Sand Sculptures
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GIFTS MADE of SAND !
Pirate Treasure in the Sand?
(Based
on true events)
Legend has it, that in the U.S. Virgin
Islands centuries ago, the infamous
pirate "Bluebeard"
hid Treasure chests
within the sand bottom of shallow underwater caves... These casks were brimming
with thousands of opulent artifacts, pearls,
jewelry,
swords, & coins which defied belief. Several
years ago, an underwater photographer was in the area shooting fish and coral formations.
When he was finished, he strapped the camera on his side and started swimming out
of the dangerous caverns because the undertow was increasing due to high tide. Accidentally,
he bumped the side of a wall, and the camera snapped a picture. The gentleman didn't
think twice about it; this had happened many times before - an unintentional snap
of a coral bed, wall, or sand bottom.
A few days later, he developed the film.When the pictures were examined,
he observed many beautiful shots of undersea
life, as expected. There was, however, something completely shocking...
to his astonishment, a photograph that was impossible - It appeared to be the corner
of an ancient wooden chest
partially protruding from the sand!!!
He was extremely excited - had he discovered a
true pirate's chest laden with
priceless treasures?
Overwhelmed with emotion, he donned his diving gear at once, and ventured
forth into the Ocean depths to find the chest
exposed by the ever-changing tide. Upon arrival to the exact spot that the camera
had taken the once-in-a-lifetime "picture of all pictures", he took a shovel and
started digging with adrenaline pumping through his body that he had never felt
before...After all, this could be the most significant, richest, and amazing accident
in the history of photography! Is it possible that these
treasures have eluded archaeologists,
treasure
hunters,
and thieves for decades by natural occurances? Had the ever-changing tides and shifting
of sand preserved the pirate
lore from being discovered?
To this day, the photographer regularly returns
to "X marks
the spot", but to no avail....
The chests have never been found because of
the mystery of the shifting
of sand.
 
Coins from a Sunken Galleon
Treasure Map in Key West
Florida and the
Keys
(islands) have a rich history filled with pirates, salvage opportunists (known back
then as “wreckers”), shipwrecks, Sea battles, &
lost treasures. Today, we can appreciate this swashbuckling bygone
era in many locations with activities that people of all ages can enjoy.
Annually, the entire Tampa Bay area morphs into a Pirate carnival,
known as “Gasparilla Fest”. Thousands
of boats (most displaying flags) simulate invasions with firing cannons & guns;
a parade complete with floats, concerts, performances, and many other activities
take place all weekend in early February (the 7th in ’09). It is a Mardi-Gras like atmosphere with beads thrown
and many participants in ye-olde Buccaneer attire. Nearby Clearwater features
a fun year-round dinner cruise aboard Capt. Memo’s Ship - great for families &
children!
Disney's Wonder ship, out of Port Canaveral, features a "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed cruise starring actual actors from the 3 movies.
Also on the east central Florida coast in Sebastian is the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum; and just to the south in Vero Beach is the McLarty Treasure Museum.
Up in the panhandle from
Panama City Beach, the "Sea Dragon" pirate adventure cruise is a blast
for all to enjoy.
Down on the southwest coast
in Ft. Myers Beach, there is the "Pieces of Eight" Buccaneer fun cruise...
Theme Park central, Orlando, has a permanent Pirate-themed dinner show
that is appetizing, entertaining, and visually spectacular.
Way down south in Key West, make sure you visit the
Mel Fisher Museum - where visitors can actually handle
Gold & Silver
treasures from sunken Spanish galleons.
Authentic jewelry, genuine ‘pieces of eight’,
and other historical items can be viewed and even purchased. Another spot on America’s
southernmost point not to be missed is the Shipwreck Historeum…Guests
can climb a 65 foot lookout tower - where “wreckers” actually watched ships crash
on coral reefs (then rush out to rescue valuables), and see how life really was
back then.
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In Tampa Bay Buc's StadiumCruise in Clearwater, Florida
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Featured Items
Where Is Sand Art?
Ripley's "Believe It or Not!"
Orlando, FL
Gatorland Theme Park
Orlando, FL
Shell World (Hwy 192)
KIssimmee, FL
Orange World (Hwy 192)
Kissimmee, FL
Beach Bazaar (A1A)
N. Daytona Beach, FL
Coastal Loco (A1A)
S. Daytona Beach, FL
GYFTZ (Flagler Ave.)
New Smyrna Beach, FL
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* Just To Name a Few *
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