Dec. 10 proved to be an exemplary, perfect day in the fabulous Florida Keys.
The evening before, after dropping off my long-time friend at the airport, I headed south. My friend came to Key Largo from Italy to spend a couple weeks prior to going to Colombia for Christmas with her mother. My head was busy with traffic, the airport, her visit and her return in January. But when I was coming off the bridge, I somehow remembered to pick up a newspaper.
The Lignumvitae Christmas event was advertised in the paper for Dec. 3. A little voice muttered in my head: You know you’ve always wanted to go there and see the house and grounds. Don’t you think after living here for 30-plus years, you should go? I decided I’d head south Saturday morning, stopping by Windley Key for a ticket en route.
Starting off early, the stop at Windley Key proved futile. They were closed and their poster noted you could have only purchased the tickets during their hours on Monday through Thursday. I decided to continue and perhaps find tickets for sale at Robbie’s.
After arriving, I wandered around seeking people who might have some information about this yearly occurrence. I rounded a corner on the boat dock and a woman caught my eye, asking if I was looking for the Lignumvitae tour. I told her I’d hoped to be able to get there but still needed a ticket, if she’d know who to ask. She asked me to wait a moment, as she finished a conversation. I explained my stop at Windley Key, but it wasn’t fruitful. Don’t you know she reached in her pocket and pulled out a ticket, handing it to me. She said, “My grandson was to come today, but he’s home sick, so I happen to have an extra ticket.” I was so excited to be able to get in on this special celebration. No payment would be accepted for the ticket and I truly was delighted to have been in the right place at the right time.
Years earlier, I recall heading to Marathon on the day of this event, probably to shop for Christmas. I recall how many cars would park at the boat landing by the bridge, in order to hitch a ride out to Lignumvitae Key for this exact occasion. From what I understood about the event, people would come in and out via boat all day long, not unlike the Indian Key Day that used to be held yearly back then too.
This unique festivity is an educational glimpse into a world that we sincerely hope to maintain for future generations, and to educate our locals on the kind of nature we have within the Florida Keys.
The 10-minute boat ride to the island was a bumpy one, but the wind also made it a lovely day to tour the trail in the woods by the house. We immediately had a tour guide, Chris, who was ready to impart all he knew. I quickly learned my benefactors were not new to this venue or even many of the state parks in all of the United States. Bo and Breny Johnson and their daughter, Abigail, were well known by the park employees. All teachers knew more about this great place than most, having previously visited with Russ & Charlotte Neidhauk, the caretakers of Lignumvitae grounds from 1952 until 1972.
Three Lignumvitae trees were situated near the beginning of the tour that are at least 20 years old, but no higher than 4 feet. We were fortunate to have the president of the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society touring with our group, as well as another park ranger, Dan, from Long Key State Park, providing interesting questions and comments. The Swamp Band played Christmas songs, and lime-aid and snacks were much appreciated after the trail tour. There was plenty of information to be gained that day and a strong feeling of a love for this great island that we may very well take for granted when we pass it on any other day.
I’m so grateful to Bo, Breny, Abigail and her son for my ticket. I also thank the park rangers, boat drivers and all who helped plan the event. Thank you all for a stellar Holiday Celebration at Lignumvitae Key.
— Suzanne Manifold
Key Largo
