I crossed the bridge over Tavernier Creek Waterway. I was now on Plantation Key. In 1871 an article written in Harper’s Monthly Magazine reported that since Plantation Key had very good soil it was able to have large trees and a plantation of coconut palms and pineapples. This is the reason for the name Plantation. Plantation Key once had a large Indian mound on it—meaning that it must have supported a group of natives for a long time but the ravages of time and development have obliterated it. This Key was also one of only two island locations other than Key West that had a boat building operation on it in the early 1900’s.
As I walked along I saw that there were lots of small shops, motels and boat-bait-fishing marinas. Everyone was looking at me so I waved. It was lots of fun!
On the left side on the road I saw a sign, Coral Shores School. A man on the side of the school with a bunch of kids around him saw me and waved me over. He said that his name was David Monroe and he was the DCT vocational teacher. (The Diversified Career Technology program was for students in 9-12th grades. It gave them an opportunity to receive on-the-job training through the cooperative efforts of employers in the business/industry community.) He was interested in hiking and asked if I would talk to his kids on the subject. It sounded real interesting to me, and I sure didn’t have anything else to do. So I held a class right there on the spot.
The topics included gear, trip planning, map reading, food and supplies. I showed them my sketches, told them what I was doing and described some of my adventures. Then, as to be expected, every one of them wanted to try on the pack.
After I finished the class and everyone had the chance to try on the pack, I bid farewell.
About the Author: After getting out of the Army Bob Kranich backpacked from the Georgia border to Key West in a 40 day adventure walk across Florida. His recently published book A Walk Across Florida is available from his website or Amazon.com
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