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So where was I? Oh yes – Sunday, right? I left off during the latest installment about my near-home-vacation in Fort Lauderdale on the first Sunday of my trip. That was the day of our visit to the Bonnet House museum. But my friend and I didn’t have time enough before the 4 pm closing to see much of the grounds. Or the monkeys. We promised ourselves that we would return before the week was out.
We did. That alone says something about how much she and I both enjoyed ourselves on Sunday, I suppose. You don’t go back to the same attraction twice in a week if you don’t think it’s something pretty special. Bonnet House is, for sure. So, yes, we frequently mentioned the Bonnet House during the week and by Thursday we found the right time to return.
As you enter the grounds, you cross a wooden bridge near the boathouse built by the Bartletts, the original designers and owners of this amazing property. On Thursday, the water level was low and two night herons slowly stalked through the mud, darting their beaks into the mangrove swamp for small fish and crabs. Sometimes visitors find manatees here as well, though we didn’t this time. Just lots of fish and the birds that wanted seafood for lunch.
We caught a tram tour of the grounds next, a good way to get oriented. It costs just $1 and offers an overall view of what’s where around the 35-acre refuge. As you roll along in the open-air trolley, breeze cooling your face, the guide tells you about the xeriscaped garden planted by the Bartletts, the 1942 fountain built from materials recovered from a demolished Palm Beach estate and the chickee bridge, which features a thatched roof constructed by Seminoles.
After the tour, we walked around the lovely grounds on our own, then sat for a long time in the chickee, watching a variety of birds as they flitted by. Mostly, though, we were watching and listening for monkeys. We saw an anhinga drying its wings on a waterside log, and a turtle perched in the sunshine on that same log. On Sunday, we had even seen two red foxes eating something or other. But no monkeys. Yet. "They don’t like the heat and sometimes hide this time of year in the day," a volunteer told us. We kept looking. After we had strolled and lounged and looked and listened about all we wanted to, my friend and I were getting ready to leave. Still no monkeys. Oh well.
Until I asked an employee who worked with the Bonnet House animals. He told us to hop in his golf cart and then he drove us right to the tree where all the monkeys were having a ball that afternoon. More than a dozen squirrel monkeys from Brazil make the Bonnet House their permanent home. They feed off the mangoes and bananas and other vegetation, and the employees also put out food from time to time. These tiny primates are adorable, good-natured and friendly. And wow, can they jump!!
We saw some incredible leaps by the monkeys, as they ambled up wire-thin branches, nibbled the leaves, then launched themselves ten feet to another tree. They clearly love heights. It’s nothing for them to do a tightrope walk across a power line, then suddenly dive into a far away tree branch, either up or down. A couple of the monkeys let us approach within maybe six feet of them as they lazed about on lower tree limbs, small elbows leaning into the leaves.
There was something almost magical about seeing close-up these monkeys living naturally. Now, a week later, we’re still talking about the experience. Wild monkeys in Florida. Huh, who would have thought? The funny thing is, we were just at the Bonnet House twice a week ago … and now we both can’t wait to go back again. I guess that says something too.
We did. That alone says something about how much she and I both enjoyed ourselves on Sunday, I suppose. You don’t go back to the same attraction twice in a week if you don’t think it’s something pretty special. Bonnet House is, for sure. So, yes, we frequently mentioned the Bonnet House during the week and by Thursday we found the right time to return.
As you enter the grounds, you cross a wooden bridge near the boathouse built by the Bartletts, the original designers and owners of this amazing property. On Thursday, the water level was low and two night herons slowly stalked through the mud, darting their beaks into the mangrove swamp for small fish and crabs. Sometimes visitors find manatees here as well, though we didn’t this time. Just lots of fish and the birds that wanted seafood for lunch.
We caught a tram tour of the grounds next, a good way to get oriented. It costs just $1 and offers an overall view of what’s where around the 35-acre refuge. As you roll along in the open-air trolley, breeze cooling your face, the guide tells you about the xeriscaped garden planted by the Bartletts, the 1942 fountain built from materials recovered from a demolished Palm Beach estate and the chickee bridge, which features a thatched roof constructed by Seminoles.
After the tour, we walked around the lovely grounds on our own, then sat for a long time in the chickee, watching a variety of birds as they flitted by. Mostly, though, we were watching and listening for monkeys. We saw an anhinga drying its wings on a waterside log, and a turtle perched in the sunshine on that same log. On Sunday, we had even seen two red foxes eating something or other. But no monkeys. Yet. "They don’t like the heat and sometimes hide this time of year in the day," a volunteer told us. We kept looking. After we had strolled and lounged and looked and listened about all we wanted to, my friend and I were getting ready to leave. Still no monkeys. Oh well.
Until I asked an employee who worked with the Bonnet House animals. He told us to hop in his golf cart and then he drove us right to the tree where all the monkeys were having a ball that afternoon. More than a dozen squirrel monkeys from Brazil make the Bonnet House their permanent home. They feed off the mangoes and bananas and other vegetation, and the employees also put out food from time to time. These tiny primates are adorable, good-natured and friendly. And wow, can they jump!!
We saw some incredible leaps by the monkeys, as they ambled up wire-thin branches, nibbled the leaves, then launched themselves ten feet to another tree. They clearly love heights. It’s nothing for them to do a tightrope walk across a power line, then suddenly dive into a far away tree branch, either up or down. A couple of the monkeys let us approach within maybe six feet of them as they lazed about on lower tree limbs, small elbows leaning into the leaves.
There was something almost magical about seeing close-up these monkeys living naturally. Now, a week later, we’re still talking about the experience. Wild monkeys in Florida. Huh, who would have thought? The funny thing is, we were just at the Bonnet House twice a week ago … and now we both can’t wait to go back again. I guess that says something too.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 11:40 AM
I enjoyed your blog which I found by accident. I have lived on Ft. Laud beach for ten years and have never been to the Bonnet House. My wife and I will try to get there in the next few weeks. Any particular time of day or day of the week recommended? Keep up the good work. Your restaurant reviews should mention Casablancas 2 for 1 specials during the summer.
The tables on the upsatirs balcony are reasonably quiet and afford the best view from a restaurant on the beach. You should also check out the Lago Mar and it's restaurant.
Hello Neal
Thanks for your kind words. You asked about time of day or day of the week for the Bonnet House.
I'm not sure it makes a great deal of difference, other than the obvious suggestion to avoid the heat of the day. I suppose it might not hurt to call ahead to make sure there won't be a crowd of kids there for some camp or church trip too. Otherwise, go and enjoy! Have fun!
And thanks for the tip about Casablancas and Lago Mar. I'll definitely do that!!
LauderBlogger (Bob...)
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