Month: February 2019 Page 1 of 2

The mountains are calling…

On 28th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Welcome to Tennessee, the Soundtrack of America and apparently the best “State Parks in the Nation”! We tested this state park claim by staying at Panther Creek State Park. Many of the state parks in Tennessee were flooded due to the heavy rains so we headed for higher ground in the northeast and still had to pass through some flooded roads!

This park is nestled on the shore of Cherokee Lake and, even in the rain, this mountain area was gorgeous. Jo was on a mission to hike to the Cherokee Lake Overlook so we set out on the (mostly) dry walkways but Jo was persistent and we eventually found ourselves in the woods on the muddy trails. As it was early in the season, the trails were not yet groomed and we faced the challenges of going around, over and even under some downed trees. The view of the lake was spectacular even as the fog shrouded the islands. With dusk creeping in we arrived back at camp just before the heavens opened!

Cloud Canyon

On 27th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Well, today was Jo’s pick for parks and Cloud Canyon just sounded so promising and it did not disappoint! The park offered great hiking trails and we traversed over 7 kms of trails, stairs and rocks to visit 3 waterfalls and both major canyon overlooks. It was both exhilarating and exhausting but well worth every sore muscle the following day! There was over 600 stairs down (and of course up!) to 1 waterfall alone!

We were now in northwest Georgia and the weather was perfect for hiking with the afternoon reaching 18 degrees. We highly recommend this park and wish we could stay a few more days but we must be on our way…

In nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

Georgia Power

On 26th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Our goal for today was a short drive a little more north to another Georgia state park but while enroute to the state park, Steve located the Rocky Mountain Recreation Area that boasted at least 12 miles of bike trails. This campground was nestled on the shores of Antioch Lake and part of the Georgia Power water-electric and park recreation system. The area was stunning with a number of reservoir lakes for fishing and it was oh so peaceful.

While it does have many miles of bike trails, the recent rains made them pretty much impassable for our hybrid bikes. The good news was the roads in the area were very quiet and we managed to get in well over 10 miles. It was great to be back on the bikes one more time!

We also had FREE firewood so Steve got the perfect fire blazing and we had another batch of smores!

Under the bridge!

On 25th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

After maxing out the day of beaches yesterday, we decided to crash for the night in Apalachicola. Steve used the trusty iOverlander app and we found Battery Park located just under the bridge where Highway 98 leaves town. Essentially a gravel parking lot next door to a marina and a community park. Steve slept through the night however Jo not so much. We were on the road by 8:23, as Jo made sure of this!

We headed north to Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Georgia. This was a 500 km day of driving but first we needed to check out the Bloody Bluff Landing Wildlife Management Area that we had skipped the night before. It was located deep and desolate in the Apalachicola National Forest and the night under the bridge turned out to be the much better choice after all.

On arrival at Chattahoochee Bend we were fortunate to walk portions of the Riverside, Tower and Wild Turkey Trails before the sun set. This was a beautiful park with well maintained sites & facilities that we’ll definitely keep on our radar for future visits.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

On 24th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

This area of Florida had been deemed “The Forgotten Coast” even before last Fall’s Hurricane Micheal roared through and raged major destruction. From Newport Park, we first headed south to St. Mark’s Lighthouse & Wilderness Area. This area reminded us of the Everglades with it’s vast Pineland forests and wonderful bird habitats.

The day before, Jo had walked to a roadside Boiled Peanut stand with no money and Captain Dan gave her a free sample bag. They were so delicious and when we saw Captain Dan was back at his stand, we bought a mixed bag of original and Cajun style. They were soooo good later that afternoon for a snack! Boiled Peanuts are now considered (by some) to be a delicacy and are a pretty cheap source of protein to boot.

This was also our last chance for Florida beaches so we made stops at Alligator Point (hit roads that were washed out and impassable), Bald Point State Park (perhaps should have been named Jellyfish Point), Carrabelle Beach (much more appealing than the tea-coloured waters at Bald Point!) and St. George Island (beautiful beaches and colourful houses like those on Jelleybean Row in St. John’s, NL) as we made our way around the gulf to our final destination for the day in Apalachicola. Here we enjoyed yet another flight of beer at Oyster City Brewing Company. This time we tasted the likes of “First Light”, “Tate’s Hellies”, “Mill Pond”, “ManGrove”, “Fermentus” and “Foulin’ Harries”. All were of high alcohol content and oh yeah… free popcorn!

On our own again :(

On 23rd February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Up before the birds this morning at 5:45! Shuttle to the airport and saw Beck off on her flight back to Halifax. It was a sad shuttle ride back to the hotel.

We had planned for late check out and to spend the day “spa-like” but our hearts weren’t really in it, so after we made sure the flight was in the air, we had a quick swim and got ready to head out. It was an amazing week with Rebekah, like a vacation really within this excursion. It was very quiet when we got Winnie back on the road … destinations unknown.

We now started our travels back home but not yet ready to leave the warmth. Once we got outside the hustle-bustle of Orlando it was so nice seeing the rolling countryside of cattle country and orange groves, so we turned northwest and ended the day in Newport Park, Wakulla County – the gateway to Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

The Ultimate Smore – √

On 22nd February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

We maximised our last morning with the Mustang by hitting a few more beaches and also burnt down that extra quarter tank of gas before the time came to part ways. Doesn’t she just look perfect towing behind Winnie?

The drive on Highway 4 to Orlando was painful! Everyone was glad to see the Marriott Airport Residence Inn which was to be our home for the night, as we gave Winnie the night off. Now the last item on Beck’s list was Smores and since the hotel wouldn’t allow a campfire in the parking lot, we improvised. Man, they were really decadent and who knew Smores over an electric stove-top could taste so good.

Bucket list complete!

Lightning Strikes!

On 21st February 2019

In Events, Florida 2019, Places We've Been

The day in Tampa was Rebekah’s favorite bucket list item. We jumped on the historic (and free!) TECO streetcar line and visited Yber City. This original core of Tampa was the home of many cigar companies back in the day and now houses a number of breweries, which of course Jo had to try TBBC (Tampa Bay Brewing Co). Another day, another flight! More quaint names (“Hair of the Hog”, “Hog’s Breath”, “True Blonde” & “Red Eye”) but nothing we had to take home for later. From here we strolled the River Walk on the hunt for food and Lightning gear. We chose Ferg’s Live right across from Amalie Arena for pre-game wings, mini corn-dogs and macaroni bites. (Not a lot of choice on the menu!)

Next stop, Thunder Alley for some pre-game festivities! Jo also found the perfect shirt for Beck on clearance to boot! The atmosphere outside was fantastic but inside it was absolutely electrifying! Lots of 2 way action in the game with both goalies making incredible saves. The Lightning really know how to generate positive energy in the crowd. They play a fast, aggressive style of hockey and the community is certainly behind their team. We definitely got our monies worth, as it came down to a shoot-out before Tampa secured the win sending the majority of the fans home happy. Seeing Stamkos score in the shoot-out made Momma Jo’s day!

Gulf Coast Beaches!

On 20th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

From Clearwater Beach and Ron Jon Surf Shop (√) , we headed south on the Gulf Coast with our first stop at Sand Key beach. Although a beautiful spot, on this day it was very windy and we had sand flying everywhere with even the odd umbrella taking flight!

Next stop was John’s Pass Boardwalk for lunch at Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company which we would highly recommend. We had yet another flight of beers with names like “Life’s a Beach”, “Kalypso”, “Dolphin Drool” and “Coco Sider”. All were very tasty and hit the spot with our lunch of Gator Chomps, Fish Tacos, BBQ Pulled Pork and Black Beans, Rice & Chicken. Someone’s gonna pay for those beans! We also took home a growler of Coco Sider (coconut cider), as it was Beck’s fave.

Last beach of the day was Madeira Beach for some study time for Beck, reading for Steve and more beach-walking for Jo. Another perfect day comes to a close!

The Bucket list continues

On 19th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Today started with a visit from the local locksmith, as Steve locked the Mustang key fob inside the car. Thank goodness for that CAA plus membership! The locksmith told Steve this was his first of many calls for the day and those fobs sometimes do that when the batteries are low. (Steve’s SideNote : Never leave the fob in the cup holder and close the door!)

Even with that delay, we still made it to Ellenton Premium Outlets before they opened at 10 am. It’s such a small world sometimes. Walking around this massive outlet mall, Rebekah bumped into 2 of her friends from Ottawa! What are the odds of that???

Jeans – √, Shorts – √ , Baggy T-shirt – √ and with these items crossed off her list, the next stop was the beach! We decided to take Rebekah to Fort De Soto North Beach and it too was a check mark on her list. The Mustang was also a hit for both Steve and Rebekah, and with the top down, it’s the only way to cruise the beaches!

Far more than blueberries!

On 18th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Another Harvest Hosts stop at the Far Reach Ranch was in Blueberry Country! Only problem, blueberries not yet in season. However we did try all of their varieties of blueberry jams and their local honey. We settled on the Mixed Berry jam (Steve’s fave was the Blueberry Habernaro but they were sold out) and their Orange Blossom honey.

As you can see from the photos, we received the grand tour of the owners antique car collection. Even a non-car buff can appreciate such an impressive array of classic automobiles! A 1914 Cadillac, a 1948 Woody, a 1957 Chevy, a 1965 Shelby Cobra, Porshes, Jaguars, and more! We left this central Florida farming area and headed to the coast for our next stop at Clearwater RV Resort. Our rental Mustang convertible we picked up later that day, isn’t a classic yet but who knows down the road.

An afternoon at Lake Dora

On 17th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

We arrived at our next stopover with some time on our hands so on our hosts’s recommendation off we went on a tour around Lake Dora. First stop was Tavares, the Seaplane Capital of Florida. This resort area was styled after Key West and had a happening pub scene with lots of live music, big chairs & big beers! Next around the lake was Eustis at the Wolf Branch Brewery. A much sleepier little town where we simply drank a flight with the locals. Our final stop was in Mount Dora and oh what a a stop it was. All parking lots were jammed and we just by chance ended up in the Palm Island Park lot where we encountered an amazing boardwalk experience and fantastic sunset views. Seriously, how does it get better than this?

Our bedtime snack was the Cheesecake Factory desserts of Key Lime Pie, Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo. Another list item checked off!

Disney… Springs

On 17th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

Rebekah’s Florida Bucket List started with a visit to Disney and not your typical Disney stop but one which included shopping! This area of Disney seems to be larger now than the parks. Today’s goal is actually quite light with a set of Disney shot glasses needed for Beck’s new apartment but along the way we did enjoy a few other attractions!

From the Cupcake ATM, Amorettes delicacies, pictures with Pooh Bear, Goofy’s Candy Shop, and our favorite stop at AristoCrepe’s for Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bubble Waffles! This was just our first morning with much more on that list to be checked off!

Florida : Meet Rebekah!

On 16th February 2019

In Events, Florida 2019

Finally the long-awaited visit with Rebekah has arrived and Momma Jo is full of anticipation! Steve simply couldn’t get to the airport fast enough for Jo so once we arrived, we stayed put. Jo did a reconnaissance trip by the new Automated People Mover (APM) from the future Terminal C to Terminal B and left Steve to sleep in the Cell Phone Lot. When West Jet 1024 arrived, Jo was right there to meet Beck as close to the gate as security would allow!

Our first stop was The Cheesecake Factory for dinner but with a 90 minute wait, we grabbed dessert to go and were off to our rest stop for the night … Cracker Barrel! Home-style cooking and a relatively quiet parking lot for the night, How Does it Get Better Than This?

A Cycler’s Paradise

On 15th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Today we left Fort De Soto enroute to Orlando with an overnight stop in Withlacoochee State Forest, Cypress Glenn Campground. Unbeknownst to us, this state forest was home to miles & miles of bicycle trails starting just outside their gates. Between the Rail Trail & the Good Neighbour Trails, we put over 66 kms on our bikes in this amazing area! The Cypress Glenn scenery is difficult to capture and one needs to really experience it to appreciate the beauty.

Another milestone event occurred today, as Winniefred had her first scratch! Jo had always said she would not drive Winniefred until Steve gave her that first scratch so…

She sells Sea Shells …

On 14th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Happy Valentine’s Day! North Beach provided us another day of exploration through the low tide channel waters to a shell collectors paradise! We also came across a barnacled pair of sunglasses which Steve salvaged but eventually conceded they were too long in Davy Jones’ locker. He did come away with a new cord, although it didn’t help the last owner very much! It was pretty near a perfect day and an area we must come back to!

Rain, rain but oh so dry!

On 13th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Today it rained, and rained, and rained, allowing Steve some more Internet time and Jo some alone time. Steve may have spent too much time surfing so once it cleared up, off we went for a short walk to the marina to get Steve out of the doghouse! This off the beaten path trail offered some great photo ops as well as some stunning sunset shots walking home!

BTW, one thing you should know about Fort De Soto, is that it’s a DRY campground with no drinking or possession of alcohol giving us ample time to detox from Marco Island!

Exploring Fort De Soto

On 12th February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

Today we explored Fort De Soto Park. Checked out the historic Fort De Soto itself, took a walk on the pier, biked via a fantastic trail system to North Beach and the over 1600 parking spaces. That parking lot seemed to go on forever!

We walked the beach for a while then on to explore other areas of the park. This is an amazing location for all types of activities and a very popular spot with snowbirds and locals!

Fresh Florida Citrus!

On 11th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

On the advice of Laurie Hiel, we stopped in at the Naples Citrus Grove enroute to our next campground. We purchased some freshly picked Honey Bell oranges, some Red Indian Pink Grapefruit (4/$1.00) and a gallon of the most amazing freshly squeezed Honey Bell Orange juice!

We were advised no to venture too far into the groves for our pictures due to the fire ants, snakes and potentially the dreaded Pythons. (Steve’s SideNote : Florida Python infestation). The lady didn’t have to tell Jo twice!

Our final stop was in Fort De Soto where we’ll spend the next 4 nights. In between laundry loads, we squeezed in a bike ride to East Beach and capped the day with a beautiful sunset view over the bay.

Seafood Festival

On 10th February 2019

In Events, Florida 2019

On return to Collier-Seminole State Park for the night, we found our campsite not quite ready for us. On the advice from our new neighbours, we headed to Everglades City for the last day of their annual Seafood Festival. With only $5 parking and no admission fee, who could resist?

This festival was like a state fair with rides, carnival games, craft & trinket vendors, live R&B music and of course, SEAFOOD! We finally got our picture with the legendary Skunk Ape and had opportunities to sample many of the vendors offerings such as the Acai Sundae and many styles of Hot Sauce. It was very crowded as this festival sees over 50,000 attendees each year. It was quite the contrast to many of our excursions to date.

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