Island Times

9:00AM November 11th -

Salutations Blog Readers!

It’s a beautiful sunny morning. Seventy-some degrees with the constant comfort of a gentle seaward breeze, coming off the Gulf. I’m typing this letter to you from my HP Mini with a palm hammock to my back and the open Gulf ahead of me. Checking my map of the shipping lanes I see that I’m looking at the Straits of Tampa Bay. Somewhere in the distance a ship’s bell is tolling and to my side are the white washed bricks of a lighthouse.

Yes, I’m on an island. Egmont Key to be exact, enjoying the distinct comforts of a beachcomber with my Nikon D7000 at my side. A juvenile bald eagle flew overhead a moment ago and I know the island’s reputation as a haven haring for gopher tortoises, osprey and various sea birds. Before the day is out I hope to get a collection of new images for the website.

A union soldier was visiting the sales booths a moment ago. He’s talking with the light-keeper at the moment, two of the historical reenactors sharing this day with me. The occasion is Discover the Island Day, a history fair held here on Egmont Key to advertise the sprawling beaches and Historic Ruins of Fort Dade. For a history buff and nature lover like me it’s a great chance to get out, do what I do best and make some extra cash selling my wares.

11:00 AM -

The sun over the Egmont Key Lighthouse Station made a beautiful surreal image, and I found a means to reach the peak of the Macintosh Battery for a great shot of the Light Station over the tree line. I happened to take a walk earlier and sadly did not have my camera with me as I witnessed a hilarious sight. A gopher tortoise crept out of the brush and approached the children's area, then proceeded to methodically knock over each of the rungs of a children's croquet set. He would have continued his fun if a volunteer had not noticed him and scooted him away.

For those of you interested the Fair is scheduled to run every November. The ferry to the island leaves from Fort Desoto Beach from 9AM to 4PM. Come see the island, it’s open to the public and one of the last real deserted islands presenting a walk through Florida’s past.

Pictures to be uploaded later ...

Thanks for reading!

L. Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)