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Show Page F10 - Bay s BSCS yne - house. Stiltsville EDITOR'S NOTE is on its last legs. The cluster rustic vacation homes of because of its distinctive architecture, the faded yellow retreat sits in several feet of water along with 13 other such vacation homes and weekend retreats off the southern coast of Key Biscayne. ris- ing out of Florida's Biscayne Pay will have to come down by the turn of the century, by decree of the government. For people like Thatcher Edmunds, it will be a paradise lost. Pleasure boaters cruising l!y SANDRA WALEWSKI Associated Press Writer BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, Thatcher Edmunds Fla. APi recalls back in the early 1960s when - i the stilt stru lures dotting the flats of Biscayne Bay were notorious hangouts for gamblers, boozers and flashy 18, 1990 Sunday, February THK HKRALD, Provo, Utah, vonu-n- Characters such as Plucky Pierre and his right-hanman, Shipwreck Kelly, ran a joint called The Bikini Club, whore a pink card gained entry for members any time of day d or night. Stamen found their way to the Quarterdeck Club, which was fully equipped with a bar, table games, and, for a time, slot machines. 'Ours, though, was strictly for family," says Edmunds, who calls his dwelling on stilts the "A Bis- cayne Bay can hardly miss the stilt homes that have become a veritable Miami landmark. Curious Miamians and visitors alike pass through Stiltsville's natural deep-watchannels en route to the ocean and sometimes leave slashes in the sea grasses after dragging their engines on the bay bottom in the clear, shallow water around the homes. But even with its reputation considerably mellowed and more family oriented, Stiltsville will no longer exist at the turn of the century. Residents' leases for quarter-acr- e underwater sites won't be renewed after July 1, 1999, by decree of the Florida Cabinet. The state allowed the bay bottom to be leased through the next decade but prohibited new construction after the Legislature passed the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Act in 1974. on SiDtsviDDe' and materials to the site in small outboards. "It was almost like homestead-ing,- " Edmunds says. says Lisa Garvin, spokeswoman for In 1965, he says, Ivan Tors Studithe 173,000-acr- e Biscayne National os featured the house as the base of Park. Although some people have called operations for an underwater coal Stiltsville an eyesore and environmining company in the movie mental concerns have been raised, "Round the World Under the Sea." Edmunds and others say the homes Church groups and Boy Scouts also have borrowed the place for special should be saved. "Maybe they're jealous because retreats. Don't expect any luxuries here, they can't build," Edmunds says. "We were there long before it was Edmunds says, though it's the best a national park. We're not bother- getaway possible still within sight of the Miami skyline. ing anyone." "You never run out of things to Edmunds, 61, a retired trucking do relax, fish, water-sk- i, dive, or company supervisor from Pembroke Pines, shares the retreat with watch the boats go by," he says. There is no television, no teley three other families. The house, about phone. They catch rainwater for six miles offshore from Miami and showers and washing dishes. Generators provide electricity, and the a mile from the Cape Florida lightbreeze off the bay provides "the house, has stood for 27 years. Hurricane Donna leveled the original world's best air conditioning," Edmunds says as he throws open the structure. Residents now can rebuild homes wooden doors off the combination area. damaged during storms only if at sitting The bay, its water patches of least 51 percent of the structure light green and indigo blue, used to remains intact. It took about a year for the offer some of the best bonefishing house anywhere before Miami's populafamilies to build the themselves, towing scrap lumber tion boomed, Edmunds says. But "We are taking this area, which is close to a large urban area, and returning it to its natural state," 40-b- three-bedroo- despite the decline in marine -l- ife,-it's still easy to catch a panful of fish for supper. "You can cast off the porch any time you want and catch all the fish you want," Edmunds says. Old pictures from family outings cram a large bulletin board inside the wooden house, many of them showing bloody sharks bigger than the young boys who caught them. Over the course of about 60 years, residents of Stiltsville have often helped boaters who became stranded or got caught in a bad storm. "Through the years I can't imagine how many I've pulled off the flats or helped them repair their boats or towed them in," Edmunds says. Residents pay the state Department of Natural Resources $1,000 annually to lease the site. When the first structures ation prepares for St. Patrick's Day On St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish. And even if you don't care lor corned beef and cabbage, green beer or bagpipe music, why not join the fun? Elaborate St. Patrick's Day celebrations are planned in cities and towns .''.cross the nation on or about March 17. All pay homage to the Patron Saint of Ireland. St. Patrick Bishop Patrick, AD 38(Mfill is credited with having introduced Ireland to Christianity after leaving his home in England during the Around America century. Although he never set foot in the New World, Americans honor St. Patrick with rich Gaelic gusto. A sampling of parties includes: h Pals Celebration M.rch 15 17 Holla. Mo.: ot Missouri Holla students 83rd annual University celebration honoring St Patrick, patron saint ot festivities Hi Roll.t and on campus include a enquieerr, parade painting ttio matn stieet green, beard judging arid shtllelah induing tnlo U.ive Bernhard 1107 State SI Hr'tl.1. Mo 6S40I (3141 :41 4270 Cily ot Baltimore St Palnck s Day Celebration Md 16 Event March Baltimore. held at the Bioadt'ay Market Sqoaie Program features an Irish band Irish dance group tree balloons and a leprechaun look a like contest Into Department ot Recreation and Parks. Ottice ot Adventures in Fun. Recreation 71 b Thames SI Pier Baltimore Md 21231: (301) St March s Day Celebration Iowa Miss Shamrock pageant, parade, CmmetsbuKj Irish beer slew, bagpipe music, and an Irish green Mass ?Hlh aimo.il 'elchratinn in town whose sister C'ty is Dublin iielai'd In'o St Palntk s Association. 1001 Broadway. I mnielslmig Iowa SUS.Ili (7 12) 852 4JJ6 New York SI Palnrk s Day Parade - March 17 N V Held since 7b2 the parade ot 125.000 particiat Fifth mile trek two noon its Avenue, pants hegins up the procession lasts about si hours and draws more than a million speclataors. Into: New York Convention Patrick St - and children's events. Info: Snow-tesTahoe City. Calif. 95730. (916) North American Snowmobile Championships March Schroon Lake. N Y Top snowmobilers from across North America gather in New York's tor the final championship races of the Adirondacks snowmobile circuit. Refreshments and exhibits add to the fun. Into: Snowmobile Championships. P.O. Box 645. Lake Placid. N Y, (Att: 12946; (518) John Morgan). Iditarod i mid-fift- fireworks, food fair P.O. Box 7590. and Visitors N Y. Bureau. 2 Columbus Circle. New York. 10019; (212) Patnck s Day Parade March 17 Boston, Traditional St. Patricks Day Parade in old Boston Irish neighborhood. Event starts at Bay Station and ends at Andrew Station. Info: Mike Llnehan, P.O. Box 475. South Boston. Mass. 02127: (617) Hibemia Marching Society's St. Patrick's Parade March 17 Biloxi, Miss.: Event draws people from across the coastline to the Mississippi Gult coast (or of Irish Heritage the grand culmination region Week, Info: Hiberma Marching Society. P.O. Box 707, Biloxi, Miss. 39533; or call (601) St Patrick s Day Celebration Beard Growing Contest March Shamrock, Texas: Contestants must have started growing their beards after Jan. 1. 1990. to According organizers, all men in town must either grow a beard, or purchase a permit exempting them. The celebration also includes a Miss Irish Rose Pageant, chili cookotl, rodeo events, sheep dog trials and dances. Info: Nan Reeves. P.O. Box S88, 121 N. Main Street. Shamrock. Texas 79079; (806) Celtic Celebration March Sonora. Calif St Patnck s celebration with Irish. Scottish and Welsh music; an booths, tales, history .costumes, food. Into: Celtic Celebration. P O Box 62. Soulsbyville. Calif. St. Mass.: AnchorMarch 3 Trail Sled Dog Race event, age to Nome. Alaska: Start of 1.049-mildescribed as "the last great race on Earth." A month of this race. of special activities surround the running Into: Iditarod Trail Committee. P.O. Box 2, Nome, Alaska 99762: (907) March The Opp Jaycees Rattlesnake Rodeo Opp. Ala.: Touted as the world's only rattlesnake race. For those who are cautious, the snakes cannot escape from their pen as they race for the finish line. There are also rattlesnake safety and education programs, plus a World Championship Buck Dancing Contest, beauty pageant, car show, toad run and country music concerts, and arts and crafts (including Hems made from rattlesnake skins). Info: Opp Jaycees. P 0. Box 596. Opp. Ala. 36467: March Annual Ostrich Festival Chandler, Ariz.: Activities include an ostrich parade, petting zoo, ostrich races, carnival, exhibits and entertainment. Into: Chamber of Commerce. 218 N. Arizona. Chandler. or (602) Anz. 85224; (602) the bay -- bottom. . was leased for $1 an acre. The community peaked after World War II, with some 20 residences. Today, some of the structures have fallen into disrepair after years of constant exposure to wind and salt spray. Edmunds says it's a constant battle to keep up his retreat, replacing beams, painting and making repairs. He worries about Stiltsville's possible deterioration in the next decade because owners may decide it's not worth spending the money for repairs if they'll have to move or tear dow-- the residences. If the state remains committed to eliminating Stiltsville, Edmunds says, it'll do more than just take away a slice of paradise for owners in the area. "It'll take away a lot of pleasure for people who visit," he says. "It's just the neatest place in the world." began shaping X Denver New York $268 $60 One Wav Associate Program, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D C. 20560: (202) Around America is compiled by OTR Travel Information Services. The listings provided are for informational purposes only, and do not promote or endorse any enterprise or activity. Because some events may change without notice, it is advisable to confirm important information before making plans. Questions or comments may be directed to: OTR Travel Information Services, Inc., P.O. Box 4262. River Edge. N.J. Amsterdam Brussels Frankfurt Geneva 076G1. $489 $199 $499 $499 ji $599 $489 $499 $499 availability. Sunt. rostnituins appt uur low sprmy and summer lares Stibieil to trip .lirldri' plus t.i prices dale restru ted. Ask about All Round trip Glasgow London Paris Zurich K'Hliirl 3 Cosmos Totirania where "Only the price is budget." See Kurope at travel arbargain rates with a company that specializes in Kor London Leisure at tour hook our (or as example rangements. low as SJitS'. You are assured of the lowest price for your vacation as well as the experience of protessionals who have spent a lifetime planKuropean vacations. 'I'rue iinr-- not im init- .mi.tr.ning and creating low-co- 95372 (2091532 7045 Other highlights around American this month include. Snowiest Winter Carnival March Tahoe 9th annual event is the largest winter City. Calif carnival in the western United States The 10 day extravaganza features more than 120 events, ranging from skiing and snow Softball to a torchlight parade. low-co- touring at reasonable prices. Globus Catew ay is the world's leading operator of escorted tours, and without a doubt the largest visitors. Compare their operator of Kuropean tours for tour prices with any of the other major tour companies and the conclusion is inevitable: their combination of quality and price is unbeatable. For example, their "Taste of Kurope" tour gives you S days of exceps Knglish-speakin- MAINE: tional destinations (Ctiiitiiuicd from F.I) a fishing community with 1,200 residents. No point on the island is more than a mile from salt water. About 400 people live year round on North Haven which has almost 50 miles of coast with coves and harbors gais year-ruun- Stiltsville NO ADVANCE PURCHASE. NO MINIMUM STAY. First-clas- Yinalhaven -- WorlD ON SALE March Uhro's Day Celbration Finland, Event honors St. Urho. who rid Finland of Activities a include grasshoppers. spoof beauty pageant, parade, dances, ethnic food and more. Info: St. Uhro's Day Celebration. 21 Silver Hill Dr.. Finland, St. Minn.: Minn. 55603: (218) (Brenda Van Gergen). March Macon, Cherry Blossom Festival Ga.: Festivities range from concerts and plays to a sporting events, coronation ball, fair, arts and crafts, tours, a street party and hot air balloons. Info: Macon 10. Cherry Blossom Festival. 682 Cherry St., Suite Macon. Ga. 31201: (912) (Carolyn Crayton). March 24 Conch Shell Blowing Contest Key West. Fla.: Contest features the finest in conch shell music and an open contest for conch shell blowers. At Key Hyatt. Info. Hospitality House, P.O. Box 689. Key West. Fla. 33041: (305) March 31 Smithsonian Kite Festival Washington. DC: Kitemakers and flyers of all ages gather at the Washington Monument grounds to compete for prizes and trophies. Into: Monica Mundstuck. Resident last legs efts d lore. Two of the most unspoiled spots in Maine are Matinicus and Mouhe-a- n Islands, located just outside Penobscot Ha One of the most remote eimniunit;es mi the Maine coast. Matinu us has a population ol X which swells to 150 in the Mimmer. Its buds and are its greatest attractions. Monhebaii is known for its colony of artists and its extraordinary beauty. More than liDO kinds of wildflowers dot the land.M ape which is full of pine trees and lopped by phen Taber, and The Pauline, known as the Vessels of Windjammer Wharf, have vast experience and are almost walking encyclopedias of their beloved Maine. Island hopping on any of these three vessels is an experience no one should miss. For more information about these island cruises, contact The Vessels of Windjammer Wharf, at g for as low as $St)S 'I'mi- - im-- noi unhide .m i.ue "if; rfS 1 ... Discover Alaska for twelve beautiful days. Spend four nights exploring the land, ami seven nights cruising southbound, onboard the Fair Princess, between Whitticr and Vancouver. Round trip airfare included. Departs: May 22. I9!)(). CR'JiSEl car-roun- d "Keslrii tiolls apply, rail lot mmptete details wild-flowe- FANTASY u CRUISE U$. FROM 41 MIAMI t granite ehils on the eastern shore. town of Just outside the Harbor - ).iinaii. e e Boolhba Island. o!mo: treeless. , bud sanc-tua- r for te;n arid cul:. Tied to nearby Southporl Island by a bridge is Capita! Maud, strictly a summer h.:cn Island !u innai: i done best by bo..! one Mpvro. h a captain 150-foo- UANE SPECIALIZES IN PERSONAL SFRVICE' bu-'.l- m land vacatcn. followed by a 7 nighl southbound cruise between Wluttier. Alaska, and Vancouver. I?.C. While on laud vou'll visit i tile Hvmpics. ride a riverboat. travel m a r.cl c.ir In Mt Mi Kinley in additon to numerous other .tiir.ii turns Hie I'ai i!ic I'm u us will cruise through College Fjord, the Columbia ( il, icier, and (ilai ier Kay or Yakutat Bav. Your ports of call im hide Skagway. luneaii. Kelt Inkan and Vain Oliver. Price includes round trip air tare. a I skinio-lmlia- ! who t i ..... Maine's n and oxcitmi' adv. r.V.i: e from place to p,.t.-memorable, mm Hv captains vtssrls. The To ;!! : krii.wiodce lit ils h;sto- 1H-J- """""m.- : l : w of Me- 1 1; I 6 TRAVEL CRUSE 3St South State. Orcm t ffi Businessman f im Competitor. Great American Investor. I - j THE JUNE MORRIS I SlrlUUL Ur HAVtzL , Vac Complete a! I M"rn 1. i .i- i c oi-,- Am .. line r:- LIMITED SPACE a not - I B 224-943- 0,1 !;.i and pei .oiiiiai! est orted by Muli Crntherv i'.ml. Scheduled lor June this tour encircles the entire island discovering the nooks and i tannies not covered by commercial tours, from windswept moors to craggy mountains, from ancient historic sites to modem museums; iioin breathtaking scenerv to quaint villages. Tour includes round trip airfare, 2 lull meals eat h d,iv medieval banquet ,t! a a. dinner and Irish t ali. net in llubiin. nmla! ions in first class In .t, K, ailnnv m tees jilus ad,! ,.v i.:'i,i:;s , ,,t . lives Sp,t e is liini'ecl to ;iit i call am! make oi Pass ravel I ation I'.u k.iue sk Mr Foster ). mm . 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