Whenever we come to the keys, we make a special effort to visit one of Marathon's best features, Crane Point. If you look at their website, you'll see that it's a green oasis in the midst of development. Like Central Park in Manhattan, a spot of respite for people, plants and animals alike. Also, like Central Park, folks have wanted to develop the land and make a buck off of it. I'm grateful that both places have been preserved for us. The Crane Point is a unique place and one of the last remaining untouched stands of thatch palms and a variety of other plants. It is home to the oldest homestead in the keys and my favorite, a fish pedicure. If we were locals, we'd definitely have a season pass to this bit of heaven.
All the things to do and see. We always spend several hours visiting.
The oldest house in the keys was the home of George Adderley, an
immigrant from the Bahamas as the turn of the last century. Several
placards in and around the house describe the life back then. Mr. Adderley
was prescient enough to negotiate a stop for his little village on the Overseas Railroad
built by Flagler. This became Marathon Station.
Black mangrove roots reaching up from the water for air.
White mangrove roots grow down to the water.
A cute couple in the butterfly garden
What a treat!!
Every time we've been there is a line to have the little
fish nibble all around your feet. Well worth the wait.
A view of Florida Bay from the trail.
A relaxed man waiting his turn for a pedicure.
Gumbo Limbo tree.
One of the inland, brackish ponds of the point.
What early settlers had for their travel.
Absolutely gorgeous orchids everywhere.
Whimsical art was strategically placed throughout
the park. This one seemed extra cute.
A Cuban chug made entirely of Styrofoam blocks.
Can you imagine how desperate they were to escape?
Love this little spot! Looks like the weather was perfect for y'all too. Cool history 👍🏼
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