Birch State Park and Atlantic Swimming

Double click to enlarge the following photos so you can read them.

 

We started our tour of Birch State Park by parking at #9 - The North Picnic Area and walking counter-clockwise around the park.

First we walked along the ICW (intercoastal waterway).  When we were on the water taxi, we had passed this area. 

Then we followed the trail inland.

We came to a spot where the trail was flooded so we had to head back and follow the paved road.   Along the way we came to the water taxi stop. 

After the water taxi stop, we again headed inland and crossed the paved road headed toward the place where you could rent kayaks, paddleboards, and the like. 

One wall contained a timeline of the history of human occupation of the area. 

This glass covered aerial photo of the area is very hard to see.  Double click to make it and the follow photo larger.

Looking out the back window of the home toward the Atlantic

Looking out the front door. 

Fruit of the Royal Palm Tree

Continuing our walk, we came across an information panel about the park's former railroad system. 

Although it's difficult to see due to the heavy foliage, there is part of an old trestle crossing the water here. 

This short section of the trail is the only place we saw the stone wall. 

Boardwalk by the butterfly garden. 

After sweating our way through the park, we used the restrooms at the north picnic area to change into our swimsuits then we drove to the other side of the park so we could park before walking to the beach.  We were probably in the water 1/2 hour and fortunately found a shower where we could wash off the salt water and sand before we walked back to the car.  We had taken the bath matt towels from the hotel to cover the car seats.  We had to go back to the picnic area to change back into our clothes.  We hit the grocery store on the way back to the hotel and picked up chicken tenders and baked beans.   Made for a nice dinner.