A morning excursion covering some of the parks along Heckscher Drive and A1A along the St Johns River. We expect to see the usual herons and egrets, possibly including Reddish Egret, pelicans, gulls, terns, black skimmers, osprey, anhinga, cormorants, and more.
When
Date Saturday January 17
Time 8:30 - 1:00
Admission Fees
None
Where
We will start a Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Boat Ramp and Park, then Almicani Park and Jim King Park and Boat Ramp. Then we will return to Joe Carlucci.
Contact - Jim Angelo
860-916-7528
Parking Info - free parking at these three parks.
Entrance Info - Entry is free. Joe Carlucci Boat Ramp is on the Pine Island section of Heckscher Road. See directions below.
Transportation
See parking and directions. We should plan to carpool after the first stop.
Food
We will meet for lunch afterwards at Palms Fish Camp, 6359 Heckscher Drive.
Schedule of Events
We will assemble at Joe Carlucci Boat Ramp and carpool from there. Heritage River Road is the short road from Heckscher Drive down to the Joe Carlucci Boat Ramp. We will explore the area by the ramp first, then search Heritage River Road on our way out.
Next we will take Heckscher Road east and north, past Huguenot Park to Alimacani Park. This park is on the left but the entrance is on your right. If is quite near Huguenot before the bridge over the Fort George River to Little Talbot Island. Follow the exit road under the bridge and continue through the first parking area. Park near the small shelter. Here you can walk along the river bank and out on the fishing pier and boat dock. You can also get close up, and even walk into, the salt marsh.
Then we return the way we came on Heckscher, past Huguenot and the ferry landing. Immediately after crossing the large bridge over Sisters Creek is the right-hand entrance lane for Jim King Park. Follow that road to a stop sign under the overpass then turn left into the park. Continue through the parking lot all the way to the boat ramp, then turn left. Park at the far side of the lot. There are several areas to explore here including another boat dock and board walk fronting Clapboard Creek and across from Sisters Island.
Finally, we will return to Joe Carlucci Park. Turn right on Heckscher out of Jim King then take the first left (about 1/2 mile) into Joc Carlucci Park. We will check Heritage River Road once more on the way in, the rejoin vehicles for any carpoolers and head to lunch at Palms Fish Camp Restaurant.
Gear
You will want the longest lens you have. There is not a great deal of walking involved, and this could be kept to a minimum if you choose. Tripods could be useful in all locations. Even if your longest lens is 200 mm (35mm equivalent) you will likely have some decent shots, but longer is definitely better.
Other Tips
The area is generally flat in all locations. If desired, you could pretty much stay on board walks, boat docks and parking lots most of the time.
Yes it is January, but do not forget your insect repellent and of course water, sunscreen and a hat.
Directions
Entrance Info - Joe Carlucci Boat Ramp is on the Pine Island section of Heckscher Road. The exit is on your right if you are north/east-bound, and there is the typical Jacksonville blue-and-white park sign. There is a manufactured home and a roadside ice station at the turnoff.
Follow the road all the way to park, then observe the one-way arrows. Park away from the boat ramp near the tree line or in the center of the lot.