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Friday, October 25, 2013

Do you have a place to go?

For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park's boat ramp.

 Do you have a place to go in your mind when  you are overwhelmed and overworked and
need to take a breather? I do. I go to Lover's Key. It's off the west coast of Florida at Fort Myers.
And when I was there no one could get to the Key except by boat. Years and years ago. Now it is a state park and there are buildings on it and it has tons of people out for a fine day.

It was in the late 60's, early 70's that I lived in Ft. Myers. The hippie, dippy days. Being from Tennessee I was astonished at the nearly naked bodies, the free wheeling lifestyles, the drugs and alcohol I saw there. We had a canoe we named Tennessee. Went camping on Lover's Key. There could not have been a prettier place on earth. The sun and sand and water were perfect. It was a warm early spring with no bugs yet. Perfect. I walked down the beach without garments but with the dog and a little transistor radio playing "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash. Perfect. It was one of the moments in time that we collect and keep in our hearts. We can pull out those moments and go there for a mini vacation.

The pictures here are what I remember about the key. Between the outer island and the mainland were mangroves that had some great fishing. And some interesting crabs, etc. The sand was white and there were beautiful huge Australian pines up and down the island. I was saddened when I heard later that a hurricane took them out. But we were the only ones on the island. Me, my ex, my dog, and Johnny Nash. Wow do I love that memory.

2 comments:

Birdie said...

it is only in the last few months that I am finding a place to go that is all mine. I never knew how important it was before now.

Stacey said...

What a wonderful memory!! Thank you for sharing :)