Egmont Key, Fort De Soto, Tierra Verde

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This is our second stay at Fort De Soto Camp Grounds and third visit to the park. We didn't revisit the historic Fort, because there were things we hadn't done on our other Fort De Soto ports of call. We lucked out with a gorgeous, naturally landscaped "water" site with a pristine little beach. We found the pontoon boat ferry running between Fort De Soto and Egmont Key worth the $20 ticket. The only person who lives full time on the island is the lighthouse keeper. The island has changed over the years thanks to erosion and tropical storms. A fort used during the Spanish American War to mine the channel makes for interesting ruins. The beach is beautiful and if you go, bring a shelling container. What is it about shells; we have tons; and still collect "special ones!" We took a great walk; first on the firm sand along the Gulf side of Egmont Key and then down the center where the soldiers resided. We were fascinated by gopher tortoises, aptly named because the build long burrows. There is said to be great snorkeling here in May and June when the Gulf warms up and the water is as clear as glass. Some of the old fort is now a ways off shore. Making snorkeling even more interesting. While "war is hell," it would seem that the soldiers assigned to this fort had pretty nice duty. Among the wild life observed were dolphins playing in the channel, ancient tortises and many varieties of birds. The only "gentle" criticism of Egmont Key is a lack of signage; and a need for a better map of the island; but maybe less is more when it comes to pristine, historic properties like this. Later in the day, we went to Billy's Crab and Lobster House near Fort De Soto on Tierra Verde. Loved the restaurant, one of the patrons (in exchange for Mardi Gras beads) revealed the location of a nesting pair of bald eagles. We learned that Billy's has a FREE sunset cruise from Wed. - Sunday; that and the eagles have to wait for our next visit here. Great "camping," convenient to St. Pete and Tampa, John's Pass, Passa Grande, and other great destinations. Stay Tuned!

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Photos

Welcome to Tampa Bay Area
The Sunshine Bridge is an engineering marvel - 15 miles long if you count the causeway approaches.

Us Egmont Key
The beach is beautiful. one occasionally comes upon ruins from a Spanish American War era fort.

Gopher Tortise Egmont Key
These large land reptiles were here in prehistoric times.

Joanne Egmont Key Lighthouse
The lighthouse still functions to help navigate ships into busy and huge Tampa Bay.

Ferry Beached at Egmont Key
We really were stuck in the sand. The captain asked us all to go to the stern of the pontoon boat and jump up and down while he gunned the twin outboards to free us from the beach. It worked!

Landscape Egmont Key
This is what much of Florida looked like before mulch was invented.

Billy's Boat Tierra Verde
Billy's offers free sun set cruises Wednesdays - Sundays.

Sun Set From Billy's
We are told that this view is "history" the hi rise condos are coming across from Billy's.

Comments

[Lauren Prock]

Still Looks Beautiful
Joanne and Wes, These places still looks gorgous. I wish that I could be with you guys, just to see some of these wonderful places. I'm sure the food is excellent at these places also. Have a good time, and I can't wait to hear all about it when you return.

[Casey Ross]

We sailed under this bridge when we left St. Petersburg. Cool eh?