Another wonderful, full day at Cedar Key. As I had not even seen a dolphin since my last vist to Cedar Key, this pair gets top billing. A well traveled pair, I will explain as I tell the Tale.
Had to start the day with sunrise photos. 7:02 am
I went back to bed. But, not for long.
Downtown
Back "home" after a 30 minute stroll.
Breakfast. Steak, potato, peppers, and cheese. Made a sandwich with the rest of the leftover steak. But, is it leftover when you intentionally buy and cook enough for three meals?
I made a note in the Room Log, and checked out. Drove across the street, carried the kayak out, losing my sandals on the way. Retrieved them from the muck on the way back to get the rest of my stuff. Aqua socks stayed on, I made care not to step where I stepped before. On the water at 10:20, the large group I heard the concessionaire talking about from my balcony (see Saturday's Tale) had not arrived.
Anyone know what this is? Diving bird, size of a cormorant or loon, but not either.
Grassy Key, foreground, Snake Key, background. I was on my way to Seahorse Key.
The crossing took me 90 minutes. I'd guess its about 3 miles.
This is as close as you will get to the lighthouse, built in 1854, except for an annual open house. My last visit, I thought maybe the trees will clear a bit in the winter so I can get a better view. Nope.
Views from my lunch spot.
A long paddle ahead of me to distant Ceder Key.
More ducks. Male hooded mergansers?
First dolphin pics on Dave's Yak Tales since November 14, 2010. Also from Cedar Key. These are much better. Three, two which hanging together. One of the pair had a ragged edge to its tail.
This is a male hooded merganser with the big white spot that I've been hoping to get a photo of for a long time. For me, this was better than the dolphins. I've photoed plenty of those.
One raised its ragged tail. The same pair as before. The opening photo is from this encounter.
With this escort, who needs the Coast Guard?
Landed at 3:15. Loaded the kayak, changed from swim suit to shorts in the park
restroom, and hopped on the road bike.
Back on the bike.
Back on the road.
Where should you look for snowy and great egrets?
The answer is obvious.
And yes, it is where I saw the last two birds.
Dolphin. My camera was slow, maybe because the sun was sinking. At least I got a pic of a female hooded merganser.
Cleared photos are through a window only, not window and screen. The deck is at a sister establishment Coconuts. I walked out, saw no food, and ashtrays, so I headed upstairs. But an Internet search reveals a menu. I may have to do more on site research.
I got out of the Rusty Rim, 2 Yueglings and a generous tip with the food, for under 25 bucks.
Last photo of the day, 6:15 PM. Thinking of coming back, late FFebruary.
I'm loving these pictures! I used to go to Cedar Key several times a year, including most New Year's Eves. Haven't been back in over 10 years---personal reasons, but I am going soon. Ready to spend time in one of my favorite places again. Your pictures confirm that it hasn't changed much.
ReplyDeleteIt's changed some. From my first kayaking visit, May, 2009.
ReplyDeleteThis was my third visit to Cedar Key. My last visit was so long ago I can't recall when it was.
From the water, I noticed a lot of new homes, condos, ect. The roads buzzed with golf carts. I don't recall those in the early 90's
wondering about all the new buildings I had seen on the water front. Noticed the Cedar Key Historical Museum, on a block with other old buildings, and thought, here is the place to get my questions answered. Went in, paid the $2.00 entry fee and asked, "What is the cause of all the new buildings on the waterfront? Hurricane replacement, northerners and other part-timers buying out locals, or a combination?" The docent replied I need to be careful who I ask, he being a recent, two year, transplant form Michigan.
If I got an answer, I did not record it.
I found a photo of a bird that looks almost exactly the same as your picture, and it was identified as a common loon. Hmm. I don't know enough about birds that I'd know any differently. Although, I was recently able to see and identify a belted kingfisher, and it's because I read this blog. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteI have to say this is my all-time favorite of your blogs. The Honeymoon Cottage still stands!--more or less, but it looked much the same in the early 80's when I first went to Cedar Key.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos and documentary. If Cedar Key experiences a bump in tourism, we'll know who is responsible.
Well, Ceday Key will experience a bump in visitors soon. I will personally be sure that happens. Planning a vacation week and Ceday Key looks like a winner so far. The second option is Sanibel Island. Which one would you prefer?
ReplyDeletePaula, thank you. I did not even look at loons because I thought I know what loons look like and that did not look like a loon. Loons, I thought have all black heads and red eyes. Like the ones I saw, and posted here in August 2009 and 2011 from Lake Katherine, Wisconsin. A look at the Cornell bird site shows those are breeding adults, the one I saw at Cedar Key, non-breeding. Who knew, Wisconsin is for lovers.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, sometimes I worry about these Tales attracting to many people to my favorite places. I can only hope they attract the right people. Those like you, with an appreciation for the natural world.
Luis, go to both, and find out for yourself. That said, I am leaning to Cedar Key. More history, fewer people, more working class, less expensive, closer. If you want a beach, Sanibel by a landslide. For me Sanibel is nice as I often go with family and lodging is free. But, I like it enough to also go on my own dime. Speaking of family, my sister-in-law sent me a link today. Frommers has just named Sanibel Island as the top tourist destination. Not in Florida, not in the U.S., but the world. So, go soon.
Sanibel will be then. The beach is the difference. I am sure my kids will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice.