Diversions II

May 22, 2020





 



Diversions II

Sometimes in the midst of a dreadful global pandemic in which 1,577,287 people in the United States have been confirmed to have tested positive for the virus Covid-19 and 94,702 people have tragically died due the virus, you just need a place to go that is away from everyone. Preferably a beautiful natural setting where the myriad of problems in the world, including 100 confirmed cases in the Florida Keys including 39 in Key West and 3 deaths here, can be temporarily forgotten and your mind, spirit and body can be free to enjoy what is still calm and beautiful in our world.









Thankfully, the Florida Keys offers a number of incredible beautiful natural areas that are, at least temporarily devoid of the mass crowds that are generally drawn to them when things are not under the shadow of a pandemic. Kathy and I have been trying to enhance our isolation by taking the opportunity when we can to get away from the constant worry and fear that surrounds everyone and just enjoy some moments in someplace that is just a beautiful diversion.









One of the places here locally that has recently reopened is the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Stock Island. They opened on May 7^th after an extended closure and are allowing the public to come in and enjoy the place without the usual charge, with a few restrictions in place. They have thoughtfully redesigned the trails and footpaths through the garden in a nice one way hike to enhance social distancing and keep visitors far enough apart that they can enjoy the beauty without much chance of direct interaction.



 



When I visited this week, that was not even a concern as I was there for about ninety minutes and did not see a single other human during the time I was there, it was glorious. I started at the edge of the pond just outside the entrance and visitor center which remains closed. The pond is full of turtles, only two were in evidence when I initially walked up to the pond’s edge. Obviously they associate people with food or else they are just exceedingly lonely because with-in moments hundreds of turtles were converging on me from every corner of the pond. I was sorry to disappoint them as I had nothing to offer, but it was such a cool sensation to have them all rushing to greet me.



 







Next I entered the gate and followed the beautiful trails and paths that lead through the property which is maintained and overseen by the Key West Botanical Garden Society. I have been coming to this property since I first arrived in Key West thirty years ago and it was once a totally wild, indigenous tract of land with little to offer except a wild experience only moments from downtown Key West. 



 



Initially I was against the managed changes that were done about 25 years ago when the place became actively managed and the trails, visitor center and more manicured approach happened, though I must admit that my feelings have changed as they have done an amazing job and the place is beautiful, accessible and still retains a wild feel even though it is now much more visitor friendly.

The Key West Botanical Garden Society is governed by an all volunteer board of directors and has been the “keeper of the trees” since 1989. The society preserves, develops, expands and maintains the historic Key West Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, wildlife refuge and education center. The land is owned by the City of Key West

The garden showcases flora native to The Florida Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean and emphasizes cultivation of threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys. This society encourages study of this collection and promotes the benefits of native vegetation worldwide. The society provides educational programs for all age groups and various levels of interest geared to Keys residents, tourists, plant experts and others when they are not closed due to a global pandemic.

In the meantime, it is a beautiful refuge and a place to escape the harsh realities that our everyday life have brought in the past couple of months. I feel fortunate that we have such a place to enjoy.

https://www.keywest.garden/