Pigeon Key

 2.9.2024

Big Pine Key Resort

Big Pine Key Florida

Today's adventure was a ride to Pigeon Key.  This 32 acre island sits about half way below the 7 mile bridge.  It is only accessible by a section of the old railroad bridge that was built by Henry Flagler in the early 1900's.  This island was originally a work camp for over 400 men during the building of the original train line that connected Key West to the mainland of Florida.  

We rode our bikes the 2.5 miles to the island.  It is an interesting place that has had many lives.  After the work camp days it was converted to a rest stop.  Once the railroad was no longer in use the State of Florida purchased the entire length and turned the bridges into roads.  The rail bed was slightly widened and the rails were pulled up to make "safety rails" for the sides of the road.  I can only imagine how terrifying driving along the bridge while passing oncoming cars must have been.

Here you can see how the road bed was cantilevered and the old railroad ties were used as guard rails.

Once we reached the island we enjoyed the wild life.

Several of the old buildings have been preserved.  The yellow buildings were housing for families who maintained the roadway.  The white building was one of the original bunkhouses for men who built the original bridge.

Because we were on the 1:30 tour we got to feed the fish in the tank next to the island.  

I've ridden 100 miles on my bike.  So fun!

These last shots are from the pedestrian bridge on the way back to the parking lot.  The views were amazing.  You could clearly see the remnants of the old railing next to the more modern and safer rails.  It was a fun and informative trip.