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| Preparing to leave Key Largo |
After several weeks in southern Florida and the keys we began making our way north. On the way northward we stopped at Boca Chita Key. This island covers an area of 110 acres and is located within the larger Biscayne National Park. Mark C. Honeywell, a wealthy industrialist and his wife originally owned the island. They bought it in 1937. The Honeywells used the island as their holiday resort. They had many structures constructed including a chapel, a lighthouse, a pavilion for holding picnic, a generator room, and also a garage. The August Geiger Firm were the architects and builders of the structures, which were built in modern architectural style with use of limestone, concrete and asphalt. The retreat was a popular venue for holding parties when Honeywells and their guests crossed over to the island from the Miami beach in luxury vessels. On such occasions, a canon located near the lighthouse on the harbour was fired as a welcome gesture to the guests. After his wife's death, Honewell's interest in the island waned and he subsequently sold the island.
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| Sunset at Boca Chita Key (c) 2016 |
The island's 65-foot lighthouse was built in the 1930s. Built at the north end of the harbour, in a tapered shape with “concrete bricks laid in common bond with the exterior clad in uncoursed limestone.” At the base the tower is 21 feet in diameter and is founded on a 28 feet square concrete base. The observation deck has protective rails painted in white paint, The dome fitted with the lantern light is steel frame cage. The entrance door has a stone projection. There is a circular staircase which is cantilevered from the wall of the tower. It with built with the objective of using it as a navigation guide. However, a few hours after the lighthouse was lighted and commissioned, it had to close down, as Honeywell had failed to inform and obtain permission of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Lighthouse Service authorities, about the purpose of his project. The U.S. Coast Guard considered it a navigation hazard as it was not charted.
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"Little Lara" hanging with the "Big Boys"
at Boca Chita Key |
As we made our way past Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Stuart we once again turned west and entered the St Lucie Canal. We transited the St Lucie Lock then tied up at the nearby park and to toured the lock from the land side.
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| Opening the gates at St Lucie Lock |
Continuing westward we soon reached Indiantown Marina. Here we prepared "Little Lara" for long-term storage. We spent three days cleaning out lockers and packing sails, the dodger, and the dinghy.
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| Indiantown Marina |
"Little Lara" was then lifted out of the water and placed on blocks and stands to await our return in the fall. Then our sailing adventures will continue. Until then, fair winds.
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| "Little Lara" High, Tight and Dry |
