March 12th: Fun Visit with Paul and Miriam

We took Paul and Miriam, our lifelong friends from Ohio, to Crane Point, one of our favorite places which is just up the highway. I often kayak to it. It is 63 acres of undeveloped land that was preserved through the efforts of a local foundation. The property was purchased in 1949 by a wealthy couple, Francis and Mary Crane, from New England. The Cranes were early conservationists who wanted to keep the land unspoiled. They built a winter home but did everything they could to minimize disturbing the original terrain. Thanks to them and the people of the foundation, those efforts are successful to present day.

Shaving Brush Tree

They offer a very informative guided tour on a golf cart tram, Linda's favorite approach to a "hike" in the woods.


There are many species of native plants and trees and the tour guide is very helpful in identifying them and informing us about them. This shaving brush tree is interesting. The blossoms come out before any leaves. Unfortunately, the blossoms last only one day. Fortunately there are a lot of blossoms and they don't open at the same time. Still we were fortunate to be there when they were in bloom.

Shaving Brush Tree blossom and one just before opening

Another fun tree is this one that the Cranes planted.  It looks like a Banyan tree but I can't remember its true name. All of those trunks and branches are part of the same tree. Like a Banyan, it drops supporting roots as the tree spreads out. It would make a great tree house.

There were numerous varieties of palm trees, Buttonwood trees, Gumbo Limbo Trees, Lignumvitae Trees, Poisonwood Trees (which are related to Poison Ivy and can cause a severe rash) and even a huge Mahogany Tree.







The original inhabitant of the Crane Point property was George Adderley, an emancipated Bahamian slave. He bought the property in the early 1900's. When George first came to the property there was no source for fresh water other than rain. This is the top of the cistern he used to collect and store rain water.

The George Adderley House

The home in this picture is the original structure he built. It still stands today. It is the oldest home in the Keys apart from Key West. George replaced a thatched roof with the steel roof seen in the picture.  George and his wife lived on the property until the late 1940's. There were no roads into the Keys for the first 30 years they lived here. They supported themselves by collecting sponges and making charcoal which they sold in Key West, using his sailboat to transport his cargo.  Click here to learn more. Crane Point 








A wild bird refuge center is also housed on the property. Injured birds are brought to the refuge center where many are healed and released back into the wild.













This pelican was eyeing us closely and
appeared to be doing quite well. I think he's about ready to be released. Learn more about the Rescue Center by clicking here: Marathon Wild Bird Rescue Center

Next it was on to the Turtle Hospital. These are the turtles we saw in person.

Hawksbill Turtle

When a turtle swallows something like a plastic bag it cannot pass it thru its digestive system. (In case you are wondering why a turtle would eat a plastic bag, they eat jellyfish. A plastic bag can look like a jelly fish.) These turtles are found floating and hopefully rescued.  The hospital staff have techniques to help the turtles pass the plastic and they can then be released.

Green Sea Turtle

Some turtles have been hit by a boat and develop what is called "Bubble Butt".  They have air pockets inside the shell that prevent them from diving under the water to eat and live. The round discs you see on the turtle in the picture are weights that have been glued to the shell to allow the turtle to go under the water. These discs will fall off as the shell grows and need to be replaced so these turtles remain as permanent residents.

Green Sea Turtle with tumors on its eyes and face

 Still other turtles develop tumors as seen in the somewhat blurry picture. This turtle's eyes and a lot of its face was covered with tumors. Fortunately, thru surgery, the tumors can be removed and after a several month stay they can be released. Some of the turtles are over 60 years old and can live to 100 years old so several months is not a big deal.

The people at the hospital do amazing work educating people about sea turtles and how to protect them. They rescue injured sea turtles and rehabilitate as many as possible. They even have a true ambulance used to rescue the turtles which can weigh more than the average person. You can learn about what they do, their patients, turtle releases, etc. by going to:  Turtle Hospital


We again played Euchre that night and once again, the men being such wonderful husbands, let the women win again. Paul and Miriam left early the next day and we enjoyed sleeping in.