We have had some warm but windy weather lately, which isn't good for water activities. Instead, Dave came up with the great idea to do something that we have never done before...go to the Jupiter Lighthouse. Located south of us on treacherous Jupiter Inlet, we have passed this icon many times by car and by boat on the Intracoastal Waterway. Before we arrived though, we first explored the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Natural Area trails along the ICW, that we didn't even know existed. The water looked more like the Bahamas and the trail was well maintained, including a stairway going up a big dune cliff.
We saw several of these butterflies in our travels. We prefer to call them sargent major butterflies, because they are striped like that kind of fish.
We had no idea where we were headed but eventually we saw the lighthouse, although we couldn't get to it from where we were (I wish we could grow these dune sunflowers at our house!).
The trail ended up being a loop that led back to where we started at the water's edge, so we jumped in Mustang Sally and continued on our way.
The lighthouse grounds are very impressive, as is the 1860 lighthouse, now beautifully restored. First though, we waited for others to descend the lighthouse under this gigantic Ficus tree that looks like several different trees, but it is actually branches that re-root themselves.
Before we started climbing the 105 steps up the circular stairway to the top, we had to go up this hill's staircase. Those 105 stairs up to the top of the light are only 4 steps more than the Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town...but seemed like much more (or we are just older now 😉).
The view was well worth the climb up. This is the inlet...
Looking northeast...
The U.S. Route 1 bridge is being replaced and this is a huge, multi-year project. We recently read that soon the bridge and road will be closed for quite some time, so we are glad that we did this trip now, before traffic becomes even more congested.
Dave is looking west at the bridge in this photo. I liked the portholes that go around the top of the lighthouse. More importantly, there is a hefty railing that goes around the walkway, so my fear of heights didn't bother me...too much anyway.
Unlike the Hope Town lighthouse, this one is automated. It was interesting looking up into the Fresnel lens.
Unfortunately with the bridge project, the main museum was closed, because it is so close to all the construction. However, there were other smaller displays and museums on the property, such as a pioneer house that was relocated there. It is still a great destination that we highly recommend.
We also spent some time at Dubois Park at Jupiter Inlet. This statue of a couple looking out to sea, stands at the jetty...
The tide was opposing the wind which made for large waves and roiling, confused seas.
The inlet constantly shoals and you need local knowledge to go in or out of it. This fishing boat that looked like it was more of a Maine lobster boat, had no problem going out to sea.
The protected lagoon in the park is a popular spot for swimmers. It was the view for our picnic lunch, since it was protected from the easterly winds.
This was another fantastic outing, and we will have to keep our feelers out for more things to do in the area like this. Being tourists can be fun!
😎
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