Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/606819
fish and wildlife. During mating season, you can spot 'gators, mostly babies, sunning among the sawgrass off any nautical channel. Remember to take your binoculars for some stunning close-up views. Visitors can experience the natural splendour via a marked nine-kilometre paddling trail. Inquire about paddling conditions and pop- ular routes at the canoe rental by the refuge canoe launch. TURTLE GAZING Checkers, an endangered green sea turtle, made a splash at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach on the day of our visit. Situated on one of the most densely nested loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the United States, this ocean conservation centre is dedicated to saving sea turtles. Visitors are welcome to participate in daily programs and view rehabilitating sea turtles. One curious loggerhead turtle named Codder surprised me as it surfaced loudly exhaling into my camera lens. Over at Singer Island in North Palm Beach on legendary Jack Nicklaus Drive, the nearly three-kilometre swath known as the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has been pegged as "the real Florida" for its beautiful natural beach and rich wilder- ness reserve. Luck was with me the day I toured Palm Beach County's only state park. Considered a prime spot for sea turtle nests, some mama turtles arrived earlier at dusk to lay their eggs. As I traipsed on the soft sand toward a mound cordoned off by park staff, I realized this was one of the protected log- gerhead sea turtle nests. Faintly imprinted into the sand, its tracks were the only testa- ment to this magical moment. The revelation was priceless. It's true what they say about Palm Beach County. You only need to get off the beaten track to experience the "real" Florida. Here, I discovered an unexpected wilderness as I plunged into a natural paradise hidden in a world of fantasy. WINTER 2015/2016 DREAMSCAPES 41 DS T R A V E L P L A N N E R Discover more about the Palm Beaches and create your personalized itinerary at PalmBeachFL.com. For accommodation, consider the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa (jupiterbeachresort.com). For more information on various eco excursions in the county, check out: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee Blueline Surf and Paddle Company: bluelinesurf.com John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: floridastateparks.org/park/MacArthur-Beach Loggerhead Marinelife Center: marinelife.org Riverbend Park: pbcgov.com/parks/locations/riverbend.htm OPPOSITE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Shady tree canopies shelter cyclists along the Reese Boulevard Trail in Riverbend Park. Ilona Kauremszky Observe wildlife from the dock at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in the northern Everglades. Ilona Kauremszky A peacock mills around the paths and fields of Riverbend Park. Ilona Kauremszky LEFT: Kids learn about sea turtles at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Palm Beach County CVB BELOW: Paddle along the Canoe Trail at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in the northern Everglades. Ilona Kauremszky