1-2&4, 2017 We’re off to see the Wizard and Turtle Tomfoolery

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1-3 and 1-4, 2017 Egmont Key, We’re off to see the Wizard and Turtle Tomfoolery

Our next anchorage brought us to an amazing island with rich history, Egmont Key.  It is at the mouth of Tampa Bay and is accessible only by boat.

A brief history of the island: 1849 the first of 3 lighthouses was built.  The first two were taken out by hurricanes and the current one was built inland further to protect it.

The Lighthouse Egmont Key.

It was once a prison for the Seminole Indians who were defeated in war. Fort Dade was built to defend Tampa Bay from invasion during the Spanish American War. Over 70 buildings were built between 1898 and 1916. Today only finely laid brick roads and the gun batteries and dozens of cracked building foundations remain.

Sanctuary and Last Call took dinghies in dense fog to the island.

It fortunately wasn’t foggy on the island. We climbed the gun batteries. It is amazing how good of shape the concrete is in after close to 100 years. We figured not having winter freeze and thaw must help.

Scott climbing the step of a gun battery.
Unique growth in the old base of the the gun turret.
Another view from the battery.
How do you like these Jail Birds?
Moss and a plant growing on an indentation in the battery.
I found the unique base of this tree tucked behind some brush. Magnificent.
There were several rooms in one of the bunkers that had fireplaces and the other inset into the wall that appeared to have a chimney. We wondered if it was for a lamp or a small fire??? Let us know if you know anything about this. We love to learn.
My artistic eye thought this was a neat shot.
About a year and a half ago lightning started a fire on the island. There were areas like this showing damage, however the Palm trees are still alive. That made us happy.

The brick roads went off into the distance and we felt like we were on our way to OZ.  In a silly moment Scott and I skipped like Dorothy  down the road and Teresa caught us on camera.

Skipping like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
One of my many favorite spots on the island. The bags that line this bunker are actually cement. You can see the imprint of the old burlap that they filled with cement and shells.

Scott standing in what used to be the Fort Dade Fire Station.

I bet you thought I forgot about the Turtle Tomfoolery. I didn’t. I just left you hanging. We started seeing Gopher turtles along the road to the light house.

Gopher Turtle
There were already two of these big turtles in this hole and a third on the way. This is why they are named Gopher Turtles.
Courting Turtles. Turtle Love.

When we got to the lawn of the light house there were turtles everywhere and yes, you guessed it…..it was mating season and there was lots of activity, thus: Turtle Porn.

Blush!

Thanks for reading.

Scott and Karen

Unique Random Photo of the day:

Found this horseshoe in the cement outside the Brass Monkey Restaurant.

2 thoughts on “1-2&4, 2017 We’re off to see the Wizard and Turtle Tomfoolery”

    1. I’m glad you got them. I am not surprised they got my name wrong. The gal who took the order really struggled to take the order. I hope they are as tasty as they looked and sounded

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