Just east of Jacksonville, Florida is Kathryn Abbey Hanna State Park is an unusual spot. To its north is Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. In fact there are many reserves to the north and west. There is so much water in this area, it boggles the mind – Back River, St. John’s River, Pumpkin Hill Creek, Clapboard Creek, Trout River, Ribauld River and more. We went exploring some of these reserves, but they are so vast, one could spend a lifetime exploring all the waterways. But then, as often happens, the best was right in our back yard – in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a great blend of beautiful beach on one side and a number of lakes on the other, where birds and alligators abound. While Martha, Ruff and Sandra took a Tuk Tuk tour of Jacksonville, I explored Kathryn Hanna.
Just north of North Beach Camp Resort is a research reserve, so Martha and I drove up to take a look and go for a hike. We spent 45 minutes in the very nice Visitor’s Center with all kinds of fish hanging from the ceiling to make you feel like you were in the water. It also helps identify salt water fish of all kinds. It would be fun to take a boat tour through the reserve. Out on the dock behind the visitor’s center seagulls and pelicans gathered for a nap.
Driving across a dam on the Guana River, we went to the end and went for a walk. Rain was in the forecast, so we took our rain gear. There are a number of trails, but not knowing the area, we opted for the main trail, which started out as a sand road. It’s a very pretty area, and despite the weather, there were a number of other hikers. There are 15 miles of trails, and connects with a 7.7 mile loop in Guana River Wildlife Management Area.
Signage and trail markers are excellentTolomato River
About ¾ the way around, it started to rain. Then it came down really hard, but it was still a great walk
From North Beach, we decided to go to dinner at Cap’s On The Water just north at Vilano Beach. Driving up, a sign said all parking was free valet parking. The parking area was a sandy yard between palm trees. Although we were early, the lot was rather full. They don’t take reservations, so we checked in and gave our name, then walked out back to the end of a pier and sat on a bench. Two waitresses were posted there to order drinks, a nice touch. I looked at the smiling lady next to me and asked what she was having. She said it was an excellent margarita. I ordered a manhattan, but Martha, Sandra and Ruff ordered margaritas. We all toasted, and to be neighborly, we toasted our new neighbors.
After a few minutes, I glanced over to see our new friend’s drink was half gone. I asked if it was a good one. “Oh yeah, but I have to be careful. Tequila makes my clothes fall off”. Well that broke the ice. Probably a reference to Joe Nichols’ country song, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”. Her husband rolled his eyes. They sold their house in Albuquerque, NM, bought a class A camper and have been traveling for a year and a half. They have gotten a hotel room and dinner out to celebrate her birthday.
Before long, we were talking like old friends, learning about the children, jobs and all kinds of stories. Cindy and Dennis were their names, and we were disappointed when a waitress came to say their table was ready. Not long after, we were called for dinner. Ruff must have enjoyed his drink because he paid for ours as well as his. By the time Ruff and I got to the dining area, we couldn’t find the girls. Shortly Dennis came up and said they had found a table for all of us.
Dinner was excellent, looking out over the Tolomato River and continuing our conversations. We enjoyed the bubbly Cindy with the huge smile and outgoing personality. Then she told us about her cancer, a rare form of cancer, but she was going to beat it, and had already been through chemotherapy. How could that be? We exchanged contact information as we paid our bills. I was sorry Ruff didn’t pick that one up too.
Outside we waved goodbye as the valet brought their car. We continued talking as we waited for our car. After a few minutes the young doorman pointed to a car with open doors and asked,”Isn’t that your car?” We reflected on an evening that will stay with us for a long time. I hope we cross paths with our new friends again.
