The Hidden Coast (Cedar Key)

If you advertise something as “hidden,” is it still hidden? Same thing with “forgotten.” If you market it as such, it won’t be forgotten for long!

These are the silly thoughts that occupy my mind during long road trips alone. Since leaving the Mainship Many Moons, I’ve traveled at least 1,200 miles by car. That’s a lot of time to think.

I left the boat from “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” on the east end of the panhandle. On the drive home, I visited “Florida’s Hidden Coast.” The first “coast” name is trademarked. The second one isn’t, as far as I know. Which is just as well.

These are the areas called Old Florida, which predate the big-name attractions and high-rises and six-lane highways. I loved it, especially the quaint and almost-hidden seaside town of Cedar Key … except, that is, for the in-your-face political displays that have become rather coarse lately. I’ve seen these mostly in rural areas on this trip. It’s a kind of paradox, because the people making these coarse “statements” are often the friendliest people to meet on the sidewalk. And it’s a dilemma for me, because while my home is in the city, I prefer the out-of-the-way places and small towns. The “hidden places.” Yet the divisions which rend our country right now are not hidden in those places. In fact, they seem more visible…in flags and banners, window displays and overheard conversations.

So, my visit to Cedar Key was not as peaceful as I hoped, but it was restorative nonetheless. Next, a visit to a truly quiet place that reminded me of an old song…

(Reminder: This post is under “Reflections” on the blog menu. I will continue to post occasionally about the journey of Many Moons under “The Boat.” Choose which area interests you, and don’t forget about “The Camp,” which inspired this blog.)