Wakulla: A Story of Adventure in Florida by Kirk Munroe is a novel that captures the excitement of exploration and the allure of the unknown as it follows the Elmer family’s journey from New England to Florida. The story centers on siblings Mark and Ruth Elmer, who, in response to their father's health concerns, leave behind their familiar life for the challenges and adventures awaiting them in the Florida wilderness. At the novel's start, the siblings are filled with a mixture of anticipation, fear, and excitement as they prepare to leave their small village and embark on a new life in the "Land of Flowers." Their journey aboard the schooner Nancy Bell is filled with unexpected encounters, including a dramatic rescue from an ice floe, while their imaginations are captivated by visions of alligators, orange groves, and pirates in the Florida landscape. The novel highlights themes of family bonds, courage, and the thrill of discovery as Mark and Ruth embrace their new life, learning valuable lessons about resilience and the challenges of adapting to a completely new world.
Kirk Munroe was an American writer, conservationist, and outdoor enthusiast, born on September 15, 1850, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He is best known for his adventure novels, particularly those set in the American wilderness, and for his contributions to the literature of exploration and nature. Munroe’s works often reflect his deep love for the natural world, and he was an advocate for conservation throughout his life. He was particularly interested in the flora and fauna of Florida, where he spent much of his later years. Munroe’s early life included a variety of outdoor experiences, and he was encouraged by his parents, especially his father, Charles W. Munroe, to pursue his love of the natural world and storytelling. In 1873, Munroe moved to Florida, where he eventually settled and became a prominent figure in the region's literary and environmental circles. He was married to Mary Barr Munroe, and the couple had a family. Throughout his life, Munroe wrote numerous novels, short stories, and articles, often drawing on his experiences in Florida and other wild regions of the United States.