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Published: February 11th 2014
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Our first morning in Jonathan Dickinson State Park we were greeted by the beautiful blazing sun and birds singing. My night was restless because it was warm and I was anticipating all the fun things there are to do here. After the usual morning routine Oscar and I went for a walk to the river that has the boat ramp and dock, then we visited the camp store where all reservations are made and boats and bikes are rented. There is a “beach” area on the river that is roped off for swimming and I thought how curious, swimming in alligator infested waters? After asking about that the answer, “Well if people are wantin to do that, they do at their own risk”. Why have a beach! Go figure.
Poor Oscar was so hot by the time we got to the store I had to wet him down and use one of his NEW poop bags as a water dish. He was much better than.+
After talking with the store people I decided to go on a pontoon boat cruise of the Loxahatchee River at 3 pm and see what all this talk was about The Wildman of the Loxahatchee as
this cruise would stop at his compound.
Took Oscar back home and turned on the air and in no time I had to leave for the cruise. Captain Tom was from NY and with that distinct accent proceeded to tell us all about the river and the Osprey that are numerous along the shore. There is a nest around every bend and one nest had a 2 eared resident in it. No, not a cat but a horned owl that had taken over an old osprey nest. I was thrilled to see it, as owls are nocturnal and rare to see. I was even lucky enough to get a picture.
We headed up stream and the river got narrower and narrower very quickly til it was questionable whether we would get through or not. But Captain Tom pulled it off and docked at the Wildman’s dock. There was a ranger there to meet us and gave us a tour of the life of Trapper Nelson. He was a man of large stature standing 6’4” and weighing 245 but all muscle as he would chop a cord of wood a day for exercise along with surviving off the land. He hunted
and trapped, sold skins and wood for money and even took in visitors for the night. He had indoor plumbing that he rigged up himself, grew citrus trees, pineapple and vegetables and even had a little zoo for his tourists. He had a pet alligator that he would wrestle for the amusement of his guests. To go to the store he had to row a boat 7 miles one way. Oh I forgot, he rigged up a rope swing that he would swing on and scare people on the river. He fit the image of Tarzan, and handsome too.
He mysteriously died with a gun shot wound to the chest , the death being ruled as a suicide, but some say it was a jealous husband. Still a mystery.
The trip home was equally interesting and beautiful as the sun was going down and cast a whole new light on the jungle. We went from mangrove forests to Cyprus stands as the water changed from brackish to fresh, it was a different sight around every corner. Can’t wait to explore the river in my kayak.
When I got back to camp, fed Oscar and a short walk then it
was to the store for much needed supplies and gas for Petunia. By the time we got home from the store it was dark and 7 pm and I was starved! Put the groceries away, have dinner, download the pictures and I realized I was exhausted. So that is why the blog was delayed a little.
My schedule has been too hectic again so I have to slow down, smell the roses, and enjoy the warmth.
Tomorrow is rearrange camp, the tire is on an ant hill!
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