Well, just when I thought I had seen all the real estate that money can buy..... we cycled through Jupiter Island this morning. I'm told it is (or has recently been) the highest-priced real estate in the country. I didn't see Tiger out walking the dog; maybe he's away at a tournament this week. Again - lots of gated mansions. Some you can actually see the house; often you can't. The yards are immaculately kept. I think gardener/yard maintenance guy must be a major employment category in this part of the state. Hedges are precisely trimmed, lawns are beautifully manicured, not a dead palm frond to be found and flowers are all colourfully in bloom. Just gorgeous! Most of the mansions along this stretch have separate driveways for the service entrance or for deliveries. Well, I guess they don't have to keep a second one clear of snow down here..... We also saw a fair number of houses under construction. I couldn't help but wonder if they buy a "tear-down" for $20 million or so and then build something to suit their fancy. Also - houses do not go up "for sale" here; they are "Offered By.... insert self-important real estate agent name here....."
We then went inland a bit for a while and suddenly there were trailer parks and some undeveloped land. Maybe that's where all the gardening folk live.
We then headed out to sea again on South and North Hutchinson Islands. Suddenly the lovely properties re-appeared. Might have something to do with proximity to ocean and inland water-ways. We also saw lots of condos today, but I think less than yesterday. We also saw our fair share of state parks and some undeveloped (perhaps protected?) lands along the way.
Hotel tonight is in Vero Beach right on the ocean. Went for a long walk along the beach (and through the surf) after getting in. I found I was struggling bit the last 15 or so miles today. Just due to lack of training, I'm sure.
Stats: 103 km from Jupiter FL to Vero Beach FL. Negligible ups and down (pretty much just the bridges). Temps ranged from about 22C to 28C. Mix of overcast and sunny, with a few spits of rain. Not much to complain about!
Don't you notice that there is not much sign of life around those fancy mansions? It seems the higher priced the real estate the less time the owners actually spend there -- I guess it comes from having so many residences to choose from...
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, nice pics once again, Sue! I'm sure the saddle sores will work themselves out as you progress...