing mittens.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpcw0jpIkkA/T5qk72zRyYI/AAAAAAAAFMk/yCxvpTOEyCs/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayCatJill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpcw0jpIkkA/T5qk72zRyYI/AAAAAAAAFMk/yCxvpTOEyCs/s400/KeyWestHemmingwayCatJill.jpg" width="281" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv1s4VDcESI/T5qmilAIusI/AAAAAAAAFM0/vsvsuw8xMgs/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayCatShop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv1s4VDcESI/T5qmilAIusI/AAAAAAAAFM0/vsvsuw8xMgs/s320/KeyWestHemmingwayCatShop.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1kxuNHzg4/T5qnhRiO2-I/AAAAAAAAFM8/zKftFuUkmRA/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayCurtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1kxuNHzg4/T5qnhRiO2-I/AAAAAAAAFM8/zKftFuUkmRA/s320/KeyWestHemmingwayCurtain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the attention and press they receive, the six-toed cats may have become more famous than their master. The kitchen curtains depict a true scene of cats walking across the dining room table.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMf3LFIz520/T5qonKDvA_I/AAAAAAAAFNI/DcFGYoOWWdQ/s1600/KeyWestHemmingwayFountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMf3LFIz520/T5qonKDvA_I/AAAAAAAAFNI/DcFGYoOWWdQ/s400/KeyWestHemmingwayFountain.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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One of the Hemingway tales crosses stories from his drinking, his cats, and his wives. A favorite drinking establishment, Sloppy Joe's, was in a building just off Duval Street. The landlord was charging a Depression-era rent of $3/week, but felt that he needed to up the rent to $4/week. The owner protested, told the patrons that if they helped move the furniture they would get a free drink. Enthused cooperation quickly moved everything out of the old location to the new, including the urinals from the restroom. Hemingway talked him out of one of the urinals, which he installed in the garden as a drinking bowl for the cats, much to the dismay of his wife-at-the-time. Not winning the battle to have it removed, she decided to try and camouflage it by installing a large vase from which the water would flow and Spanish tiles along the edge of the urinal. It stands in the same state today. Lore has it that some cats still refuse to drink from the urinal, jumping on the vase to catch the water as it flows over the top.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl6ivJ5RG7Q/T5q5QU2RFaI/AAAAAAAAFNc/ekZXS-gaTqk/s1600/KeyWestHemingwayPilar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl6ivJ5RG7Q/T5q5QU2RFaI/AAAAAAAAFNc/ekZXS-gaTqk/s400/KeyWestHemingwayPilar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
With a boat-themed blog, how could a story on Ernest Hemingway not include his boat? Easy, as his beloved boat, Pilar, resides at his home in Cuba, near Havana, not at his home in Key West.<br />
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Hemingway had Pilar built to his specifications in 1934, a modified 38 foot Wheeler Playmate. One modification was adding a roller to the stern, to ease boating of large fish.<br />
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Fishing may have become more of a passion for Hemingway than writing. In 1935, he won every fishing tournament in the Key West, Havana, Bimini triangle.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernest Hemingway, wife Pauline, and sons, Bimini, July 20, 1935</td></tr>
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While Hemingway harvested many fish from the seas, he also worked with researchers from the Smithsonian Institute in documenting fish and sea life in this area.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUs-su5k4ZA/T5q7-6E8m5I/AAAAAAAAFN0/qKJQgIvQwG8/s1600/KeyWestHemingwayPilarinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUs-su5k4ZA/T5q7-6E8m5I/AAAAAAAAFN0/qKJQgIvQwG8/s400/KeyWestHemingwayPilarinside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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His time aboard Pilar is claimed to have inspired two of his novels, <u>The Old Man and the Sea</u>, and <u>Islands in the Sun.</u><br />
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His home in Cuba, Finca Vigia (lookout farm), is operated as a museum, with everything left as it was when he died, including his 9,000 book library. Pilar was left in his will to his Cuban boat captain, Gregorio Fuentes, who, at the age of 101, gave it to the Cuban government to be included in the museum exhibit. The museum is open 7 days a week. Our Canadian friends can visit the museum. Those of us with U.S. citizenship can be imprisoned for researching history at this museum in person.<br />
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Your reading list has grown - <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/timeline/hemingway.html">http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/timeline/hemingway.html</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9NVVacOljM/T5rIN9qHqBI/AAAAAAAAFOA/t_u3Yg6RADg/s1600/KeyWestHemingwayPilarPaulRothacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9NVVacOljM/T5rIN9qHqBI/AAAAAAAAFOA/t_u3Yg6RADg/s640/KeyWestHemingwayPilarPaulRothacker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilar - Painting by Paul Rothacker</td></tr>
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MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-376907170460759542012-04-26T21:59:00.000-04:002018-04-29T18:47:20.845-04:00African Queen - Key Largo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--h22O2cL9p4/T5nrDmNtD9I/AAAAAAAAFKY/4yYzawqcpxE/s1600/QueenPoster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--h22O2cL9p4/T5nrDmNtD9I/AAAAAAAAFKY/4yYzawqcpxE/s400/QueenPoster2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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The African Queen celebrates her 100th year! Can't be that old, you say, it's a 1951 movie. True, but the boat, was built in 1912 in England and used by the British East Africa Company from 1912 to 1968 to transport passengers and cargo across Lake Albert (on the border between Uganda and Belgian Congo). Director Huston decided to do much of the filming for this movie in Africa, so he rented a boat that was in use there. It is the story of how an old boat became a movie star.<br />
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Humphrey Bogart earned his only Oscar for playing the role of Charlie<br />
Allnut in <i>The African Queen</i> and it is the only film to pair Bogart and Hepburn.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbx_bMqYB8o/T5nrsr730SI/AAAAAAAAFKo/EqR_IJ7CVwY/s1600/QueenFilm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbx_bMqYB8o/T5nrsr730SI/AAAAAAAAFKo/EqR_IJ7CVwY/s640/QueenFilm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The African Queen, which sank twice during the filming of the movie, still lives. She is at the dock next to the Holiday Inn on Key Largo.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC03Mi3mDAY/T5nx3uUp9TI/AAAAAAAAFK0/HIkexocpedM/s1600/QueenBow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eC03Mi3mDAY/T5nx3uUp9TI/AAAAAAAAFK0/HIkexocpedM/s640/QueenBow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVSyTEWwppY/T5nyGvgQscI/AAAAAAAAFK8/CNP4YFXMtY4/s1600/QueenEngineBoiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVSyTEWwppY/T5nyGvgQscI/AAAAAAAAFK8/CNP4YFXMtY4/s400/QueenEngineBoiler.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The steel hull is original, but the boiler is now fuel oil fired and a two-cylinder steam engine has replaced the original one lunger.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vb_AACV5WhU/T5nyrz_coXI/AAAAAAAAFLE/yUvVqsoBCDk/s1600/QueenBoiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vb_AACV5WhU/T5nyrz_coXI/AAAAAAAAFLE/yUvVqsoBCDk/s400/QueenBoiler.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
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The original, wood-fired boiler has been saved and is on display. Plans are to rebuild this boiler, someday in the future, when funding is secured.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3bXNUD-r6Y/T5nzc_KEQzI/AAAAAAAAFLM/NmnBgbidYZ4/s1600/QueenGlen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3bXNUD-r6Y/T5nzc_KEQzI/AAAAAAAAFLM/NmnBgbidYZ4/s400/QueenGlen.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Experiencing boating and movie history while exploring the Florida Keys.<br />
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This is the year for a number of 100th anniversaries - the African Queen (the boat), Flagler's railroad to Key West, the planting of the cherry trees in Washington, DC, and the introduction of the Oreo Cookie. Cookie history will be skipped.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O37BZH9LbO8/T5n6NoC6n5I/AAAAAAAAFLY/AtnXbTFNI88/s1600/QueenKeyLargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O37BZH9LbO8/T5n6NoC6n5I/AAAAAAAAFLY/AtnXbTFNI88/s400/QueenKeyLargo.jpg" width="277" /></a><br />
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John Huston also directed the film <i>Key Largo</i> (1948), but did all the filming for that movie on a sound stage in Hollywood - even the offshore scenes on a boat. None of the actors had visited Key Largo. Only a couple shots of the outside of a hotel and a bus traveling on US 1 were filmed on location. Humphrey Bogart also starred in <i>Key Largo</i>, his last movie with his wife, Lauren Bacall.<br />
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For those of you who have not completed the reading assignments from earlier posts, you now have a couple movie assignments. And, you don't have to rent them - they are probably on the shelves of your local library.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-32879895492559532472012-04-25T18:36:00.002-04:002018-04-29T21:20:44.583-04:00Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdA08iM6gPQ/T5XPMxE62YI/AAAAAAAAFHE/0yz2AugeFKA/s1600/MarathonSunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdA08iM6gPQ/T5XPMxE62YI/AAAAAAAAFHE/0yz2AugeFKA/s640/MarathonSunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rwODmyqkEc/T5XQ0SFmudI/AAAAAAAAFHM/ty8a2pGY9pg/s1600/MarathonMooring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rwODmyqkEc/T5XQ0SFmudI/AAAAAAAAFHM/ty8a2pGY9pg/s400/MarathonMooring.jpg" width="400" /></a>A sunrise over Boot Key <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harbor </span>begins the day and this tale. Marathon is a city in the Florida Keys comprised of multiple islands. Between the largest, Vaca, and the least populated, Boot, lies Boot Key Harbor, one of the most protected harbors in the Keys. The City of Marathon operates a marina there, with over 200 moorings, a few dock spaces, and good shoreside facilities. The high prices of marinas in the Keys, combined with a location in the center of the chain of islands, makes the Marathon moorings quite attractive. And, as a town and community, Marathon has much to offer - restaurants, many boat parts and services vendors, a wide variety of retail including Publix, library, parks, beaches, and a bus to Key West.<br />
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The scuttlebutt among the boaters was that one restaurant that should not be missed was the Pig. Actually, its name is The Stuffed Pig, but it would be hard to tell as there are no readable signs so stating on the outside of the restaurant. The only visible sign lights up when they are open and promises cold beer at 5 am, which appeared to be their attraction. So wrong. It's the food, particularly breakfast.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjOoc4CSNIk/T5XY-6UurrI/AAAAAAAAFHk/fFsgjYDmq-Q/s1600/MarathonPig4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjOoc4CSNIk/T5XY-6UurrI/AAAAAAAAFHk/fFsgjYDmq-Q/s400/MarathonPig4.jpg" width="350" /></a><br />
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A multi-page breakfast menu with a wide variety of traditional breakfast entries would entice but, there is so much more to this plain-appearing building with a dark, diner-type room in front.<br />
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In the back, there is wonderful outdoor seating under a chickee hut to enjoy the great fresh, salty air while dining. The menu includes: Fish and Grits (pan fried Mahi, grits, 2 eggs, toast, fruit); Shrimp and Grits; and Alligator, Biscuits and Gravy. The portions are generous enough to serve as the only meal of the day and prices jaw-droppingly low. The attraction was well understood after the first of numerous visits.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4PfPsnkIrM/T5XrdXUYoiI/AAAAAAAAFH0/NpW6vw8KfDs/s1600/MarathonFishery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4PfPsnkIrM/T5XrdXUYoiI/AAAAAAAAFH0/NpW6vw8KfDs/s400/MarathonFishery2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Behind The Stuffed Pig, on the Florida Bay, is the Keys Fisheries - 1000s of crab and lobster traps, commercial fish fleet docks, fish processing plant . . . and a restaurant.<br />
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A neat upstairs bar with raw oysters and stone crab claws, and a fish market/open-air restaurant with picnic tables on a large concrete dock create a unique eating experience. Just two of many great food experiences in Marathon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt_JyrqTWPE/T5XufENrYEI/AAAAAAAAFIE/RGnM3LxQ-xo/s1600/MarathonTrailerama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt_JyrqTWPE/T5XufENrYEI/AAAAAAAAFIE/RGnM3LxQ-xo/s400/MarathonTrailerama.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Florida Keys inspire a laid-back attitude among the residents and, reportedly, the visitors if they stay too long. An example along US 1 is the road sign for a trailer park. Still operating, spaces all filled, the owners haven't gotten around to repainting their "Trailerama" sign since it was erected in the 1950s. This ultra laidbackness is often termed "Keys Disease" and is why some visitors never return home.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQT9815idU/T5Xwz6V83VI/AAAAAAAAFIM/Pmn00-JrOJU/s1600/MarathonWhiteHeron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsQT9815idU/T5Xwz6V83VI/AAAAAAAAFIM/Pmn00-JrOJU/s400/MarathonWhiteHeron.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The unmistakable, loud Aaawk of a Great Blue Heron sounded outside the boat. Then, a white bird flew by. Egrets have a much different voice and use it rarely. Was this bird confused or imitating, like a Mockingbird?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsXGCH7HnGE/T5XyVlrW5KI/AAAAAAAAFIU/4rOxpqL4CGc/s1600/MarathonWhiteHeron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsXGCH7HnGE/T5XyVlrW5KI/AAAAAAAAFIU/4rOxpqL4CGc/s400/MarathonWhiteHeron2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Neither. It was a Great White Heron, a subspecies of the Great Blue Heron that only lives in the Florida Keys. There is even a National Wildlife Refuge named after the Great White Heron, located not far from Marathon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=41582">http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=41582</a>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87BizjIIuIw/T5X1GHkn3II/AAAAAAAAFIc/l2nul7BUSmM/s1600/MarathonTurtleSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87BizjIIuIw/T5X1GHkn3II/AAAAAAAAFIc/l2nul7BUSmM/s400/MarathonTurtleSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
On the topic of critters, Marathon is home to the Turtle Hospital. An Orlando car salesman tired of his job moved to Marathon and bought a Mom and Pop motel. He found an injured sea turtle and brought it to the motel to care for . . . only to find that it was illegal to possess sea turtles. He persisted, received permission to have turtles, more people brought injured turtles, he built a huge saltwater pool for the turtles, more turtles arrived, partnerships with veterinarians were developed, medical equipment begged and donated. This could get out of hand, and did. Now, the entire motel complex and a bar/nightclub next door has become the Turtle Hospital.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3s1URO9Yclw/T5X6ASIN3kI/AAAAAAAAFIk/NiJG-1lIaGA/s1600/MarathonTurtleRocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3s1URO9Yclw/T5X6ASIN3kI/AAAAAAAAFIk/NiJG-1lIaGA/s400/MarathonTurtleRocky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Turtle Hospital receives injured and diseased turtles. They treat and rehabilitate them in hopes that they will gain sufficient health and strength to be released into the wild.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFKgQ9MNibk/T5X7pyIf7tI/AAAAAAAAFIs/p48FK0sSN1A/s1600/MarathonRocky2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFKgQ9MNibk/T5X7pyIf7tI/AAAAAAAAFIs/p48FK0sSN1A/s400/MarathonRocky2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rocky, a Green Sea Turtle, suffered a blocked digestive tract from eating shellfish due to the overfishing of the preferred lobster and crab. Treatment was successful. Rocky was released at Islamorada the week after these photos were taken.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQUN7i4JCLY/T5X8sZ8BRSI/AAAAAAAAFI0/JJaerBdU2jY/s1600/MarathonTurtle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQUN7i4JCLY/T5X8sZ8BRSI/AAAAAAAAFI0/JJaerBdU2jY/s400/MarathonTurtle2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Other turtles are so badly injured that they cannot survive in the wild. They become permanent residents of the Turtle Hospital, living in the large pool first built at the motel to house turtles. A continuous display of live turtles provides an education and attraction draw to encourage visitors to take a paid tour, which helps fund the operational expenses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.turtlehospital.org/">http://www.turtlehospital.org/</a>
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<b>Friends and Family</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dYnxxPQ4sA/T5X-5ab_rjI/AAAAAAAAFI8/Pp8piv8It9g/s1600/MarathonFishGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dYnxxPQ4sA/T5X-5ab_rjI/AAAAAAAAFI8/Pp8piv8It9g/s400/MarathonFishGroup.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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Marathon has a huge boating community, increasing the chances of meeting old friends and make new cruising friends. Standing under the big angelfish - Glen and Jill, Bill and Mary Russell, and Jim Roberts. Robin Roberts is behind the camera. Robin and Jim are old DeFever Cruisers friends (Robin edits the DeFever magazine). Bill and Mary are new friends who slowly completed the Great Loop in 10 years - 3 summer months each year. They got to savor all the waterways have to offer. This group had just eaten at another boater favorite restaurant, The Hurricane, known for the $5 lunch and $10 dinner menu. (Robin Roberts photo)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztPYkcQRC4k/T5YAfTSSQpI/AAAAAAAAFJE/qVOdV4A9d5I/s1600/MarathonVisit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztPYkcQRC4k/T5YAfTSSQpI/AAAAAAAAFJE/qVOdV4A9d5I/s400/MarathonVisit4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marathon's location on a major highway provided land-bound friends and family a chance to drive to join Last Dance and share the Keys experience. More like family, since she has been Jill's best friend since Junior High School, Pat and daughter, Robyn, made the trek south.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CjadceRHU0/T5YBc_-hxAI/AAAAAAAAFJM/XOpRoIocso8/s1600/MarathonVisit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CjadceRHU0/T5YBc_-hxAI/AAAAAAAAFJM/XOpRoIocso8/s400/MarathonVisit3.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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Jill's twin, Jack, and his wife Jennie spent a few days exploring the Keys and its eateries. When people find out that Jill is a twin, they ask "Are you identical twins?" She usually answers "I hope not."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz1-N1wxVuc/T5h5VoVA-zI/AAAAAAAAFJU/wZ8oc2ANH0o/s1600/MarathonJJBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz1-N1wxVuc/T5h5VoVA-zI/AAAAAAAAFJU/wZ8oc2ANH0o/s400/MarathonJJBeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marathon's Sombrero Beach, Jack and Jennie<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDLUY5HxwXY/T5h5_eBnYmI/AAAAAAAAFJk/VbjUKLaHgPc/s1600/MarathonNoNameOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDLUY5HxwXY/T5h5_eBnYmI/AAAAAAAAFJk/VbjUKLaHgPc/s400/MarathonNoNameOut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The famous, once infamous, No Name Pub, hidden down a long, residential road, is a part of old Florida History lore. Jack and Jennie joined the Last Dance crew in experiencing the history and good pizza.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-67884179069747317532012-04-22T15:02:00.000-04:002018-04-29T21:24:35.797-04:00Bahia Honda State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYejtb0FRZ4/T5RPgDOjARI/AAAAAAAAFF4/qtZLM0MMNA0/s1600/BahiaHonda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYejtb0FRZ4/T5RPgDOjARI/AAAAAAAAFF4/qtZLM0MMNA0/s640/BahiaHonda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bahia Honda Key is a couple islands west of the end of the 7 Mile Bridge. The entire island is now a Florida State Park. The west end of the island has a cove, between the new auto bridge and the old Flagler train bridge, which was converted to automobile use. This cove makes a nice anchorage with more protection than many in the Keys. It was home to Last Dance for the exploration of another Florida State Park island. The above image was made from atop the old bridge looking northeast.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQA40FB2JU/T5RQhZTIOaI/AAAAAAAAFGA/rDtylldBnkw/s1600/BahiaHondaBridge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQA40FB2JU/T5RQhZTIOaI/AAAAAAAAFGA/rDtylldBnkw/s640/BahiaHondaBridge1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgO0ra9wGxE/T5RSUZ8BJ6I/AAAAAAAAFGI/HmFw6w4vBTI/s1600/BahiaHondaBridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgO0ra9wGxE/T5RSUZ8BJ6I/AAAAAAAAFGI/HmFw6w4vBTI/s640/BahiaHondaBridge2.jpg" width="411" /></a><br />
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One of the interesting aspects of the park is the ability to see one of the old Flagler era railroad bridges that was converted for automobile traffic after the 1935 hurricane. The 100-year-old bridge still stands with a short section used for walking and viewing. This bridge is unique on the Flagler Keys railroad in the use of trestle construction. The trestle structure held the rails on the bottom bed with the overhead structure providing support. The width of the trestle was too narrow for a two-lane road, so the roadway was built on top of the trestle. The 1912 trestle remains sturdy, but the late 1930 roadway built atop is crumbling from the expansion of the rusting rebar inside the concrete.<br />
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The South Florida sun provided another spectacular view, this time concentric rings at mid day.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-53367911276420637642012-04-22T14:30:00.001-04:002018-04-29T21:28:08.386-04:00Crane Point - Vaca Key, Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVBGlTZTIbw/T5Qicr47bTI/AAAAAAAAFDs/9K8BxB-_OJs/s1600/CraneBuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVBGlTZTIbw/T5Qicr47bTI/AAAAAAAAFDs/9K8BxB-_OJs/s640/CraneBuilding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crane Point has a natural environment and history preserved through few inhabitants and the formation of the Keys Land and Sea Trust. It is a 63 acres piece of nature within a very developed City of Marathon on Vaca Key. It is located on a point of land extending into Florida Bay.<br />
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Its history is presented through an expertly constructed history museum. Nature trails provide a view of the plant and animal life that live in the Florida Keys environment.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAB6IhXp0uE/T5QlUcZpXTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/qzj60xj0Rbg/s1600/CraneCaloosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAB6IhXp0uE/T5QlUcZpXTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/qzj60xj0Rbg/s400/CraneCaloosa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Caloosa lived in this area for at least 500 years before the arrival of the Spanish explorers.<br />
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Spanish artifacts are displayed documenting the Keys visitors of the 16th through 18th centuries. The reefs of the Florida Keys wrecked many ships, leaving behind many items providing the evidence for archaeologists to document the history of these times.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coTLa1CI66Y/T5QzEvPvj-I/AAAAAAAAFEc/eaIMA3Xb4TA/s1600/CraneSpanish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coTLa1CI66Y/T5QzEvPvj-I/AAAAAAAAFEc/eaIMA3Xb4TA/s320/CraneSpanish2.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJjWaUu5BA8/T5Q1dl9Yg5I/AAAAAAAAFEk/Lkh2h3D9tS0/s1600/CraneJug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJjWaUu5BA8/T5Q1dl9Yg5I/AAAAAAAAFEk/Lkh2h3D9tS0/s320/CraneJug.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Henry Flagler changed the Florida Keys by building a railroad to Key West, opening the Keys to travel by land for the first time.<br />
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One aspect of this adventure has been to sample the flora and fauna of different areas. Crane Point Nature Center Museum provided many examples, artfully displayed. Barracuda, Green Sea Turtles, and Key Deer have been viewed in the wild, but are much easier to photograph in the museum.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBSuLDrV7z4/T5Q42IHSaKI/AAAAAAAAFFA/etayj-_zZbU/s1600/CraneSea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBSuLDrV7z4/T5Q42IHSaKI/AAAAAAAAFFA/etayj-_zZbU/s400/CraneSea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The unique aspect that saved this property is that only two families occupied the property in the 20th century, a time when the Keys had major development, favoring dredge and fill, destroying the natural environment. George and Oliva Adderley, Bahamian immigrants, moved here in 1902. They built a house of tabby that still stands today as a house museum, a testament to the strong construction being able to withstand many hurricanes. Adderley made a living fishing and sponging, selling his catch in Key West, a long journey by a small sailing skiff. The Flagler Railroad needed some of Adderley's property for railroad right of way. Adderley negotiated with the railroad, trading the property for the right of way for a whistle stop at his property. The train would stop at his property whenever he raised the flag, providing fast transportation to Key West. The Adderleys lived on the property from 1902 until 1949. Their house is the oldest house in the Keys, outside of Key West.<br />
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Francis and Mary Crane purchased the property from George Adderley in 1949, building an Art Deco winter home on the point. The Cranes continued to preserve the natural state of the property, spending winters here until they sold the property in 1972. To keep the property from becoming developed, the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust purchased the property, creating the museum and nature center -an opportunity to view the Florida Keys in their natural environment and the history of human interaction, preserved by a citizens group.<br />
<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-76534935372575165172012-04-21T20:58:00.000-04:002018-04-29T21:32:36.137-04:00Lignumvitae Key Botanical State ParkThe last virgin tropical hardwood forest in Florida is on Lignumvitae Key, located in the Florida Bay between Key Largo and Marathon. Most of the Florida Keys have been vastly transformed from their natural state by development. Lignumvitae Key was saved by William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist. He purchased the island and built a caretaker's home in 1919.<br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lignumvitae+Key+Botanical+State+Park,+Islamorada,+FL&hl=en&ll=24.902475,-80.689688&spn=0.059011,0.123682&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.240038,126.650391&oq=lignumvitae+key&t=h&hq=Lignumvitae+Key+Botanical+State+Park,+Islamorada,+FL&z=14">Click here to see a Google Map of Lignumvitae Key</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The caretaker's function was to protect the island, which eliminated the poaching of trees from the island for building and firewood, and the collecting of highly valued tree snails. Poachers often burned an island after collecting snail shells to make their shells rarer. Thus, Lignumvitae Key became the only virgin hardwood hammock in the Keys. Mr. Matheson never built a home for himself on the island, preferring to stay on his yacht at the dock where it was cooler and the unencumbered breezes reduced the number of mosquitoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the 1960s, new owners proposed a road to the key so that it could be developed. Fortunately, their plans did not bear fruit and Lignumvitae Key was purchased by the Nature Conservatory, then given to the State of Florida. The Park Service protects it as a botanical park, maintaining it in a natural state and providing guided tours. As a measure of its biological importance, Lignumvitae Key has 12 champion trees - the largest trees of their species in the United States. By comparison, the entire state of Texas has 2 champion trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since the island was named after the Lignumvitae tree (Guaiacum Sanctum), the forest description should appropriately begin with this endangered tree. Lignumvitae is a slow-growing tree living more than 1000 years. It produces a very dense, heavy (88 pounds a cubic foot), and oily wood. It is so oily, that a sanded piece of wood finishes itself as if it were varnished. There are claims that parts made of Lignumvitae will outlast steel and bronze parts. It has been used for bearings, particularly in the marine industry for propeller shafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Lignumvitae at the corner of the Matheson house is 35 years old, but not typical of the tree in the wild. This example has grown wide with unlimited sunlight, while trees in the forest are tall as they compete for light. It also has benefited from fertilizer, increasing its size. Merlin's magic wand was made from Lignumvitae as is Pete Seeger's banjo neck. The national champion Lignumvitae, estimated to be 800 - 1200 years old is on this island.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Park Service maintains the trails that were built through the island. These trails provide the opportunity to see the many varieties of flora and fauna on the island. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The island has a variety of tropical hardwoods: many varieties of ficus, including the strangler fig; mastic, poisonwood, pigeon plum, mahogany, and Jamaican dogwood.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Of course, the storied gumbo limbo is throughout the island. The example at right provides a good example of how the peeling bark, resembling a sunburn, has given the tree the nickname "tourist tree." Below, an example in the wind protection of the hammock has large pieces of peeling bark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One tropical tree that is important to recognize is the poisonwood, characterized by gray bark that peels away to reveal the orange cambium. The black spots are particularly poisonous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The national champion poisonwood tree lives on Lignumvitae Key (image below). Note that the park ranger is wearing mosquito netting over his clothes. In some areas, he also wore mosquito netting over his head. Mosquitoes are a part of nature and are not disturbed nor discouraged in this biological park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poisonwood is not the only plant that can cause pain on the island. The prickly pear cactus has obvious thorns that can be avoided, but the sweet fruit has many small, almost invisible thorns protecting them from predators.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is wildlife in addition to mosquitoes. An osprey watched closely from the roof of the Matheson house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">His nest, housing his mate and this season's offspring, is across from the house on top of the tower that once held the electricity-producing wind generator. The park rangers have named the pair Desi and Lucy, and this year's chick, Amelia for the female aviator. That's Desi watching from the high spot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The area in front of the house was cleared of native vegetation, landscaped, and decorated with cannon from the British Warship HMS Winchester, which wrecked on a reef in 1665. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Matheson house, on the Register of Historic Places, is open as a part of the guided tour. Although built on one of the highest spots in the Keys (16.5 feet above sea level) it was constructed 8 feet above ground on thick concrete arches. It has proved to be a stout house, only being damaged in the great 1935 hurricane that destroyed Flagler's railroad. That hurricane removed part of the roof. When it was rebuilt, long bolts were used to fasten the roof structure to the floor. This, decades prior to Florida building codes requiring metal hurricane straps for roofs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The house still has many original furnishings and serves as a museum for the island with a variety of displays from fossils and artifacts to information on seagrass beds to photos and history of the island caretakers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the caretaker's work vehicles, a 1937 Dodge dump truck, has remained on the island, but without efforts to preserve it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Much natural and pioneer history has been preserved by the Florida Parks. A worthy experience in terms of history, beauty, and interacting with nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A sunset from Lignumvitae Key.</span><br />
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MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-22739285299423964362012-03-29T11:28:00.000-04:002018-04-29T21:36:11.236-04:00Everglades City - Chokoloskee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdi_1hA8NCk/T3Ra23jKHYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/dRPc14rdSG4/s1600/EvergladesChart1Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdi_1hA8NCk/T3Ra23jKHYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/dRPc14rdSG4/s640/EvergladesChart1Red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Everglades, once considered a swamp, is actually a wide, shallow river running from Lake Okeechobee to the west Florida coast (<u>The Everglades: A River of Grass</u>, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, 1947). Many islands, known as the 10,000 Islands, have been formed along the coast. Few inhabited places are located in the Everglades. Two small communities remain on the west coast, Everglades City and Chokoloskee, highlighted on the chart above.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yn9bMiBrSms/T3ReqtG_AhI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/sOVyCNzZA68/s1600/EvergladesChart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yn9bMiBrSms/T3ReqtG_AhI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/sOVyCNzZA68/s640/EvergladesChart2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is much water among the 10,000 islands, though little with enough depth for a cruising boat. The channel through the mangrove islands toward Everglades City is tricky with many quite shallow spots.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBSlKBfEld0/T3RiAmpUnrI/AAAAAAAAE-g/CxK6UiuuJw4/s1600/EvergladesCityHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBSlKBfEld0/T3RiAmpUnrI/AAAAAAAAE-g/CxK6UiuuJw4/s400/EvergladesCityHall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everglades City was once a prosperous and important city in southwest Florida. The impressive city hall stands in tribute to this once thriving town.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emNlG9b082I/T3RmmlJgkpI/AAAAAAAAE-o/-8K2fdhIXdo/s1600/EvergladesRod4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emNlG9b082I/T3RmmlJgkpI/AAAAAAAAE-o/-8K2fdhIXdo/s400/EvergladesRod4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Caloosa inhabited this area for centuries. The first white settlers arrived during the civil war. In 1889, George Storter, Jr., purchased the land in this area for $800 and built a home along the river.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OheWALRRy9o/T3RozAnFQqI/AAAAAAAAE-4/RJ2C_OQQtcA/s1600/EvergladesRod3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OheWALRRy9o/T3RozAnFQqI/AAAAAAAAE-4/RJ2C_OQQtcA/s400/EvergladesRod3.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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The area remained a small fishing village until 1922, when Barron Collier, an advertising millionaire from New York, began buying property, eventually owning most of southwest Florida. He converted the Storter home into the private Rod & Gun Club.<br />
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It has been a popular place hosting many celebrity guests, including Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Nixon. Films made in the area have brought famous guests - Winds Across the Everglades (Burl Ives, Gypsy Rose Lee), Cannonball Run (Bert Reynolds, Sally Field), Just Cause (Sean Connery), Gone Fishing (Danny Glover and Joe Pesci). A wide diversity of the famous have visited, from Mick Jagger to Jack Nicklaus to Earnest Hemmingway.<br />
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The Rod and Gun Club is now operated as a hotel and restaurant. It also serves as a marina, tying boats to the bulkhead along the Barron River. A popular stop for cruisers since it is the only place to stop. The closest anchorage is 3 miles away.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEkbFgG-ePA/T3RwL6Nh-7I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/3V-14HbdQmI/s1600/EvergladesBank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEkbFgG-ePA/T3RwL6Nh-7I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/3V-14HbdQmI/s400/EvergladesBank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Collier convinced the state and federal governments that a road was needed to connect Tampa and Miami. With Everglades City near the middle of the proposed road, it made a good headquarters for the construction. The Tamiami Trail was completed in 1928 and Everglades City began to prosper. It was the largest city for many years in what became Collier County and served as the County Seat. Then in 1960, Donna changed everything. Hurricane Donna blew 8 feet of water over the island, destroying most of the buildings. The County Seat was moved to Naples in 1962. The once busy Bank of Everglades is now a bed and breakfast and most of the property in the town is vacant.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZtVNmRtZTc/T3RymLzECPI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/E9za5A3DO1Y/s1600/EvergladesAirBoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZtVNmRtZTc/T3RymLzECPI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/E9za5A3DO1Y/s400/EvergladesAirBoat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, one of the biggest industries is air boat rides. (The boat at left has an additional passenger on the bow.) Tourism, restaurants, and fishing make up the majority of the commerce.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDbYQoT0oVo/T3RzhuR0jKI/AAAAAAAAE_g/kL-FDDExGeI/s1600/EvergladesFree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDbYQoT0oVo/T3RzhuR0jKI/AAAAAAAAE_g/kL-FDDExGeI/s400/EvergladesFree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This boat for sale illustrates the philosophy that boats priced at "free" are often overpriced.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL0XBT185kM/T3Rz7e0bu6I/AAAAAAAAE_o/EX4vMr92JMQ/s1600/EvergladesHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL0XBT185kM/T3Rz7e0bu6I/AAAAAAAAE_o/EX4vMr92JMQ/s640/EvergladesHouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix8U1NiwyXI/T3R1_BMhYcI/AAAAAAAAE_w/iovxDjZ-bxE/s1600/EvergladesHouseDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix8U1NiwyXI/T3R1_BMhYcI/AAAAAAAAE_w/iovxDjZ-bxE/s400/EvergladesHouseDock.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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If a quaint fishing village is a place you might like to settle, an interesting house with a lighthouse is for sale. A unique property, on the Barron River, with a single wide for a guest cottage (don't want those guests staying too long). Next door, the airboat ride operation keeps the home humming with the sweet sound of propellers driven by Chevy V8's. The property comes with a long dock and a fishing boat, easily converted into a cruiser.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JFkShtpowQ/T3R4x1HZReI/AAAAAAAAE_4/2_FBvnvct-M/s1600/EvergladesYardArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JFkShtpowQ/T3R4x1HZReI/AAAAAAAAE_4/2_FBvnvct-M/s400/EvergladesYardArt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Uniqueness may describe much of Everglades City. Yard art incorporated into landscaping is another example.<br />
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In 1947, the same year that Marjorie Stoneman Douglas published her first book, 1.5 million acres of this area was dedicated as the Everglades National Park. The park headquarters, down the road toward Chokoloskee, has a great specimen of the Gumbo Limbo tree. Its growing range in the U.S. is limited to South Florida and is known as the tourist tree because its red and peeling bark resembles sunburnt tourists who frequent this area. Gumbo Limbo wood was the primary wood used to carve carousel horses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onH2KbKhOH4/T3R8OXbGZnI/AAAAAAAAFAM/e5bfr8iG9V0/s1600/EvergladesTotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onH2KbKhOH4/T3R8OXbGZnI/AAAAAAAAFAM/e5bfr8iG9V0/s320/EvergladesTotch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is much history in this area. Bricks have been placed in front of City Hall to commemorate notable residents. There is a brick for Totch, whose great-grandfather settled here. Totch did well making a living from the land, until the land and water became a National Park. Then it became difficult for him to gather the animals for food and sale. The Park Service described Totch's difficulties as "poaching." Randy Wayne White tells the story of Totch looking for other ways to make a living. He bought an old shrimp boat and went into the import/export business - only, he never exported anything. He ran afoul of the authorities again, but because of his knowledge of the 10,000 Islands, they never could apprehend him. Finally, the IRS did. Totch describes the rigors of living in the Everglades in his autobiography, <u>Totch: A Life in the Everglades</u>, Loren "Totch" Brown,1993. <a href="http://www.florida-everglades.com/totch/">http://www.florida-everglades.com/totch/</a><br />
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In Chokoloskee, the community where Totch was born, the Smallwood General Store still stands. It is now a museum. The store has a large role in local history as it is the site where Ed Watson was killed. The area residents, tiring of Watson's ways, all shot him in front of the store as he stepped off his boat. The account is detailed in Peter Matthiessen's well-researched historical fiction, <u>Killing Mr. Watson</u>, 1990.<br />
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And, for a fun read, Carl Hiaasen's <u>Nature Girl</u> uses Everglades City and the 10,000 Islands as its setting.<br />
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Now, with a brief introduction to the Everglades and your reading assignment - Stoneman Douglas, Brown, Matthiessen, Hiaasen - we leave you with a sunset at Cape Sable, the southernmost point of the Florida peninsula.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-9715743365284471482012-03-27T19:30:00.000-04:002018-04-29T21:42:01.741-04:00Ft Myers - Sanibel Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The light bulb is celebrated in Ft. Myers. This city was the winter home of Thomas Alva Edison and the work he completed here is of great community pride.<br />
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A different light bulb is at left, a parade balloon ala Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York City.<br />
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Ft. Myers also bills itself as the City of Palms, planting Royal Palms along many of the city streets. Below, the light bulb leads the Parade of Lights through the palm-lined city streets.<br />
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Thomas Edison is still in Ft. Myers, standing under a Banyan tree he planted. It has grown to be the largest Banyan in the U.S., covering over a half acre. The Banyan is known as the "Walking Tree" for the way the roots drop from the limbs, growing to tree trunk size, supporting the limbs above. While Edison is most remembered for the light bulb and phonograph, his research into botany was extensive. He brought many species of plants from around the world. One of his projects was to find a plant that would provide a source of rubber if the U.S. was cut off from foreign supplies.<br />
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From varieties of citrus ( Temple orange blossom), to palms (Palmaya Palm), a huge specimen of a Brown Wooly Fig tree (another in the large family of Ficus, along with the Banyan), to a hedge of Bougainvillea, the grounds of Edison's home and laboratory are filled with his work in Botany.<br />
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Edison's winter home provides a view into the lifestyle and activities in the early 20th century. Lighting was celebrated with elaborate chandeliers.<br />
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The home is located on the Caloosahatchee River, providing a beautiful view, cooling breezes, and a dock for shipping material to the home and laboratory.<br />
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A museum of inventions and machinery developed by Edison has been organized in the laboratory across the street from his winter home. Of course, light bulbs and electrical generating equipment are a major component of the museum. The Edison Museum is a worthy stop for both the entertainment and educational aspects.<br />
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Henry Ford was an employee of Edison Labs. He was working on a machine design of his own, which he called a quadricycle, a four-wheeled internal-combustion-powered device. Edison told him that his design had promise. The rest, as they say, is history. After Ford became successful at his own company, he began spending winters at the Edison home and eventually purchased the house next door. Henry Ford can still be seen standing in the gardens.<br />
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The garage behind Ford's home houses two of his most famous products: the Model T and Model A.<br />
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The museum has displays devoted to Ford also. Another one of Ford's famous products was the Flat Head Ford V8. It was the first 8 cylinder and first V configuration engine available in a car affordable to the masses. One of its first big tests was being fitted to a Model A and driven to Ft. Myers for the winter.<br />
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<b>Sanibel Island</b><br />
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Sanibel Island is a Gulf barrier island west of Ft. Myers. It is the island in the bottom of the satellite image above, with Captiva and North Captive Island at the upper end of its tail. It was a secluded place and natural environment because it could only be reached by private boat or ferry. Until 1963, that is. A bridge from the mainland was built, leading to much development on the island. Fortunately, some large tracts of property have been set aside for conservation - Ding Darling State Park and the Sanibel-Captiva conservation area.<br />
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The Sanibel River flows through the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation area. Its natural appearance and its hosting of native wildlife belie the fact that it is man-made. It was dug to provide drainage of wet areas and to provide flood control for storms. Though man-made, it does add to the natural surroundings.<br />
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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has an interpretive center with vast amounts of information about the flora and fauna native to the area. One of the displays contained live turtles that inhabit this area of Florida. Another worthwhile educational stop.<br />
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The developed areas of Sanibel Island offer some entertainment features also. Randy Wayne White, a Florida mystery writer, lives on Sanibel Island. He has a series of novels featuring Doc Ford, a marine biologist living on Tarpon Lake in Sanibel Island. Randy Wayne White is in partnership with Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grill, featuring his books and some Florida and Caribbean foods.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It4RkBS7Eto/T3JF14mXFYI/AAAAAAAAE9w/HNr3byfp9Y0/s1600/SanibelDocFordBeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It4RkBS7Eto/T3JF14mXFYI/AAAAAAAAE9w/HNr3byfp9Y0/s400/SanibelDocFordBeans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A sampling of different foods throughout the country has been an objective of this journey. The black bean dip at Doc Ford's was not only delicious, its proportions could have made it an entire meal. A couple of rum drinks added to the experience. Doc Ford's menu includes 19 varieties of rum.<br />
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Randy Wayne White traveled through many countries as a writer for Outside Magazine. He began collecting peppers from the countries he visited. His hobby expanded until it became a business with a huge variety of hot sauces. These three were on our table.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazonpepper.com/index.htm">http://www.amazonpepper.com/index.htm</a>
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A culinary and literary experience combined at one location. For some recreational reading, a Doc Ford book can bring great enjoyment. And, because he researches his topics well, there are always some new information to be learned. The link below will provide more information on RWW and his books. And, if you ever visit Sanibel Island or Ft. Myers Beach, consider giving one of the Doc Ford Restaurants a try.<br />
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<a href="http://www.randywaynewhite.com/Site2/About_Randy.html">http://www.randywaynewhite.com/Site2/About_Randy.html</a>
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-1765070022831178572012-02-29T22:06:00.000-05:002018-04-29T21:44:48.466-04:00The Green Flash - Captiva Island<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Iq-VyYiqg/T07S_hzHpJI/AAAAAAAAEhE/rTIYmzGk8DA/s1600/GreenSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Iq-VyYiqg/T07S_hzHpJI/AAAAAAAAEhE/rTIYmzGk8DA/s320/GreenSign.jpg" width="308" /></a><br />
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The "green flash" is a rarely occurring natural phenomenon where there is a flash of green color just as the sun disappears over the horizon. It happens over water most often. The Green Flash is also the name of a restaurant on Captiva Island.<br />
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The Green Flash is located on the western, bay side of Captiva Island. They offer free dockage for boaters who have a meal at the restaurant. More than enough reason to give it a try.<br />
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The enjoyment of lunch was enhanced by having a beautiful boat outside the restaurant window.<br />
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It did not take long to realize that the restaurant was special. The Oysters Rockefeller was not only delicious, it contained a pearl (upper left).<br />
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Two of the house specialties were selected: crunchy grouper sandwich and the Captiva salad, which had shrimp, scallops, and salmon.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLDq5EoMhJI/T07VeewKRxI/AAAAAAAAEhs/V6XgsfBT2qU/s1600/GreenFoodClean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLDq5EoMhJI/T07VeewKRxI/AAAAAAAAEhs/V6XgsfBT2qU/s320/GreenFoodClean.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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If proof of the tastiness is needed, the empty plate that once held the Captiva salad should be a good clue. Green Flash proved to be an outstanding restaurant with traditional menu items well prepared and many unique and delicious items created.<br />
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They also have a sense of humor at the Green Flash. The men's restroom is located next to the bar. So you don't loose the view of your drink, there is a window over the urinals allowing you to see into the bar. Very handy. When women enter the room with their gender on the door, they are greeted with a guy standing in the corner.<br />
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Captiva is a skinny island, about 300 yards wide. So, it is a short walk to the beach for fresh, salty breezes and good shelling. A friendly Blue Heron posed on the beach for photos.<br />
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The unusually warm winter has the Ospreys on their nests early. This pair has a nest next to the restaurant. They are magnificent creatures that always seem to have an eye staring directly at you.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJx355gZssw/T07eNan03gI/AAAAAAAAEik/zZxyPk7-V4k/s1600/GreenCaptivaHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJx355gZssw/T07eNan03gI/AAAAAAAAEik/zZxyPk7-V4k/s400/GreenCaptivaHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not far from the Green Flash a stilt home stands over the water. It is a place where Doc Ford would feel at home.<br />
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An enjoyable stop along the coast in many aspects.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylRrBPw7viU/T07nCryQ6xI/AAAAAAAAEis/hhBL40ZNlDw/s1600/GreenSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylRrBPw7viU/T07nCryQ6xI/AAAAAAAAEis/hhBL40ZNlDw/s640/GreenSunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the namesake restaurant on the island, many people go to the beach to catch the sunset in hope of observing the green flash. It was not to be on this day.MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-1420713074110235722012-02-29T18:20:00.000-05:002018-04-29T21:46:23.431-04:00Cabbage Key<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le01HaYCHtg/T02H4VjJh0I/AAAAAAAAEes/_MmAav-Lacw/s1600/CabbageDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le01HaYCHtg/T02H4VjJh0I/AAAAAAAAEes/_MmAav-Lacw/s640/CabbageDock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cabbage Key is an island near the southern end of Cayo Costa. It is a popular place with a long and interesting history. Last Dance took a spot at the Cabbage Key Marina to provide the crew an opportunity to explore this island.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj0KpBvwAQg/T02IlAPTdgI/AAAAAAAAEe0/Hu-8OnjtWSY/s1600/CabbageHouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj0KpBvwAQg/T02IlAPTdgI/AAAAAAAAEe0/Hu-8OnjtWSY/s640/CabbageHouse2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Calusa inhabited this area at least 3700 years ago. They were known as the Shell People because their diet consisted of seafood, mainly shellfish. The oyster, clam, and scallop shells were stacked in piles known as shell middens. Thousands of years of shells make high mounds. The Spanish came and the Calusa are no more. In 1929, Alan and Gratia Rinehart purchased Cabbage Key and built their winter estate on one of the shell middens. In 1944, Larry and Jan Stults bought the island, turning the house and property into a resort. It has continually been operated as a resort since, with only two other owners since 1969.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YsDoVMW6-o/T02Nc3YyQaI/AAAAAAAAEfk/iKj_0KOdaGg/s1600/CabbageDollarCrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YsDoVMW6-o/T02Nc3YyQaI/AAAAAAAAEfk/iKj_0KOdaGg/s400/CabbageDollarCrew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The main house now is a restaurant and bar with 6 hotel rooms. With just a few buildings on the island, which is reachable only by boat, a restaurant that seats 200 people would seem of inappropriate scale. That is, until you see the big ferries bringing people to the island for lunch. Cabbage Key is purported to be the place that Jimmy Buffett ate his Cheeseburger in Paradise. Their cheeseburgers are good, but the rest of the menu is not notable. It is the environment makes eating at Cabbage Key a must.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYpoGfw5HvU/T02OxQmmoiI/AAAAAAAAEfs/xzHIk7vX3sk/s1600/CabbageDollarTarpon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYpoGfw5HvU/T02OxQmmoiI/AAAAAAAAEfs/xzHIk7vX3sk/s400/CabbageDollarTarpon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The walls of the restaurant and bar are covered in dollar bills. Patrons write their names on a dollar bill and tape it to the wall. With the many thousands of visitors a year, the dollar bill wallpaper becomes quite thick.<br />
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A few of the dollar bills signed by the more famous of the visitors are famed. Of course, Jimmy Buffett's dollar bill is behind the bar,<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhK7SBnsVeY/T02Pt0q7F1I/AAAAAAAAEf8/1TGKSj9pLvk/s1600/CabbageDollarCarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhK7SBnsVeY/T02Pt0q7F1I/AAAAAAAAEf8/1TGKSj9pLvk/s400/CabbageDollarCarter.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
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along with one signed by Jimmy and Rosilyn Cater, and one left by John F. Kennedy, Jr.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3hRPP-Lrqc/T02QB2KYQMI/AAAAAAAAEgE/DN7IQAk2IRc/s1600/CabbageDollarJFK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3hRPP-Lrqc/T02QB2KYQMI/AAAAAAAAEgE/DN7IQAk2IRc/s320/CabbageDollarJFK.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hue31Xn4Xyc/T02QiZfUlGI/AAAAAAAAEgM/HOGFRVK4EBc/s1600/CabbageDollarRandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hue31Xn4Xyc/T02QiZfUlGI/AAAAAAAAEgM/HOGFRVK4EBc/s400/CabbageDollarRandy.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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On the wall, among many dollar bills is a poster signed by Randy Wayne White, one of Glen's favorite authors and a resident of nearby Sanibel Island.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54nIq65U3mw/T02LCzYPCvI/AAAAAAAAEe8/-Xysrnd0ILo/s1600/CabbageDockHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54nIq65U3mw/T02LCzYPCvI/AAAAAAAAEe8/-Xysrnd0ILo/s640/CabbageDockHouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cabbage Key dockhouse</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq2iUsvmFOA/T02LcTdCPvI/AAAAAAAAEfE/VzmwGmsV0CM/s1600/CabbageShower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq2iUsvmFOA/T02LcTdCPvI/AAAAAAAAEfE/VzmwGmsV0CM/s320/CabbageShower.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The dockhouse has the marina office, a gift store, and the marina showers. The shower sign indicates its location and provides a suggestion.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi_XN-7ZDwM/T02MAjCgEjI/AAAAAAAAEfM/GFMJ4Z3ABAg/s1600/CabbageWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi_XN-7ZDwM/T02MAjCgEjI/AAAAAAAAEfM/GFMJ4Z3ABAg/s320/CabbageWater.jpg" width="229" /></a><br />
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Behind the dockhouse, on the highest point of the island, is the original water tower, completely constructed of wood, including the tank. It also serves as an observation tower and home to a family of Osprey.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTEEkSLreQ/T02MixwI-gI/AAAAAAAAEfU/ABRUMXm-32g/s1600/CabbageWaterOsprey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTEEkSLreQ/T02MixwI-gI/AAAAAAAAEfU/ABRUMXm-32g/s320/CabbageWaterOsprey.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvsyFLbrkP4/T02M0WvT1kI/AAAAAAAAEfc/CWkfxDGcbyk/s1600/CabbageWaterOspreyClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvsyFLbrkP4/T02M0WvT1kI/AAAAAAAAEfc/CWkfxDGcbyk/s320/CabbageWaterOspreyClose.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mze4-naxmr8/T04f2tUL_ZI/AAAAAAAAEgc/menuuf4EiaY/s1600/CabbageTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mze4-naxmr8/T04f2tUL_ZI/AAAAAAAAEgc/menuuf4EiaY/s400/CabbageTrail.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Those who only visit the restaurant miss much that Cabbage Key has to offer. Most of the island has been left in its natural, undeveloped state. A walking trail runs the length of the island through a variety of native vegetation. Many of the plant varieties are labeled, making the walk an educational tour as well as a pleasant walk.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT-qaNP6yUE/T04hQIFAT6I/AAAAAAAAEgk/kCxwHEeIItM/s1600/CabbageTrailStopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT-qaNP6yUE/T04hQIFAT6I/AAAAAAAAEgk/kCxwHEeIItM/s400/CabbageTrailStopper.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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The Spanish Stopper tree grows in south Florida and the Caribbean. It gets it name from the anti-diarrhea properties of the berries.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpB7aTZZI-k/T04imWype0I/AAAAAAAAEgs/UcL3kqC8BCI/s1600/CabbageTrailStrangler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpB7aTZZI-k/T04imWype0I/AAAAAAAAEgs/UcL3kqC8BCI/s400/CabbageTrailStrangler.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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The Florida Strangler Fig is a parasite. Its seed lands in a crack or crevice of a tree, then germinates sending air roots to get water and nutrients from the host tree. The roots eventually reach the ground and the Strangler Fig continues adding roots until the root system is strangling the host tree. This Strangler Fig has attached to a Cabbage Palm, its favorite host, completely girdling the tree with roots.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwDWo_59bPs/T04kAgw6DZI/AAAAAAAAEg0/BIEaoT3612c/s1600/CabbageTrailHibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwDWo_59bPs/T04kAgw6DZI/AAAAAAAAEg0/BIEaoT3612c/s320/CabbageTrailHibiscus.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The grounds also included some non-native plants that added color. The experience of touring native flora is better at Cabbage Key than in the State Parks along the coast. A park with an entertaining restaurant.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rxBP2ihN_s/T04oUeT1FCI/AAAAAAAAEg8/H9d6uU4YRqk/s1600/CabbageSunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rxBP2ihN_s/T04oUeT1FCI/AAAAAAAAEg8/H9d6uU4YRqk/s640/CabbageSunset2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-68287489174155362742012-02-26T17:34:00.000-05:002018-04-29T21:49:35.800-04:00Venice<div>
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The Gulf Intracoastal runs through Venice, a small town south of Sarasota. Venice has become popular with the snowbirds, who have exploded the size of the population in the winter.</div>
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As can be seen in the photo below, winter tends to miss Venice. Early February is not this colorful in most of the county. The big tree with roots running down from the limbs is a common Ficus (as in the houseplant) (Ficus benjamina), often mistaken for a Banyan tree (Ficus benghdensis), which has the same characteristic. </div>
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Venice is a great place to stop when cruising the west coast of Florida. The marinas are near downtown and shopping and the town is beautiful and interesting.</div>
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The tall, tall Sabal (Cabbage) palms planted along downtown streets testify to the age of the city center. It remains alive with retail, restaurants, theater, and no empty storefronts. A lively, fun downtown.</div>
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The Venice Archives have saved the Triangle Inn, a 1927 bed and breakfast inn. The triangle shape matched the pointed lot where it was originally built. The Archives moved and restored the inn to collect and display the history of Venice.</div>
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Venice began its building boom in 1926, which ended a few years later with the Depression. Those original houses are celebrated with a self-guided walking tour produced by the Archives. To give an example of the architecture, front doors of some of the houses are represented.</div>
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If you are ever feeling old, visit Venice. At a concert on the beach, the Last Dance crew were the youngest people at the event, including the band. Median age is 68.</div>
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MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-38769211192190430732012-02-26T10:53:00.001-05:002018-04-29T21:51:31.065-04:00Sarasota<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyDO9UE2jCc/T0mjBzL8q_I/AAAAAAAAEb8/vmKOOtKJIy4/s1600/SarasotaClock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyDO9UE2jCc/T0mjBzL8q_I/AAAAAAAAEb8/vmKOOtKJIy4/s400/SarasotaClock.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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A walkable downtown filled with both new and old characterizes Sarasota. The city center fronts the harbor, bordered with a large park and a huge marina It is a grand area for a stroll, shopping at unique retailers, and sampling restaurants. There is even a full service, upscale supermarket downtown. Interesting, fun place.</div>
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Remember the Marilyn Monroe sculpture in Chicago? The artist is Seward Johnson. One of his sculptures stands in Sarasota also - The Kiss, from a photo taken on D Day in New York. Johnson's work created the most controversy among the citizenry ever experienced in this town. Many felt it to be hideous and shouted for its removal. Others saw it as patriotic and a work of art. Hearings were held. City Council meetings were jammed. It was to be a traveling display, visiting a number of cities. A local resident, a WW II veteran, settled the argument by purchasing the statue for $500,000 and giving it to the city. It still adorns the waterfront park downtown.<br />
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Makes one wonder about the level of controversy if the skirt-blowing sculpture of Marilyn Monroe had been placed in Sarasota.MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-89015922217755530522012-02-25T21:44:00.000-05:002018-04-29T21:54:49.926-04:00St. Pete<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsROxuULsmo/T0lf48wAYXI/AAAAAAAAEa8/KAH7Qe6MIEs/s1600/PinellasMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsROxuULsmo/T0lf48wAYXI/AAAAAAAAEa8/KAH7Qe6MIEs/s400/PinellasMap.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Pinellas County occupies the peninsula separating Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. It stretches from Tarpon Springs in the north to St. Pete Beach at the south end. There are 24 incorporated cities in Pinellas, which can get confusing. For simplicity, the largest city, St. Petersburg is sometimes used to describe this area. To reduce syllables, the city is called St. Pete, and thus the title of this post. <br />
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<b>Dunedin</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the Dunedin City Marina, Looking across the Bay</td></tr>
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A reasonable rate at the city marina attracts cruisers to this small community just south of Tarpon Springs. It is a town that rewards visitors with great restaurants and an interesting downtown. There are two restaurants and a fresh fish market in the marina and two blocks toward town is Sea Sea Ryder, which has unique and award-winning recipes. Neat town.<br />
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<b>Treasure Island</b><br />
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Bonnie interacts with new friend, Claire, at the dock behind Jeff and Suzanne's home. These gracious friends provided their home dock for Last Dance while a needed road trip was made across the state.<br />
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The flora in Treasure Island indicated that winter is nonexistent here in January.<br />
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<b>Gulfport</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWSlhCYBjQs/T0mNvM1I_5I/AAAAAAAAEbk/0OsBvECatgs/s1600/FLBoatsLadySavannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWSlhCYBjQs/T0mNvM1I_5I/AAAAAAAAEbk/0OsBvECatgs/s400/FLBoatsLadySavannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This community has many large marinas which, of course, are full of boats - many for sale. A visit was made to view Lady Savannah, a DeFever 53. Although she is a grand and spacious boat, with some outstanding features and quality upgrades, she will not be replacing Last Dance.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDzrk5j_UME/T0mPmVVbp4I/AAAAAAAAEbs/E7mJtrncY6Y/s1600/FLBoatsTrumpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDzrk5j_UME/T0mPmVVbp4I/AAAAAAAAEbs/E7mJtrncY6Y/s400/FLBoatsTrumpy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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S.S. Sophie, a beautiful 1947 80' Trumpy shares the boathouse with Lady Savannah. She has been described as having an acre of varnish. Sadly, she is not for sale. Sophie spends her winters in Gulfport and summers in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.<br />
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<b>Belleair Beach</b><br />
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Viewing the St. Pete area from the water gives the impression that most new construction consists of high-rise condos, creating walls next to the water. While placing a maximum number of people in a given space, these buildings do not produce the most beautiful view from the waterways. The exact city in which this building is located may be in error as the cities of Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, and Belleair Bluffs are contiguous. Sights like above, make the sights like below, even more amazing.<br />
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<b>St. Pete Beach</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvWTsh0GDBQ/T0mWMRy-QDI/AAAAAAAAEb0/Agz2t-Bwu1k/s1600/DonCesar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvWTsh0GDBQ/T0mWMRy-QDI/AAAAAAAAEb0/Agz2t-Bwu1k/s640/DonCesar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Don Cesar, known as the Pink Lady, a magnificent hotel built in 1928, has been restored to her original beauty. The Don Cesar was once "The Destination" in Tampa/St. Pete, visited by the rich and famous, including FDR. In World War II, she housed a military hospital, then the Veterans' Administration, and in the late 60's was abandoned. Fortunately, the hotel was saved and brought back to her original beauty.<br />
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MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-59687365738912678562012-02-25T10:29:00.000-05:002018-04-29T21:56:21.114-04:00Moore's Stone Crab at Long Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the north end of Long Boat Key, a barrier island just south of Tampa Bay, there is a restaurant known as Moore's Stone Crab. With that name, a visit was required. The restaurant is located on a little bay along the Intracoastal Waterway and has a dock for visiting boaters. An overnight stay is free if you eat in the restaurant. A deal that could not be passed up.<br />
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The stone crab dinners were offered in 3 sizes: 7 house size claws, 6 large size claws, or 5 jumbo size claws. The jumbo claw dinner was priced at $74.99. This fact made it easy to understand why there were so many crab traps offshore at Clearwater. Very precious, these little crabs.<br />
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It is illegal to kill a stone crab - a meat bearing animal that does not have to give up its life to provide a meal. Stone crabs are caught in traps, one claw is broken off, and the crab is returned to the water. The crab is able to catch prey and feed itself with one claw and the lost claw grows back.<br />
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The community of Long Beach is a quiet, quaint village, far different from the highrise condos of Clearwater and St. Pete. Smaller, older homes populate the village.<br />
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And, the few newer homes make their impact through architectural details rather than outlandish size.<br />
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Then, there were the interesting and quirky aspects of Long Beach, like Peacocks roaming the neighborhood.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcQprNVaeWM/T0hetggpbZI/AAAAAAAAEZU/PXNxSq5S9MQ/s1600/LongBPeacock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcQprNVaeWM/T0hetggpbZI/AAAAAAAAEZU/PXNxSq5S9MQ/s400/LongBPeacock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-bCs2rWIY/T0he8WTwwdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/05vXJ4dzvj0/s1600/LongBMail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-bCs2rWIY/T0he8WTwwdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/05vXJ4dzvj0/s1600/LongBMail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-bCs2rWIY/T0he8WTwwdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/05vXJ4dzvj0/s1600/LongBMail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-bCs2rWIY/T0he8WTwwdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/05vXJ4dzvj0/s320/LongBMail1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Seems the residents express creativity, and maybe a bit more quirkiness, through eschewing traditional mailboxes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHOg3pe4jhw/T0hfJ-UZU5I/AAAAAAAAEZk/ZSojf6dELlw/s1600/LongBMail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHOg3pe4jhw/T0hfJ-UZU5I/AAAAAAAAEZk/ZSojf6dELlw/s400/LongBMail2.jpg" width="282" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72kP_lBNN9Y/T0hfZrn8UAI/AAAAAAAAEZs/Tpv8QhGLeI0/s1600/LongBMail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72kP_lBNN9Y/T0hfZrn8UAI/AAAAAAAAEZs/Tpv8QhGLeI0/s400/LongBMail3.jpg" width="286" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4t5TvH-Ps/T0mJ_eaCKaI/AAAAAAAAEbM/fyWiWYNGWI4/s1600/LongBBirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4t5TvH-Ps/T0mJ_eaCKaI/AAAAAAAAEbM/fyWiWYNGWI4/s640/LongBBirds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is a beach in Long Beach; a nice, white-sand one. Black Skimmers and Royal Terns stand on the beach, facing the wind in groups.<br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-78269763532433629362012-02-25T10:28:00.000-05:002012-02-25T10:28:04.010-05:00Clearwater Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB4bBKolqdE/T0hgao74xfI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/WQ7OrwM9iaQ/s1600/ClearwaterCondos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB4bBKolqdE/T0hgao74xfI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/WQ7OrwM9iaQ/s640/ClearwaterCondos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Clearwater Beach has sprouted high rise condominiums and large hotels. While these are the first and highest impact images as one approaches the island, there are interesting aspects of this town.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seEic3OgI2I/T0hhTmIfD-I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/DBnRTR-kEDs/s1600/CwaterArtDeco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seEic3OgI2I/T0hhTmIfD-I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/DBnRTR-kEDs/s400/CwaterArtDeco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Art Deco hotels still stand,<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtGbciFVXM/T0hhqtvENyI/AAAAAAAAEaM/dfDYkWnsB2k/s1600/CwaterChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtGbciFVXM/T0hhqtvENyI/AAAAAAAAEaM/dfDYkWnsB2k/s400/CwaterChurch.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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churches have nautical doors,<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nitd_ekCTeg/T0hh_KrdmKI/AAAAAAAAEaU/Rh4ZLjw0g0c/s1600/CwaterFrenchys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nitd_ekCTeg/T0hh_KrdmKI/AAAAAAAAEaU/Rh4ZLjw0g0c/s400/CwaterFrenchys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and, some old, locally-owned restaurants have survived.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0cY_-DYBec/T0hiR9wtx7I/AAAAAAAAEac/uVuwBguHNJo/s1600/CwaterFrenchysCab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0cY_-DYBec/T0hiR9wtx7I/AAAAAAAAEac/uVuwBguHNJo/s400/CwaterFrenchysCab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In fact, Frenchy's has done so well that they now have three other locations in addition to the original. For tourists without transportation, there is a Frenchymobile. Note the grouper sandwich display on the roof, advertising one of their most famous menu offerings.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpQ5kfBJitc/T0hi8E7S51I/AAAAAAAAEak/OR76IbISuY4/s1600/CwaterKersteinDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpQ5kfBJitc/T0hi8E7S51I/AAAAAAAAEak/OR76IbISuY4/s400/CwaterKersteinDock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You do meet great people around cruising boats. Another example occurred at Clearwater Beach where Harvey and Dana gave Last Dance a berth at their home dock. The parents next door, Russell and Marion, loaned us their Mercedes for several trips into town. Wonderful people along the waterways. Photos below are from the backyard.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vtvag6l-7js/T0hkG3BAGtI/AAAAAAAAEas/2fqa2mja2ZM/s1600/CwaterMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vtvag6l-7js/T0hkG3BAGtI/AAAAAAAAEas/2fqa2mja2ZM/s400/CwaterMoon.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WODMTHZwoY/T0hkPW2pqfI/AAAAAAAAEa0/RLVSc00Eyeg/s1600/CwaterParrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WODMTHZwoY/T0hkPW2pqfI/AAAAAAAAEa0/RLVSc00Eyeg/s320/CwaterParrots.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3192314206280602808.post-57941208889159260942012-02-24T21:09:00.000-05:002012-02-24T21:09:46.807-05:00PhotographyMany friends have commented about their enjoyment of the photographs in the blog. Good photography requires quality equipment, some study and knowledge, a bit of skill, time composing the photo, and some post processing. Time, effort, and investment in attempting to capture high impact images has produced some good results on this adventure. But, when traveling, one is often not presented with the best environment for capturing a photo. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFMF1GMFaMY/T0cAtMSFurI/AAAAAAAAEXo/abehG4cUODI/s1600/Skyway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFMF1GMFaMY/T0cAtMSFurI/AAAAAAAAEXo/abehG4cUODI/s640/Skyway1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg and Bradenton. It is a beautiful and amazing piece of engineering. The above image was captured traveling south from St. Petersburg in the morning. The sun is behind the bridge, creating back lighting which gives the bridge a black image against the sky.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0_5RAwSnvQ/T0cBwL--DUI/AAAAAAAAEXw/lu5F4imCbfI/s1600/Skyway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0_5RAwSnvQ/T0cBwL--DUI/AAAAAAAAEXw/lu5F4imCbfI/s640/Skyway2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Leaving the Palmetto/Bradenton area requires travel north on the Manatee River, into Tampa Bay, before turning south again on the Intracoastal Waterway. This trip was made in the afternoon with the sun lighting the bridge. This created a much different image - concrete and support cables reflecting the sun. These two images capture the bridge design and tell a story, but are far from great photos.<br />
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Bob Dein, a good friend who has taken up photography as a serious hobby, has also captured an image of the Sunshine Skyway. With more study and knowledge, higher quality equipment, and taking the time and effort to drive across the Skyway long before sunrise to set up on Mullet Key, his image not only captures the bridge, it brings a beauty that is truly amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNW9dGDXcE/T0cCDe75gqI/AAAAAAAAEX4/wvCOHJ-TERY/s1600/SkywayBobDein500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNW9dGDXcE/T0cCDe75gqI/AAAAAAAAEX4/wvCOHJ-TERY/s640/SkywayBobDein500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photography has been a large part of capturing the adventure of traveling the Great Loop. While taking some time to post process and organize the images, the photography itself has been an adventure. The many positive comments from friends about the photos reinforces the power of a photo in telling a complex story.<br />
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Another photography story is that Jill has now become a published photographer with her image of a baby dolphin playing in Last Dance's wake being selected as Photo of the Week on the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net.<br />
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<a href="http://cruisersnet.net/baby-dolphin-plays-in-the-wake/">http://cruisersnet.net/baby-dolphin-plays-in-the-wake/</a>
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<br />MVLastDancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11619459002393346318noreply@blogger.com0