Saint Johns County Highpoint Trip Report
five areas 1 1/4 mile northeast and 1/2 mile southeast of Durbin (65+ ft)
Date: November 7, 2007
Author: Michael Schwartz
Some comments on Chip Clark's excellent report. I approached Palm Valley Road
(CR 210) by driving south 7 miles on US 1 from its junction with the
Jacksonville Beltway (I-295, FL 9-A). Massive development in this area,
as reported by Chip in 2004, continues apace. Palm Valley Road has been rerouted
and area three is now south of the road in a development. It is also
unrecognizable as any kind of bump. Use GPS to see where the area used to be.
For areas one and two, development seems imminent. The dirt road leading to the
former Murphy homestead still exists and the clearings can be found but the
structures are gone. Area one is now only 370 feet from the main road and the
fence post at area two is still there. I spotted two large (~200 pounds) feral
pigs at the largest clearing who fortunately were more afraid of me than I of them.
Once they spotted me, they snorted once and took off for the woods.
The fourth and largest area, which probably contains highest ground, takes some
time to explore. The mossy tree mentioned by Chip, although it may sit on a
manmade berm, is about as high as anything around. It's near the corner of
Abercrombie and Silverthorn. For the rest of the contour, use Chip's directions
to reach the gated Quail Ridge Farm development. Parking along the road is
problematic. I parked in the school's staff lot but it is gated and may be
closed by 5 PM or so. I grabbed my clipboard and a realtor's listing for one of
the properties therein and walked into development via the ungated sidewalk.
You need to walk some distance into the development, which contains some lovely
properties, to cover the contour. Chip's grassy knoll was as good a spot as any
but there is no bump that stands out as an undisputed highpoint.
This development is decidedly upscale, so wear better clothes for your visit.
Anyone looking scruffy is likely to attract unwanted attention.
The small fifth area near Old Dixie Highway is an IBI (ignore by inspection).