Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/606819
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2015/2016 40 Club by the legendary Loxahatchee River, pronounced "locks-ah" (turtle) and "hatchee" (river) by the Seminole Indians, almost 16 kilometres of marked compacted shell rock trails snake through this verdant oasis, which blends history and nature into one experience. Reminiscent of Old Florida, meandering paths weave by saltwater man- groves past thick tufts of cypress tree swamps. The temperature dips a few Celsius by the Reese Boulevard Trail, a spec- tacular canopied floodplain route along a long causeway. Plan a couple of hours of sightseeing and visit a recreated Seminole Indian Village, which bears witness to the ancient Semi- nole Indian territory. Observe the park's last peacock, a final testament to the area's orange grove days, but be mindful of the alligator signage. A fantastically rich park for birdwatching, more than 200 bird species can be sighted here. Within min- utes, I discovered a bald eagle perched high and noticed egrets and ospreys. Only minutes away from the traffic and one mile west from the busy I-95/Florida Turnpike Interchange, the park remains a jewel in Palm Beach County's crown. My favourite moment was spotting the rare cardinal airplant, a native flora in Florida. A PADDLER'S PARADISE The sound of the paddle dipping into the cognac waters was the only manmade sound at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxa- hatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The rest belonged to Mother Nature. Located in western Boynton Beach, this wilderness gem is the only surviving portion of the northern Everglades so expect an isolated paradise rife with critters. Alligator spotting is guaranteed thanks to "George," the four-metre-long predator who lazily dozes off beneath the wooden pier, his favourite hangout. The entire refuge, laden in thick rivers of grass, is a massive tapestry, which weaves together unspoiled sawgrass with native