Well, we're back from Seahorse Key. I have to admit - I really do love it there!
The place is so peaceful and beautiful!
We arrived in the small town of cedar Key Friday, though Kenny and I were running a bit late. (He had to work all night and when he got home was exhausted. He laid down on the bed and I couldn't wake him up for almost 2 hours.
) We missed our group's usual Pre-Lighthouse Lunch, but luckily the Wildlife Managers were able to wait for us. We met half our group at the public dock (the other half was already at the lighthouse) and quickly loaded our stuff into the boat.
We left the muddy waters of Cedar Key and headed out to Seahorse Key. We were met at the Lighthouse dock by rest of our group. We quickly dragged our stuff up the hill and into the lighthouse. As we situated our stuff, Joe and Stephanie (Shortcake) started the Boston Butts (fresh pork hams as I was later notified) in the Slow Cooker, so dinner would be ready when we were.
We made a quick trip to the Graveyard to see if any weeding needed to be done. Every thing was in fine order, so we slowly make our way down to the beach. We walked along the beach, picking up shells and treasures to add to our collections and picked up trash that had made its way to our beach. After our refreshing walk, we pulled weeds that had grown through the brick walkway of the lighthouse and swept it clean. During a delicious dinner of Boston Butt and potato salad, we talked about the upcoming day's events. Unfortunately two of our members had to leave after dinner due to a family emergency. So we said our goodbyes to them, our goodnights to each other and headed off to our sleeping bags.
The next day dawned cool and bright. The boats started early and before we knew it, we had people waiting to climb the lighthouse tower. JOllet and IMoopies5 stopped by and chatted with me a bit until it was their turn to climb the tower. Before they left, they took a picture of me inside the Lighthouse – I made sure they included my badge in the picture! :p I'm sure they will share it with you when they get them developed.
We all had a busy day at our posts, Joe, who was giving the Graveyard Tours, was lucky enough to have a Bald Eagle land in a tree during his tours – it was one of the main events of the day.
We were happy to show everyone our little lighthouse, but were also happy when the last of the visitors had left. We cleaned up around the lighthouse and grounds and went for a relaxing stroll along the beach before dinner. My husband and I watched as two male Bald Eagles fought in mid-air over a female eagle. Egrets, Sand Pipers, and Pelicans rummaging for food in the water, squawked at us as we walked past. The setting sun made the sky pink, orange, purple, and blue. At that moment, we couldn't help by envy the Light Keepers of Old.
After the sun had set and the colors blended into the moon filled night, we headed back to the little white Lighthouse at the top of the hill and had plates of shredded pork and potato salad. Exhausted from the day's events, we said our goodnights and headed off to our sleeping bags.
The next day was much like the day before, with the exception of one, very memorable, visitor. The cutest little 8-year-old boy had dragged his parents to the Open House so he could visit the lighthouse. This little boy quizzed each and every one of us during his visit. He stood in line three times to climb the lighthouse tower and had questions each and every time he climbed down. We each patiently answered all his questions and hoped that his experience here would fuel his love of lighthouses further – he and his peers are the Future Light Keepers of America. It's because of children like him that make you glad that all your hard work and donations are helping to restore the abandoned, historical Lighthouses of this wonderful nation.
Before we knew it, our time there was done. We packed our bags, said our good-byes to the lighthouse and headed back to Cedar Key and our cars. We each felt a bit saddened
that we had to leave our little lighthouse, but each was gladdened that we were able to share our knowledge and lighthouse with all that attended the Open House. I hope those of you that attended the Open House enjoyed it as much as we did. For those of you that were with me – Stephanie and Joe – thank you so much for your help, dinner, and all the wonderful information you gathered about the Navy men buried at the graveyard. I look forward to seeing you again at our next visit to Seahorse Key Lighthouse.
The winners of the Raffle held at Seahorse Key are as follows:
Bert Duerin of Bellingham, MA – Colored Scetch of Cedar Keys Light
Dave Foster of Gainesville, FL – Watercolor of Cedar Keys Light
Voncile Smith of Boynton Beach, FL – HL of Cedar Keys Light
Congrats to our raffle winners – thank you everyone for your support of the Florida Lighthouse Association and the Cedar Keys/Seahorse Key Lighthouse!