In the winter, my husband and I leave our cherished cottage on “The Great Sodus Bay” (as it’s termed in Google Maps) off Lake Ontario for the warmer climes of the Gulf of Mexico. My favorite bike ride there is to leave my home in Venice, Florida, hop on the wonderful “Legacy Trail” and make my way over to Casey Key. Casey Key is one of the many unique Keys running along the intercostal waterway on Florida’s “Gulf” side. Casey Key in Nokomis, Florida is known for its narrow motorway with gorgeous views of the Gulf and its spectacular and lovely oceanside (and intercostal side) mansions (it’s also a winter home to Steven King). On one of my biweekly rides, I finally took the time to snap some shots along the way. The picture of the iron gate inspired me to make a “See and Say” booklet for my toddler granddaughter.
The “Beyond the Gate on Casey Key See and Say” booklet’s front cover is the shot of the gate beckoning the reader to open the gate to “see” what’s beyond. Once open, I collaged a fantasy view of the Gulf with, well, like the rhyme says, the sun, the waves, the sand and shells, sailboats, dolphins and seagulls. I enjoyed making this fun booklet and made a few copies for friends’ children and grandchildren and a few of my adult friends received a copy as a greeting card. If you are interested in a copy of the “Beyond the Gate on Casey Key See and Say” booklet, contact me here.
Have you been to Casey Key? If so, have you ever spotted the gate there?
Beyond the gate on Casey Key, tell me now, what do you see?
Do you see a butterfly kite? And a big yellow sun shining bright?
On the shore some seashells gather while dancing waves make a lather.
Count the starfish if you can. They are hiding in the sand!
Out on the Gulf of Mexico, where the winds begin to blow,
Sailboats chase the dolphins gray all through the blue green ocean spray.
Feathery gulls fly up high as the clouds go drifting by.
It’s a beautiful day for you and me beyond the gate on Casey Key!