Down by the River

(Jacksonville FL)
One Friday after work I decided to try out the city park that is on a sandbar island near where the St. Johns River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. I had heard that it was pretty nice and right on the water.

I arrived at about 5:30pm and was glad to find a river side site #52 available for one night. It was adequate size and spaced enough from the adjoining sites. The plan was to move down the road a few miles to a state park for the weekend. I backed in with my panorama windows facing the dunes and beach with a river view.

Tardis at Huguenot Memorial Park

At first I thought it probably was not one of the better sites in the park. But, after walking around I found it to be actually pretty good. A walk to the more popular area found it over crowded with tent and RV campers most of who had views worse than mine. I returned to my site by strolling along the beach.

Looking across the St.Johns River from inside Tardis

After dinner I enjoyed the cool evening breeze while sitting in my lawn chair atop the dunes overlooking the beach and river. This is the main channel for ships entering and leaving the harbor, so I got to see a couple of huge container cargo ships pass by. Across the river can be seen ships at Naval Station Mayport.

It was pleasant enough, but with no electric or water, and a marginal dump station it did not seem worth the $19.80 with senior discount. I’m afraid I cannot recommend this city park except for tent campers looking for an overnight on the water.

Camp: Huguenot Memorial Park
Scene: Beach, dunes and river

3 Responses to Down by the River

  1. Sara May 19, 2013 at 3:15 am #

    That’s a ver nice view. I like the ledge you have below the back window. I don’t have a ledge.

  2. Dragonfly May 19, 2013 at 12:27 pm #

    That is way to much. I wonder how much the city takes in an average week.
    Have you been able to start your painting again?

  3. Pleinguy May 19, 2013 at 1:01 pm #

    Sara: Yes, the ledge is nice to have. I put a vase of flowers, the little boat and a small sculpture there when I’m camped. It also allows for the spare tire to be stowed behind the continental cover over the bumper as it was originally designed.

    Dragonfly: The city has a much nicer campground on the Atlantic Ocean. It has all the facilities and is very nice, but it is even more expensive; although less than commercial parks in this area. I expect my painting won’t pick up until I’m actually retired and on the road in three weeks.

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