Sacred Ground

While its true age is still uncertain, this stately Live Oak stands protected as the focal point of the Jessie Ball Dupont Park within the city of Jacksonville. Legend suggests that an important treaty was negotiated by native people under the long, writhing branches that touch the ground . Over the centuries these have grown back up again toward the Florida sunshine; each one thicker around than an average tree-trunk. The ancient trunk which is now protected by a lightening conductor supports a circle of sheltering branches, and the tree itself has now grown into an enormous living Medicine Wheel.

This sunset view of the unique North - flowing St. Johns River in Jacksonville was taken prior to a St. Valentine's evening Riverboat cruise. Our departure was delayed to allow time for the Captain to perform one young couple's Wedding ceremony. Ah, romanza!!

Jacksonville is now the largest city in the continental U.S.A. and was named for the man who became the first Governor of Florida in 1821. The original location on the five and a half mile wide river had been described by the Native Americans as " The narrow place in the river, where man and animal cross.", and later the British had named the settlement Cowford.

The Florida Seashore