Seahorse Key Open House in the Rain

It all began with a rainbow over the Cedar Key marina as we prepared to go out for the Open House. The Cedar keys National Wildlife Refuge held an Open House on Seahorse Key on July 2. The island is one of the 13 that make up the Refuge. Because it is primarily a bird rookery and is managed for the wildlife, it is open to the public only a few times a year and accessible only by boat. July 2 promised to be a beautiful day to come out and visit the light station, the cemetery,the beach, and the Seahorse Key Marine Lab, a University of Florida research facility that which the Refuge allows to use a part of the island and the light station.

Volunteers from the Friends came out to help Refuge staff member, Vic Doig, and summer intern Aaron from the University of Georgia, welcome the crowds.

Several boats full of visitors arrived soon after we set up. Then the thunder, lightening, and rain began. Yikes! No boats during that . . . and the deluge continued until mid afternoon. It was a fun day for those of us who beat the storms.

Friends President-Elect Russ Hall and Refuge intern, Aaron, prepare to leave the marina

Russ, former board member Bob Hudson, and current board member Margie Van Landingham setting up the display

The first few boats of visitors arrived dry.

Not so dry for the later visitors

Some climbed up to look out of the top of the light station

Mostly we stayed under shelter and enjoyed being stranded on an island for a while