As I headed south in search of warmer weather, I was lucky enough to book 2 nights here. It’s always a little tricky in Florida this time of year. The weather was lovely during the day. Nights got cold,  but nothing like what was expected to happen over the weekend. So I took advantage of the weather for some walks, a kayak paddle and some lovely conversations on the boardwalk at sunset. I did spot a few manatees on my paddling trip but the water was so low, they weren’t able to make it up to the springs as usual.

It’s been awhile since I was here, but I needed to move to warmer weather and was able to score 3 nights here. Unusual for Florida state parks this time of year. I’ve learned to check,  double check and be flexible when looking for camp spots. If my requested days don’t show up, I check next available for each loop and most of the time I can piece together a stay.

There’s a number of trails that interconnect. River Rise state park is nearby with plenty of other trails but no camping. I said I was here for warmer weather but that’s really relative to where I was supposed to go. Days were in the 40’s to low 50s. Nights in the high 20’s. So bundled up to stay warm!

I love this park and was happy to have 6 nights here before getting my teeth cleaned in Douglas. The farm is fun, the trails are maintained and more are getting opened. As a bonus,  my sister Mary and her husband Dave joined me for 2 days. Thank goodness the temperature was in the 70s during the day and mid 50s at night. Highly recommend staying here.

If you follow me, you should recognize this campground. I’ve been here a number of times over the years. This past year, more than normal for me. This time it was so I was guaranteed tv reception for some great football games. Lol! It’s coming down to it and I’ll be sad when football season is over. However,  trail was in good condition,  I was able to do my laundry for free, saw some great sunsets as well as some fantastic football.

I haven’t been here for a few years so thought I’d stop here for a few nights and refresh my memory. It’s a small park but with multiple trails to connect for a short or longer hike. The Eagles nest that was here blew down and injured 1 eglet and killed the second. The host said the injured eagle is at a rehab place in Alabama or Tennessee with a broken wing. They rebuilt a nest but so far, no sightings of the parents. It’s been a great time and again wishing the weather was just a little warmer so I could get on the water. But I’ll take 60, sun and no snow.

So once the family left, I stayed at few more days to relax and soak up some sun. And to be honest,  watch some wild card playoff football games. Weather cooperated so I had 2 great days of sun, and afternoon outside watching 1 game and 1 day of 20 mile hr winds and a full day of football on TV. Couldn’t have planned it better. Lol!

I was invited back in September to camp with my brother, wife Terri, sister Mary and her husband Dave at a beautiful beach state park. Of course I said yes! This is a huge campground but if you choose your sites carefully, you can be a little secluded from your neighbors. We couldn’t get sites next to each other but close enough to easily walk. 135, 138 and 145. I think my site was the most exposed site given the 3 tent sites directly behind me. Dinners were split up, Tom made a taco ring our 1st night and Mary, Dave and I pulled together grilled shrimp with Hasselbeck potatoes and grilled veggies. Delicious! Long walks on the beach,  some thrift store shopping, lunch at a Cuban restaurant and fires at night. We also played name that tune, each of us pulling up songs and remembering our youth.

This was a new park for me and I was blessed to start my new year of traveling here. Great sites with a lot of space and semi secluded by trees. I was lucky to only have neighbors 1 night. The view of the bayou from my slider was fantastic. If the weather had been warmer, I’d have been in paddling. I also appreciated the trails here. Easy to walk and connect a couple of them to make a longer hike. I saw turtles but no deer. Will definitely be back!

Now that Christmas is over, my brother and I stopped by to help my nephew. Bushes and Sable plams needed to be removed prior to new windows being installed.  It went much quicker than I expected.