30 January 2026
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jupiter, Florida
Gopher tortoise near our campsite.
Marc- We continued our exploration of the area both inside and outside the park. Our first adventure involved taking a guided river cruise up the Loxahatchee River (river of many turtles). The Captain explained that this river has seen tremendous change beginning in the 19th century when Jupiter Inlet was created. The Inlet allowed for the influx of salt water during high tide when the flow of the river reversed. Large stands of bald cypress and palm trees died off in the brackish water area of the new estuary. These were replaced with extensive growth of mangroves that survive well in salt water. Upstream parts of the river retained their traditional bald cypress and palm trees. The water color and clarity changes from perfectly clear aquamarine near the inlet to dark brown murky water stained by the mangroves to the crystal clear water upstream with the bald cypress and palm trees. There were many of birds along the banks including great blue heron, night heron and anhinga.
Anhinga perched on a mangrove root.
Swamp lilies.
Air fern.
Bald cypress and palm trees.
Turtles.
The mid point of the cruise was stopping to visit Trapper Nelson's outpost. 
Nelson constructed a number of cabins such as this for tourists.
Hunter, our Park Ranger.
African sausage tree.
Bleeding heart vine.
Trapper Nelson boathouse docks (made of cypress - a hardwood resistant to rot).
Great blue heron.
After the cruise we went in search of a quilt store in the developed part of Jupiter.
Route 1, ICW drawbridge.
Cool pinwheel design.
Colorful design.
"The Dress," a Laura Heine pattern
Eventually we returned to the Park and climbed its tallest peak, Home Mountain (86 feet above sea level). We also enjoyed riding our bikes this afternoon.
Looking west from Hobe Mountain.
Tonight's sunset.
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