Feb 11, 2015 Warning … You are about to be attacked by photos. This morning David and I took a ride to the Ranger station asking for “safe places” to take E T in the park. David is a bit frustrated with me, because I’m still being “alligator conscious”. There are a lot of alligators here (100 + counted). Jonathan Dickinson is considered part of the Everglades. I am reassured that as long as we follow the posted signs she (we) should be fine. Alligators don’t attacked without being provoked or having their territory infringed upon. There is plenty of food here that the alligators don’t go looking to eat people or dogs. Phew!
The trail I walked yesterday with E T is well marked. If the water temperature is exceptionally cold, we may come upon an alligator sunning itself on the pavement. We would see the alligator well in advance. The Ranger said “watch where you are walking” and implied use common sense. I interpreted, don’t walk with your head up your butt.
One of the suggested places to take E T was the Hobe Mountain Observation Tower. Awesome … we can run her up and down the boardwalk. It is a ten minute walk up to the tower, I think 200 steps, with plenty of landings.
Then we took a couple mile hike on one of the many trails here. If you are a mountain biker they have a fantastic course here and lots of trails. We saw tons of wildflowers.
In the afternoon we took a tour boat on the Loxahatchee River to Trapper Nelson’s Interpretive Site. He was known as “The Wildman of the Loxahatchee”. My kind of guy 🙂
David and I had canoed the Loxahatchee River on a previous trip. We had rented a canoe and left the dock at sun up. It was the best kayak trip we have ever experienced. We did not find Trapper Nelson’s on that trip. This trip we decided to let the guide take us and we were glad we did. We both want to come back, with our kayak and do it again. The photos don’t do the scenery justice.
Last and very not least we met our friend, Lorraine, for dinner at an excellent restaurant in Stuart, about 12 miles north of Hobe Sound, TOO JAYS Restaurant and Deli. They have restaurants in about 25 locations in Florida. If you ever have the opportunity to eat at one, the food is great and the prices are very reasonable.
Next stop … The Florida Keys