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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 6:14 pm
Posts: 3323
Location: South Florida
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The Treasure of Pavilion KeyThere is “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” which is well publicized by a movie of that name. Now there is The Treasure of Pavilion Key. Here is the story according to a note I received from Bob Smith last April. The subject of Bob’s email was “Weird event on Pavilion Key.”
Hi Keith,
As I was packing to return from Pavilion Key very early this morning - I really had to get back - there was a flash in the sky and I heard a voice. I caught the flash on film and the voice sounded very odd.
"Aye, Matey, if you see that dead tree,
There's sure to be Treasure
around by its feet
Caribbean Cask, Balvenie's Work
There for those souls
To tell tall tales indiscreet
Of the Everglades Chalenge 2016
and tales of the seas
Sup hearty ye mateys where ever you meet"
I was gob smacked, wondering if I had a bit too much fun last night or if this really happened. I had to investigate a bit..I've circled the dead tree.
I approached the tree…
and as I got closer I noticed that there was a prickly pear and something else…
I decided to take a GPS reading when I was right on top of it...
I started nosing around and saw that two shells had been placed near the tree, hmmm. I went back to my boat for my shovel and started to dig.
I hit something after poking around with a stick and some careful excavation...
and found this
Well, it was getting late, and I really had to get back home. I covered everything up as I found it, the Treasure is still waiting for sea-faring friends and some tall tale telling...
Weird huh? Wouldn't have believed it if it didn't happen to me....
It just so happened that we had a trip planned for Pavilion 9 days later. So, of course, the treasure hunt was on. It was easy enough to find the dead tree and the prickly pear, the 2 shells were nowhere in sight. And the soil, which we thought would show signs of recent excavation by Bob, was quite hard packed. No indication of any excavation at all. At least 2 groups tried to find the treasure, without luck. Josh Morgan was not deterred. He went to work poking around in the sandy loam. He took the task quite seriously and, using a small shovel available, poked vigorously in the soil. Clang! Paydirt!! Another poke, another clang.
Josh retrieving the treasure as Royd Whedon stands over him and Toby Nipper looks on.
Josh pulls the treasure out of protective holder. It definitely has Toby's interest.
Treasure hunter, Josh Morgan, and his find
The treasure: A bottle of Scotch and container. The container shows a couple good whacks which Josh administered in his enthusiastic search. The treasure was not a chest of gold coins, but no body complained.
The motley crew of treasure hunters. Left to right: Charley Fast, Alicia Whedon, Josh, Don Haynes, Joe Slama, Jimmy Stewart, Royd, Henry Ovares.
Royd & Rick Parks enjoying a good cigar.
First night everyone is on their own for dinner. Afterwards, the group is enjoying a laugh and a taste of Scotch. The bottle is being passed around in the group.
Don got this sunset picture the first night.
People came and went during this trip. Josh rarely stays more than overnight. Here he is outbound in his Epic V7 surfski.
The MacPhails arrived in a heavy downpour on Day 2. We are sheltered from the downpour and having fun. Rick, Debbie Turner, myself, Roy and Ardelia MacPhail. Don Haynes, in the rain, got this picture.
Dinner on Day 2 was a big blowout, as we managed to get a break in the rains about dinner time. Debbie and myself fried the fish. People put together their own fish tacos. Everyone contributed ingredients: soft tortillas, grated cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, salsa, etc, etc. Dianne Haynes brought her “potato salad to die for.” Don Haynes brought his deviled crab balls—a meal in themselves. Everybody was so busy, we didn’t get a picture of people enjoying it all, but, if you weren’t there, you missed a feast. Don got this after dinner photo of 12 people relaxing and enjoying the ambiance.
Earlier in the day, Debbie, I, and Rick cleaned fish. Cleaning fish is always a group endeavor. Don was the champ fisherman bringing in 3 of our 5 fish.
The MacPhails preparing to leave. They were clearly the fashion statement in this group. Jimmy Stewart looks on.
Soon after the MacPhails left, Tom Lachner arrived. He was very appreciative that we had saved some treasure for him. Alison looks on as Tom savors the scotch.
Prickly pear cactus found throughout coastal Everglades—blossom lasts only one day.
Several in our group returned to the mainland on Sunday, the 3rd day. Charlie & Henry ready to launch.
Toby Nipper about to leave under paddle-power only.
Toby paddling seems to be holding his own w/ Charlie & Henry. They are about a mile out with Crate Key in front of them.
Those of us who stayed behind, enjoyed another great group meal. These people know how to relax at the end of the day. Jimmy is in the foreground, then Rick, Debbie, me (cleaning a wind protector), Dianne Haynes (far back), Royd, and Alison. Again, we have to thank Don, our resident photographer, for this shot.
While we didn’t fish today, we did trek down the beach about a mile to haul back some fire wood. Tom fired it up and took this picture.
All good things must come to pass. Alison and Royd ready to cast off on Monday morning. Royd is always the first one out.
Not everyone is anxious to leave. Rick and Debbie enjoying breakfast.
Sooner rather than later, we all had to leave, since tides wait for no man (or woman). Debbie packing up.
Another good outing with the best of friends. Special thanks to Bob Smith for providing the Treasure and enough directions to track it down.
Keith
_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein
"Less is more" Anon
Last edited by Chekika on Thu Oct 26, 2017 5:09 am, edited 4 times in total.
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