I was really looking forward to my time at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It was in a great part of the state, not too far from Jupiter, one of my favorite towns. When I arrived at the park I made my way to the ranger station because I had a one night reservation for camping.
I went straight for my campsite so I could get that all set up and do some exploring before the sunset. I set my camp up in less than 30 minutes, which was a new record. The first spot I explored was Hobe Mountain. Who knew we had mountains in Florida? Halfway up the mountain I stopped to look around and made a new friend. She was probably about 10 years old and she informed me that we were so high up that she could see her house, in Indiana, from where we were standing. I told her I was impressed because I could not see much past the treetops.
Off her and her family went to the top of the mountain, I caught up with them moments later. I could see the river, the ocean and the woods from where I was standing, all very cool sights. I stayed up to the top of the mountain getting to know my new friend and all aspects of her family. When they left I stayed to enjoy the silence of being up higher than any noise. I then went in search of the river but the sun was setting at a rapid pace so I made my way back to my camp.
I was bound and determined to make a fire. I followed some of my dads advice and mixed in my own ideas and BAM! A fire was made! I could not believe I made FIRE! I felt so accomplished. After making that fire, I felt like I was capable of doing anything. I was really proud of myself.
I stayed up until my fire went out, put my cooler in the car, and went to sleep. I woke up before the sun, got ready for the day, packed up my camp, and headed out for a hike. I took a two mile hike, which was not like me, but I could not have asked for a more beautiful morning. The sun was still rising as I hiked through the pines, making my way to the creek. Usually I would have felt scared walking in the woods alone when it was not fully daylight but on that day fear was not present. I was just so caught up in my moment in nature. I know I could have stayed in that park for more hours than I had to spare but I made my way out of the woods, feeling connected to nature, possibly for the first time ever.
Before you visit, make sure you check out the parks website for all of the up-to-date park information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/jonathan-dickinson-state-park
