Ranger John’s bench damaged by hurricane Hermine

In a post of September 8, 2016 I discussed Ranger John’s memorial bench and how much it is appreciated by visitors and staff of the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Visitor watches sunset from Ranger John McKenzie's bench. (9/16/2015) - St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

On my first visit to the Refuge after hurricane Hermine made landfall, I was saddened to see John’s bench had been ripped from its concrete base and had sustained serious damage including losing one of the legs.

The original concrete blocks which anchored the bench to the ground were still in place, and hand and foot prints of two of his descendants remained.

The original concrete footing for ranger John McKenzie's bench after damage by huricane Hermine. (09-06-2016) - St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Someone had carefully perched the bench on a nearby concrete structure, facing out toward Apalachee Bay.

Ranger John McKenzie's bench rests on concrete after damage by huricane Hermine. (09-06-2016) - St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

The storm surge had destroyed some of the vegetation, creating a much wider view from the bench, as you can see in this photo taken at sunset.

Ranger John McKenzie's bench after damage by huricane Hermine still provides beautiful views. (09-06-2016) - St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

After the sun dipped below the horizon I carefully sat down on the bench and watched the darkness gather. The magic had not gone away…

Jim