Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-04-01
COMMUNICATION.
St. Petersburg, Fla

taken since last writing you. If I
could make you see beauties as we
saw them, you would enjoy going with
us. Just imagine you are on fine
boat, by name, "Favorite," leaving
the Bay at st. Petersburg at 9:5O, on
a beautiful morning. The wind was
blowing just enough to make the
waves ripple and dance in the sun
light. Our party was all sitting on
deck, that we might not miss any of
the sights. We pass through Tam
pa Bay, then Boea Criga Bay before
entering Manata River, which is very
wide; in fact, could not tell when we
entered the river, only by its smooth
ness. The scenery along the coast is
most beautiful, while we see the main
land; we pass many islands, one the
De Sofa Island, where the barracks
are located; also the national hospital
and emigration station. We also pass
Sarasota Island, where Mrs. Potter
Palmer bought for her winter home,
paying $25,0O0 for it. and spent many
winters there. It is a lovely spot.
Since she has been called to her
long home, it is in the hands of the
caretaker. After trip of two hours
on the Bays and Monatu river, we
reached Bradentown, very pretty
place, of about 5000, situated on the
Manatu river We had two hours to
eat our lunch and look over the city
a very little. 1t is quite an up-to-
date town, paved streets and many
modern improvements. The court
house is very beautifulbuilding The
yard is made beautiful with many
kinds of flowers. In the center of
the yard is fine fountain for drink
ing purposes, and also for keeping
their "show" aligators. They range
from little babies to three feet long,
and is quite drawing card to the
tourists who visit there. Their or
ange groves are immense; one grove
of 800 acres, with 90 rows of trees,
each row 1 mile long, of oranges and
grape fruit. Ask Ed. Bradley if he
remembers it. He was over there
when here a few years ago. At ~
place the Manatu river is very wide,
and is spanned by three bridges and
connects it with a town on the other
side, called Palmetto. We were sorry
we did not have time to cross over to
see It; the whistle of the boat warm
ed us to go on board if we did not
want to get left. So once more we
are out on the water, homeward
bound. It was great sport watching
the Porpoise jumping and rolling in
the water; you know they swim side
ways, or on their back, most any old
way. We reached home in due time
and we sure had fine trip. | for
got to say our boat carries 700 pas
sengers.
Later: AS did not get to send my
letter to you, will tell you of an
other trip we had. We left the pier
at 10 a. m. on smaller boat than
our first trip, going to Pass-a- Grille
on the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is
bounded on the west coast by key
of Islands. The most noted is the
bird key, owned by the government
Here all birds flock for the night. Ii
is like black cloud when they arc
going to their home to roost This is
for the protection of all birds; they
are bred here; no one can enter this
Island without permit and anyone
carrying weapon is subject to 8
heavy fine. The birds seem to real
ize this is their home, for when night
approaches they come for mile;
around. We reach our destination
about 11:30 a M, walk up to the pay
ilion about two blocks, get tables anc
spread our lunch, and here is perfect
happiness for all. In our party arr
Mr.. and Mrs. e. A. Boies, Ansbachs
from Clarinda, Mr.. and Mrs. C. A
Lisle, and yours truly. 1t seems tc
US everybody decided to picnic thai
day, from the crowds. A very pretty
place situated between Boca Crigs
Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. AS sool
as lunch is over we ladies proceed tt
remove our shoes, wade in gulf t.
gather shells. My, but it was sport
Mr.. Boies happened to have his cam
era with him. and all unknown TO Il.
we "got shot" You can imagine fol
yourself how pretty we looked. W.
enjoy being with Mr.. and Mrs. Boies
makes US think of the long ago. W.
boarded our boat, sitting on deck
where we surely enjoyed skiminf
over the water. We passed a beau
tiful place, where I was told was tn.
winter home Of the organizer of thu
Christian Endeavor. Well, this i:
getting rather lengthy, but will sa,
we had most delightful trip, ane
while / sit here writing, they are go
ing by with truck loads of grape fruit
and oranges, going to be shipped
perhaps to Mo. Valley. I hope so.
st. Petersburg is still doing every
thing to entertain the tourists, tn,
many thousands have gone home; ;
great many are engaging their rooms
for next winter. A man was sitting
on our porch last evening; he said h.
has spent three winters here, and ha.
rented his rooms for next winter. H,