The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
I hate Labor Day. OK, hate may be too strong of a word.
I despise Labor Day. Hey, I’ll take an extra day off in a heartbeat. But it’s what Labor Day represents: the end of summer. That’s what I have a problem with.
Growing up, Labor Day meant the start of school, i.e. the end of freedom. Staying up late was quickly traded in for homework and getting up early (looking back, getting dragged out of a nice warm bed was good preparation for a career in television news).
Not ready to let go of summer vacation? Me neither. However I found one place where you can escape to this Labor Day or any day this autumn whenever you need a fix of freedom.
Off the coast of Tampa Bay awaits an oasis. Anclote Key is like returning to summer without needing a DeLorean. The secluded island is only available by boat. Although the island is a Florida State Park, the state does not offer ferry service from the mainland. That’s where you’re on your own. Fortunately, if you don’t own your own watercraft, there’s Sun Line Cruises.
The Island Star is your vessel when escaping the mainland behind. Climb aboard and leave behind your cares behind for two hours as you gaze into the deep, blue Gulf of Mexico spotting wild dolphins, birds and even manatee. Binoculars are passed out almost as soon as the boat leaves the dock. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase if you didn’t pack your own cooler.
When I took the cruise on a Sunday afternoon before Tropical Storm Fay blew in, we spent almost 25 minutes cruising alongside bottle-nosed dolphins. I think the marine mammals had just as much fun as the passengers on the boat. The dolphins would come up for air and then disappear under the waterline before submerging in the boat’s wake. Almost right on queue, pairs of dolphin would then ride the boat’s wake, trailing behind us and putting smiles on the faces of onlookers.
Later, little mates on board (including me) got to take the helm and steer the Island Star toward Anclote Key.
The state park is surrounded by water. And while you could go camping on the island, the facilities are scarce (no bathroom’s here). Therefore, the boat only docks for an hour or less. Once onshore, visitors kick off the shoes, enjoy the white sand beach, go shelling or grab some rays alongside the clear water.
The most popular destination on the island is also its icon. The 1887 Anclote Key Lighthouse is special for many reasons. It’s thin. It features a network of support beams (resembling a roller coaster). And since it’s now decommissioned, it’s off limits for most visitors.
Looking like a Texas oil derrick at first glance, the lighthouse provides panoramic vistas and a good workout -- that's if you’re lucky to get inside
Sure, we’ve done our fair share of lighthouse stories in the past (Central Florida On Demand Director of News Programming Stephen Chavarie sighed when he learned of our latest adventure together. “Another lighthouse?” Stephen asked), but Anclote Key’s light is different.
First, it’s made from metal. No brick here. Entering at the base feels like you’ve entered a test tube. These stairs are tight. I kept going around and around, gasping for “cool” air at the windows along the way. I imagined I was traveling up a vertical drainage pipe before getting to the top. Don’t get me wrong -- the light has character and flare, and an unspoiled view.
Maybe I can tolerate Labor Day.
Since the lighthouse is closed, if you want to climb the twisted stairs to the top, you’ll need to visit on an open house day. That day is quickly approaching.
They will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the light’s “relighting” on Saturday, Sept. 13. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests to Anclote Key will have the opportunity to make the hike up to the top. Bring water to drink. Bring insect repellant to spray. Bring a camera to capture the moment. Sun Line Cruises will offer an early departure at 9:30 a.m. to the key.
It’s remarkable what the lighthouse looks like today after a tedious restoration. The photos on this page speak volumes about how far the restoration of the lighthouse has come.
Michael Esposito from Fort Lauderdale made the trek with his camera too. The photography buff snapped several of the photos in this week’s slideshow. Click on the link above to see his great work. You can also visit this site for a look at more images Michael from the Island Star and Anclote Key. My favorite was the picture he grabbed of me getting out of the news car. Take a peek above. The photo looks very much like a spy/ undercover / reconnaissance mission was under way and he caught me in the act.
All too soon, it was time to climb back board the Island Star and return to the mainland. Our mini-vacation was coming to an end.
The crew of the Island Star pride themselves on providing a smooth ride making sure you learn something along the way.
OK, so Labor Day isn’t too bad after all. Just don't make me go back to school on Tuesday.
Until next week, safe travels,
-SCOTT
Scott Fais loves the beach and lighthouses. Scott Fais does not like homework or book reports. Know of a place that feels like summer year-round, send him your own report atsfais@cfnews13.com.