The Querrey's QUEST: 12/14/2010 ROYAL PALM MARINA ON LEMON BAY TO CABBAGE KEY

TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 22 NM

The howling winds died down to a “doable” blustery day and we gratefully accepted the peace offering and made our way back into the Intracoastal Waterway. Our travels were fine but, gazing out to see at the tumultuous sea, I was glad to be on the GIWW.

QUEST AT THE ROYAL PALM MARINA

SO LONG ROYAL PALM MARINA

We stayed out of the way of this little auto ferry that took folks from Lemon Circle to Don Pedro Island. It only opened on one end so the cars had to back out when they reached the other side.

CARS BACKING OUT OF THE FERRY

The Gasparilla Causeway Swing Bridge kindly opened her portals for our passage. There were no bridge mishaps today!

GASPIRILLA CAUSEWAY SWING BRIDGE

This flat, swampy land in Southern Florida was once inhabited by the Calusa Indians, a fierce and tall people. Because the Calusa Indians were not an agricultural society they relied on the sea for fish and shell food to sustain their people. The shells from their harvest were used for weapons, dishes, tools and jewelry. They would pile the abundant seashells into mounds to construct a basis for their village dwellings and ceremonial temples. We began to see evidence of these mounds in the elevated areas on the islands we were passing.

Today’s destination was Cabbage Key and it was like stepping back in time. In 1929, this island was purchase by the son and daughter-in-law of the famous author, Mary Roberts Rinehart. The immediately began construction of their winter estate which are now the grounds of this popular resort. The present owners, the Wells family, have preserved the charm of the resort and maintained the delicate echo system.

We walked their nature trail, climbed the 41 steps to the top of the old water tower, caught sight of this beautiful pileated woodpecker and were able to view several shell mounds form the Calusa Indian days.

THE OLD WATER TOWER

VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE TOWER

NOTE THE PILIATED WOODPECKER IN THE CENTER OF THE PHOTO

Image by Sam Howzit via FlickrThe bar and restaurant is straight out of the 50’s. They are slammed with boating customers during the rest of the year but it is very quiet now. Every square inch of the walls and ceiling is covered with a donated and signed one dollar bill. It is said that this establishment was the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s famous Cheese Burger in Paradise. His signed photo and dollar bill lends credence to this tale. There is also a signed poster and book cover from Florida author, Randy Wayne White.

CABBAGE KEY RESTAURANT AND BAR

CHRISTMAS TREE, DOLLAR BILLS AND TARPON

DOLLAR BILLS HANGING EVERYWHERE

POSTER FOR RANDY WAYNE WHITE'S BOOK "CAPTIVA"

The birdlife is abundant around the boat but they are definatelly not wild criters. The ducks make their way to the fresh water bucket for a drink then waddle back to the shore to forage for food.