Off Topic - Totally

[wisdomseeker]

Any OBers from Florida ever been to the Coral Castle (Rock Gate Park)? I've got this one on my bucket list.

The builder of this coral castle really has me intrigued, especially with some of the statements in the link below... "equipped with only hand tools and a fourth grade education", "that he could make something of himself despite his poverty level and his lack of formal education".

Then the mind-blowers... "always worked under the cover of night and by only the light of a lantern when nobody could watch him, making it impossible to know just how he completed his mammoth project", "two teenagers did happen to witness the construction, and they later told the police that rocks were levitating in mid-air like hydrogen balloons", "Leedskalnin also claimed to use no mortar, yet no light can pass through where the stones meet".

Discover Coral Castle, The Mysterious Stone Palace Of Southern Florida

[estación seca]

Never went, but would like to go. Florida was loaded with small family-run attractions in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

I was stationed at Homestead AFB. While there I visited the Coral Castle a couple times. Very interesting place. Go see!

[wisdomseeker]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm going to do my best to see it. Used to stomp around the Homestead area in years past (was involved in the ornamental fish trade, and developed an interest with the agriculture in that area). Wish I knew about this place back then.

And for what it's worth... thanks for your service. Semper Paratus from a different branch!

ES ~ you are right about that. Lots of history/interest within the Sunshine State. Always remember Cypress Gardens as a youngster. Although not the tourist spots of Disney or Sea World, it made an impression on me.

[AU77]

It’s a very interesting place. We enjoyed our visit.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Yes! Crazy genius Ed!

I love that place. Look on Groupon for discounts to admission and it’s well worth a visit. What that man did and moved by himself is inspiring.

[Leafmite]

I read up on it and it seems to be quite a mystery. It seems that the guy wanted to keep it that way, too.

[WaterWitchin]

A most amazing article! I'm so happy I ran across this... Gracias Wisdomseeker! It's a good'n!

[wisdomseeker]

Appreciate the gratitude, amigo!

Seems this guy spent a very long time accomplishing his goal. Must have enjoyed what he was doing to keep going like that, especially with limited resources. Still have tentative plans to visit his castle.