Brian and I got in one more camping trip before our BIG 2018 SUMMER ADVENTURE. We packed up and went to Jonathon Dickenson State Park near Jupiter, Florida. I thought it would be a "relaxing at the campsite" type of trip. Instead, there was so much to see and do that we didn't get to do everything I planned.
Sightseeing Outside the Park
We visited two interesting beaches, Coral Cove and Hobe Rocks Preserve. There are plenty of traditional beaches in the area, but I enjoyed these unusual sights. At Coral Cove there are large worn limestone ridges between the sand and water. It was fun exploring the pools of water for shells.
Another day we visited the Hobe Rocks Preserve at high tide to watch the waves crash. It was relaxing to watch the waves crash on the rocks. I would definitely like to come back and spend more time here.
We climbed the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Climbing lighthouses are a challenge for me on two levels. The physical part of climbing is a little difficult. But my fear of heights and enclosed spaces is the biggest challenge and adds to the adventure. The view from the top is worth all the pain. The climb down is what gets my palms sweating and my heart racing. But then, I can't resist stopping to take pictures.
Brian and I participated in a nighttime turtle walk to watch a loggerhead turtle lay eggs on the beach (Loggerhead Marinelife Center). I appreciate the sea turtle conservation efforts. And I found the information about the turtles interesting. However, I didn't enjoy the evening. It was too late at night (close to midnight), too many people in the group to see everything, plus after an hour I got bored! The best part was watching the large 400 pound sea turtle walk back into the ocean. I don't have any pictures because you could not use any lights or a cell camera.
Fun Times Inside Jonathon Dickenson State Park
I was amazed at all the activities to do within the park. The park is over 11,000 acres on the Loxahatchee River, the first Florida river designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
I hiked every day (a good way to get in my 10,000 steps). There are plenty of trails, some with geocaches. I thought the caches would be on the trail...but NO...I had to bushwhack my way through the brush to find the caches. Luckily they were nice sized ammo containers, so once I got the to coordinates, they were not hard to find.
The river's name, Loxahatchee, comes from the Indian words for turtle and river. I definitely saw turtles both hiking and on the river. Most of the turtles were adult sized, but I noticed this little baby slider on a path. I also saw lots of birds...scrub jays, osprey, mocking birds and hawks.
Also on the hikes, I started noticing the wildflowers. It would be interesting the change in the flowers at different times of the year (one of my reasons for wanting to come back to the park).
The park has miles of off road bike trails for the adventurous mountain biker. It is a popular area and I always saw riders on the course. I only biked on the road and paved trails...very comfortable and scenic.
Brian and I climbed the observation tower on top of Hobe Mountain (the highest point in southern Florida at a whopping 86 feet).
There was so much to do that we never went kayaking. I know it is hard to believe. But we couldn't leave without getting out on the Loxahatchee River. On our last morning, we took a pontoon boat ride on the river with a stop at Trapper Nelson's homestead.
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