Jupiter.
Florida was as much of a mystery to me as our planetary neighbour! To be honest, Florida has never really been on my travel radar, except for maybe the Florida Keys or the Florida Everglades. In my imagination, Florida was just full of old retired people and alligators....and perhaps a bunch of oranges. You know, just like Canada is full of igloos, lumberjacks and maybe a bunch beavers. 😉
But when our dear friend Jenni invited me to visit her in Florida last January, I thought it was a call to adventure! We took a quick morning flight with Westjet from Toronto to West Palm Beach. The West Palm Beach Airport was small, well organized with volunteers to help those who look lost. The WPB airport is very manageable and a much quicker entry point than a larger airport like Miami or Orlando. I picked up our rental car and headed North to Tequesta where Jenni's folks live; it's just outside of Jupiter. Of course, I brought Sangeeta along (she's my trusty Garmin GPS), so I had no problem finding Jenny's house. I was amazed that I saw a TD (Toronto Dominion) bank in West Palm Beach. What is a Canadian Bank doing in Florida? Is this foreshadowing that we will be surrounded in a sea of white-haired Canuck snowbirds?
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| Lighthouse Duet |
After settling in to our rental house, we decided to head out for a look around Jupiter. The first place we headed out to explore is the Jupiter Lighthouse and museum. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is the beloved icon of Jupiter, Florida. Completed in 1860, the lighthouse still shines it's beacon out into the Straight of Florida every night. We took the museum tour that climbs up the 108-foot tower, and found ourselves alone at the top, with fantastic views of the Loxahatchee River and of Jupiter Inlet. Jenni and I are both American Tribal StyleⓇ Belly Dancers; so we did a little improv belly dance duet at the top of the lighthouse for some fun!
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| There Are Manatees in This River! |
The lighthouse tour takes you through the grounds of the museum and talks about the Tequesta tribe that is indigenous to this area of Florida. The tour also takes you to Tindall house, a pioneer homestead that has been moved to the lighthouse grounds for preservation. There is also an incredible big old Banyan tree outside the lighthouse, and it was so inviting to linger under its shady canopy and listen to the bird's chatter. I was so excited to capture a glimpse of a manatee swimming around the busy river inlet!
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| Dune Dog Cafe |
All that stair climbing made us hungry! Jenni took us to her favourite snack shack-The Dune Dog! A stop at the Dune Dog Cafe is a must in the Jupiter area-it is a local institution. Their sangria was out of this world; as well as the crunchy fish sandwich, the crab cake sandwich and the Dune Dog hot dog! My teenaged son Liam also loved the fries here too, he is a french-fry connoisseur. The Dune Dog is a fun eclectic, casual atmosphere, and you could really feel the surfer vibe. We definitely have to return to the Dune Dog for another lunch before we go home.
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| Up Close With A Loggerhead "patient." |
After lunch, we headed South to Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach.
The Marinelife Centre is a sea turtle rescue center and hospital; the only one between Orlando and the Florida Keys. Loggerhead Park across the street is one of the most significant active sea turtle nesting grounds in the world! The Marine Life facility includes a state-of-the-art full-service veterinary hospital, exhibit hall, and an outdoor classroom.
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| Not Quite A Leatherback Yet |
Getting up close with these turtles was such an
extraordinary experience. Loggerhead sea
turtles are endangered, and Leatherback sea turtles are on the vulnerable
species list. The work that is being done at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
to protect these reptiles and the conservation efforts for their habitat is
astounding the admission to this center? BY DONATION! And donate we did!!!! Check out the Loggerhead Marinelife
Center www.marinelife.org You can also donate to the center online.
What a fun and fantastic day! Liam really liked the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and all the turtles, and we really loved learning about some of the histories of the Jupiter area. We are looking forward to exploring more of the natural wonders of this area and enjoying the laid back Florida lifestyle.
Watch some newly hatched Loggerhead turtle cuteness!
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