Cedar Key Daily Photo

Cedar Key's Newest Resident

2006-03-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

First of all, I apologize profusely for "disappearing" and secondly, thank you to all of you that posted and questioned where I've been.
This is where I've been.......being "mama" to a new puppy! I was in Augusta, Georgia last week for a writers conference and came home this past Sunday (on my birthday) with my birthday present from my husband.
Meet Duncan......a 6 week old Scottish Terrier. I purchased him from a breeder in Jackson, South Carolina (over the river from Augusta) He did the 8 hour drive home wonderfully and has really settled in here quite well.
However....a puppy IS a puppy and with it comes the minor chores. Like getting only 6 hr. sleep the first two nights and up at 4 a.m. Like the constant trips to the back yard to potty train him and my time has become pretty limited. When he naps during the day, I scurry around trying to get things done. So I'm afraid I haven't been out and about this week snapping photos of my island.
I will be returning, hopefully early next week. So check back and please don't give up on me. Again, thank you to all who wondered where I've been. I'll see you very soon with more photos of my island.

Bon Anniversaire, PARIS DAILY PHOTO!

2006-03-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

Today's post is in honor of Eric at Paris Daily Photo.....it marks one year since he started his daily photos of Paris and this is a small tribute to him for all of his gorgeous shots of Paris....my beloved city!
We truly have nothing Parisian here on my island, Eric....except IN my house! I took this photo a few years ago on a visit to Paris and it sits on our mantle. And yes....that IS my last name and yes, there IS a street in the 17th arrondisement in Paris called rue DuLong.
So in honor of your first anniversay, this is my photo for you today. Enjoy your special day.....365 days of diligently posting those photos and giving all of us such pleasure and enjoyment. It's the next best thing to actually being there.

Approaching Cedar Key

2006-03-10T16:17:00.000-05:00

I've had a super busy week and I apologize for not getting out there with camera for photos to post here.
Left the island today to drive to Crystal River, one hour south of Cedar Key, and since I did have camera with me, I snapped this from the car.
This is the approach from the four bridges onto the island. I always take a deep breath and say "thank you" when I return here after all the traffic and fast pace of the city.

Atsena Otie

2006-03-06T08:08:00.000-05:00

Just off the coast of Cedar Key is the island Atsena Otie. Until the hurricane of 1896 this was a populated residential area, at which time people moved over to Cedar Key. Atsena Otie is now a great place to visit by boat....it's a wildlife refuge with an old cemetery there. And just another place to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the area.

Cedar Cove Marina

2006-03-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

This is the Cedar Cove Marina and condos. One great thing about the island is that we have height restrictions. No higher than 3 stories. It's reassuring to know that Cedar Key will never look like Miami Beach with so many high-rises robbing the gorgeous scenic views.

Dock Street

2006-03-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

The beach in the foreground is City Park...a public beach that everyone enjoys. In the background, is Dock Street. In the 1800's, there was no street. This is where the railroad came in and the rails hovered above the water with fish houses on pilings, leading to the depot at the end of the street.
Dock Street now has galleries, gift shops and many restaurants.

View From Island Room

2006-03-02T07:57:00.000-05:00

The other evening we had dinner at the Island Room, one of the great restaurants on Cedar Key. The weather was nice enough that we could dine outside and this is the view from that spot. Being an island, obviously no matter where you look the view involves the water. Being a Pisces, it's safe to say I'm definitely in my element here.

Looking Up

2006-03-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

One of the many nice things about living here on the island is that beauty isn't just at eye level. This photo taken last evening shows that if one looks up, there's always beauty above as well. It's not uncommon to see ibis, gulls and pelicans soaring above Cedar Key.

City Hall

2006-02-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

This is the Cedar Key City Hall. What's interesting about it is the fact that our City Clerk, Miss Frances, grew up in this structure. This was her girlhood home and her office today (window on left) was her childhood bedroom. The main room to the right is where our City Commissioners meetings are held twice a month. The rear of the building houses our Police Department. Rather than tearing down these older structures, I like the fact that Cedar Key restores them for other purposes.

Waiting

2006-02-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

These are two of the Historic buildings downtown that are waiting for restoration that's part of the Redevelopment project on the island. The one on the right had a bakery downstairs many years ago with the owner and family living above. I'll have a blog on Monday about a member of that family. These will eventually be retail shops, but as of right now, nobody knows any more info.

NOTE: I'll be attending a writers conference this weekend in Orlando. So I'll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Second Street

2006-02-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

Second Street could also be called "Main." It's the downtown area where our 2 banks are, City Hall, the Island Hotel, antique shops, a few restaurants, the Post Office and library. In other words, the "hub" of our little town.
As you can see, it's also fairly quiet and finding a parking spot (especially with my golf cart) is never a problem.

Island Hotel

2006-02-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

As the sign says, the Island Hotel has been here since 1859. Guests and employees claim to have witnessed ghosts in the upstairs rooms and a TV show was filmed about it. The Neptune Bar is the hang-out for guests and locals alike and Friday and Saturday nights it's always fun to stop by for a drink and hear the great jazz by Joel Benefiel.

Sculpture

2006-02-21T10:12:00.000-05:00

Yeah, okay....it's not exactly Parisian art. It's also not the Gloucester Fisherman in Massachusetts. But it does depict our little fishing village here on the island. I'm not sure who the artist is, but no doubt it's a local. So he now graces what is being developed into our Sculpture Garden, next door to the Arts Center. The more I look at it....the more I like it. He's a true representation of our quirky Cedar Key.

Sculpture Garden

2006-02-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

Cedar Key is a haven for both writers and artists. We have a great Arts Center downtown and right beside it they've created what will be our Sculpture Garden....a place to sit with coffee, observe sculptures by local artists and watch the world go by. One of the first sculptures appeared a couple weeks ago and if you promise not to laugh (yeah, it's pretty funky) I'll promise to post it here tomorrow.

Cedar Key Fire Dept.

2006-02-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

Since we're a small town of only 800 permanent residents, we have a volunteer fire and rescue department. The firemen and EMT's carry beepers with them 24/7. We do have 911 available here on the island, our phone call goes to Bronson about 40 miles away, and they immediately dispatch the info to the beepers. I have to say it appears to work very well. And I also have to say, we've been fortunate not to have many fires on the island. The last one was well over a year ago, when one of the homes on Piney Point caught on fire after being struck by lightening. Having a volunteer dept. is just one of the many things that differs from living in a large city.

Weekend Tourists

2006-02-18T10:51:00.000-05:00

We might be a sleepy, little, fishing village during the week but the weekends always bring the tourists. The bridge leading to Dock Street is empty Monday through Friday, but when I went downtown this morning to get our mail at the PO, vehicles were already parked on the bridge. Tourists generate money for the island, which is always good. But they're usually gone by Monday, which is also very nice....leaving our island paradise quiet once again.

Tree Huggers

2006-02-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure this afternoon to visit one of the locals on the island for an interview in my newspaper column.
The tree coming from below, up through his top deck, is indication of how the islanders take pride and care of all that's natural here on our island. He explained rather than cut the tree down, they built their home around it 25 years ago.

Cedar Key Valentine

2006-02-14T16:27:00.000-05:00

My Cedar Key Valentine was a Hibiscus blooming in my front yard, despite the fact it's winter elsewhere in the country.
I'm experimenting with my new Aiptek Mini Pencam. It'll take some getting used to, but I think I'll like it for some outdoor shots, especially in crowded places. Due to the tiny size one is able to discretely carry it in their palm. From now on, to distinguish between my Kodak digital and my Pencam I'll note which was used.
Happy Valentine Day to all!

Till Next Week

2006-02-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm going out of town today for a writers conference in south Florida. So I'll see all of you early next week.

Our Wildlife

2006-02-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

Living on an island, we're surrounded by wildlife. Just offshore from Cedar Key, this is one example of the protection and solitude that they inhabit. Our area is home to osprey, ibis, cranes, and even the bald eagle.

Seahorse Key Lighthouse

2006-02-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

Seahorse Key is offshore from Cedar Key and about a 20 minute boat ride. The lighthouse there hasn't been used since the 1930's. However, the property is used by students at the University of Florida in Gainesville for research and learning.
The island itself is a wildlife refuge and only open to the public twice a year.

Osprey Nest

2006-02-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

A common sight all over the island are osprey nests. They can be seen soaring and gliding in the skies above Cedar Key and making visits back to their nests. I've always felt the osprey symbolizes the laid back, free spirit, attitude of living here.

Old Glory

2006-02-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

Following 911 flags were seen flying everywhere in this country. From car windows, houses, places of business. Almost 5 years later, they're not as abundant. However, as this one proves, our flag still flies from private homes and public places.

Another Southern Sight

2006-01-31T08:27:00.000-05:00

A large amount of trees in the south are enveloped with a covering of Spanish Moss. Many times it resembles cobwebs and other times it's delicate whisps cling to the tree reminding one of a finely webbed lace pattern.
Yes, it can choke a tree from further growth but the mystical sight it provides is one of beauty and a slice of the true south.

A Southern Tradition

2006-01-30T09:22:00.000-05:00

I grew up in the northeast and years ago rockers on the front porch were traditional. It enabled neighbors walking by to pause and talk with those sitting there. Unfortunately, with more and more people living in condos, this quaint past-time has all but disappeared.
However, in the south, rockers on the front porch is still a common sight and in small towns it gives us a chance to get to know our neighbors even better.

Our Island School

2006-01-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

Our island school is the focal point of many events which the community participates in. Reading night for the younger children, a pie auction before Thanksgiving to raise money for the Jr. class and it's refreshing to see even adults without children participating. We have grades Pre-K through 12 and the graduating class normally hovers around 16 students.

Cedar Key Highschool is the smallest public high school in the state of Florida and many graduates go on to Florida University in Gainesville, one hour west of the island. Appropriately enough, the school mascot is the shark.

Tin Can Tourists

2006-01-28T12:32:00.000-05:00

The Tin Can Tourists arrived on the island for a Rally a few days ago at Sunset Isle RV Park. They're an organization committed to the celebration of classic trailers and motor coaches through annual gatherings of owners and friends.
I did a tour of the Park this morning and here's a 1957 Airstream with a 1950 Mercury. Very vintage.

Olde Boarding House Restaurant

2006-01-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

We left the island today and stopped in Trenton, which is about 40 miles east of Cedar Key, for lunch at the Olde Boarding House Restaurant.
An authentic southern restaurant with southern cooking, the buffet was mullet and catfish. Very appropriate for a Friday with so much fish readily available.

Dakotah Winery

2006-01-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

I visited the Dakotah Winery in Chiefland, 25 miles northeast of Cedar Key, a couple weeks ago and although it's not my favorite (and superb) French or Italian wine, I have to say it's enjoyable. They have a nice selection at affordable prices. They also offer a Grapeseed Garlic Roasted Oil (which I also purchased) that's great on salads and also to cook with. It's a family run winery and the grounds are beautiful to walk around. The wine tasting was fun and enables one to try the different wines before purchasing. Pay them a visit at this link.

Salt Marshes

2006-01-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

The entire island of Cedar Key is surrounded by salt marshes looking out to the Gulf. This is just one such view. Depending on the weather or time of day, the view is a constantly changing panoramic slice of paradise.

Stilt Houses

2006-01-24T10:05:00.000-05:00

According to FEMA code, any land on the island below 18 ft. elevation requires the house to be built on stilts. As a result, many of the homes here are quite high. These two are on Rye Key on the west side of the island. Although the stairs could be frustrating, I must say the views from these homes are spectactular. Surrounded by salt marshes and the Gulf, it's an artist paradise.

Cedar Key Railroad

2006-01-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

To connect the Atlantic coast with the Gulf had been the dream of David Yulee, Florida Railroad pioneer. The dream became reality in March of 1861 when the 155 miles of track from Fernandina to Cedar Key was completed. Travel reached a new high in 1881 when the company started running two trains a day into the city. The tracks ran out to a large loading dock where goods could be loaded directly from ocean-going ships which docked at Cedar Key. After the turn of the century, sawmills in Cedar Key gave out and the boats began docking at other ports. Later a road was put through to Cedar Key and finished off the railroad in 1932.
Conductor, Clyde Coulter, donated the uniform he wore on the railroad and it's now preserved at our Historical Museum.

Hale-Johnson House

2006-01-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

This is one of the homes in the Historic district downtown. Built in 1880 By William Henry Hale, Sr. a local builder, tax assessor and merchant, the house is now privately owned. Among it's outstanding features is the widow's walk, gingerbread trim and lovely stained glass windows.

Apothecary Jar

2006-01-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

Since medieval days, hanging globes or tall, ornamental, jars filled with red or green solutions were used by apothecary shops as symbols.
Medical lore claims that a globe filled with red solution warned people and stage coaches of a plague or contagious epidemic. No driver stopped until the apothecary had switched to a green one.
This jar hangs in our Historical Museum on the island.
.

Double Fireplace

2006-01-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

This is the previously named White Hotel on Second Street and is now privately owned by Joy and Bob Witman. The house required a major renovation when purchased, but as much of the old as possible was left intact.
A focal point on the second floor is this double fireplace, which was originally hidden by a wall of plaster but now adds charm and a feel for what the room looked like when built between 1885 and 1890 by the Railroad Development Company to house train workers on the island.

Artists on the Island

2006-01-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

Cedar Key isn't just a quaint fishing village. We're noted for the many artists that live and visit here. Bill Roberts recently conducted a class outside and is shown here working on his current project. Surrounded by nature seems to provide the inspiration needed for both artists and writers.

Honeymoon Cottage

2006-01-18T11:34:00.000-05:00

What used to be an old fishing shack is lovingly referred to as "Honeymoon Cottage." It sits just off shore on Cedar Key and is one of the most photographed places on the island. Having grown up on the Northshore of Boston, it always reminds me of Motif #1 in Rockport, Mass. which attracts artists and photographers from around the world. So this is our own Motif #1 right here on the island.

Future Hotel

2006-01-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Our little island is in the process of restoring a portion of our downtown area. One of the projects will be developing a new hotel. The artist rendering above shows what the future Magnolia House will look like as part of the historic restoration. Construction is due to begin late March and will be a combination of historic restoration/new construction.

Fiber Brushes

2006-01-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

The Standard Manufacturing Co. was in operation on the island from 1910 to 1952. There were only three of these fiber factories in the world and all were in Florida. Standard was the largest and the only one to make brushes.
The source of the fiber was the young Sabal Palm (Florida State Tree) which grew and still grows abundantly throughout Florida, especially in the coastal swampy areas. The process of extracting the fiber was complicated and labor intensive, from cutting the trees in the field to the finished product.
These are some of the finished products.

Back Bayou at High Tide

2006-01-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken looking out to our Back Bayou on the island. Being a fishing village, you seldom see working boats near shore. Their days are spent further out in the Gulf catching grouper, red fish or whatever is in season. Our offshore water surrounding the island is extremely shallow, causing boaters to stay in the channel. Before moving here and purchasing a boat, the tides wasn't something I gave much thought to. However, unless one wants to take a chance ending up on a sandbar, reading the tide schedule is mandatory.

The Children's Room

2006-01-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a docent and member of the Historical Society at the museum here on the island. Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour three of the historic houses, now privately owned. This photo was taken in the Hale-Johnson house and is the small, three foot entrance to the Children's Room. One must bend over to walk inside to a bedroom with a peaked roof and filled with vintage toys and large collection of Barbie dolls. Stooping down to enter, I had a feeling of Alice in Wonderland falling down that rabbit hatch.

View From the Cemetery

2006-01-06T08:39:00.000-05:00

Our cemetery here on the island is more of a park and lovely to walk through. This is one view taken from there. The back bayou, salt marshes and our water tower in the distance. It's not a bad place to spend eternity.
Based on a comment from Eric, I guess now is a good time to give you a bit more info on Cedar Key. Contrary to what many of you might think....we are not located in south Florida or part of Key West. Rather, we are located on the Nature Coast, one hour west of Gainesville and 150 miles southwest of Tallahhassee in north, central, Florida. Located 24 miles from the highway, one travels over 4 bridges from the mainland and then is on the island proper. We're a small (800/900 permanent residents) fishing village and Cedar Key boasts the distinction of being the #1 place in the USA of farm raised clams. We're also noted for our delicious crab. Many of the locals here are part of families that go back 4 and 5 generations. Living here surrounded by Mother Nature and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico is indeed a slice of paradise.

Cemetery Entrance

2006-01-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

On our morning walk to the cemetery this morning, Holly and I were greeted with this sign. Prisoners from the Levy County jail are sometimes brought here to our island to do clean up and gardening at our cemetery. It's exercise and fresh air for them and it keeps our cemetery looking very nice.

Widow Walk

2006-01-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

Growing up in Salem, Mass. I have always loved the widow walks, especially on the old sea captain homes along Chestnut Street. As a teen, I'd romanticize about the woman waiting up there, looking out longingly to the sea, waiting for her love to return.
This widow walk happens to be on the home next door to me. The house is made entirely of cypress and a spiral staircase inside leads up to the walk, with a view out to the salt marshes and bayou's. And yup, I still think these things are romantic.

January On Cedar Key

2006-01-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

Holly and I walked this morning along Andrews Circle (another of my favorite walking routes near my house) and I found this orange tree heavy with fruit. The sweet, elderly, lady that lives in the house saw me taking the photo and came out to say good morning and tell me to help myself to some fresh oranges. But I only left with the photo. With bright color and fresh fruit hanging from the trees, it's difficult not to love Florida in January!

House Signs

2006-01-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

Similar to the French and English countryside, many of the homes on the island have been named by their owners. IE: Canal House, The Lighthouse, Rose Cottage, MarshMellow
Here's ours.......

New Years Eve 2005

2006-01-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve at the historic Island Hotel. Joel Benefiel is playing jazz on keyboard, along with Ali Cheree on Bass and Billy Bowker on Drums.

2006 has arrived on Cedar Key.

Winter sunset

2005-12-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new Photo Blog of Cedar Key. Our winter sunsets on the island are sometimes even more spectacular than other times of the year. This one was taken right from my back yard, overlooking the salt marshes.

The end of another peaceful day on the island.