Day 14 - Cedar Key, FL (Day 2)

Today we said goodbye to an Airstream neighbor and took a closer look at Cedar Key.

We met Mike & Dianne Paul yesterday.  They're parked across from us in a restored 1976 Airstream Sovereign.  Paul is a developer, is a pilot, owns and has restored a Piper Aztec (twin-engine) airplane, and is an author.  His book The Bridge Over Cedar Creek goes on sale in a few weeks.  We had some delightful conversations.  They suggested Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island (on eastern coast of Florida, just north of Jacksonville) as good places to see on our way home.

Mike & Dianne Paul

1976 Airstream Sovereign

Katie is their adorable, rescued dog

Like most places, Cedar Key has a rich history and has multiple personalities.  Last week it was packed with people because of an art festival.  Today, it was a sleepy fishing village looking for more tourists.

Heading out to explore the area

Tide's out
(or this fishing boat is in the wrong place)

First, we headed to the center of the business district and walked along 3rd Street.  We were confused.  This is supposed to be early in the busy season.  Many shops and restaurants were closed.  Even the visitor center was closed.

Fun little park on 3rd St.

We looked through two art shops, then stopped for lunch at Tony's.  Carol had a crab sandwich, Dick had clam chowder and a grilled cheese sandwich.  Everything was delicious ... we'll be back.

Corner of 3rd & D Streets

Don't miss the chowder

A drive about town shows a lot of housing variety,

Some were beautifully maintained

Some, not

The Honeymoon Cottage has taken a beating

We parked on Dock St., window shopped and took an island boat tour.

We didn't buy anything

Dock St. is lined with shops and restaurants

Seabreeze Restaurant

The boat tour took us to Atsena Otie Key (formerly Depot Key), Grass Key and Seahorse Key.  We had a stop-over at Atsena Otie Key.

Pelicans awaited our departure

Dock St. from the boat

A dolphin pod played with us on the way

Passing the pier at Atsena Otie Key

Pelicans and Cormorants stand guard

Seahorse Key
(Cedar Key Light Station is 75ft above S.L.)

We returned to Atsena Otie Key.  This key had been an army depot in 1839 during the 2nd Seminole War.  In 1865, the Eberhard Faber cedar mill was built to supply the pencil business.  Ah, yes ... remember the No. 2 pencil.

Brick remnants from the cedar mill

Taking the trail back
to the cemetery

Spanish moss in the trees

Cemetery census dates from
1877 to 1991

The boat tour was nicely done and a great way to get a history lesson.

Did you know?
1/3 of the nation's clam supply comes from Cedar Key.
There are 32 cottonmouth snakes per acre on Seahorse Key.
Light Stations provide housing for light-keepers, Light Houses do not.
The Magnificent Frigatebird spends days and night flying ... and can sleep while doing it.