Florida: Family Visits and Water Time

March 3-17, 2019

March 3-7

After our fun times with Mike & Liz we headed 106 miles further south to Hillsborough River State Park where we were back among the trees and FL nature. A nice but tight campground and not a lot of sites would have fit us, but site 92 did, the payoff of planning early-having a decent sized site. We managed to find one hole in the canopy for one of the satellites to receive a signal, there was decent Verizon and the sites were water and electric only with an onsite dump station. Between trips for strawberries and fresh produce, a canoe paddle and walks around the park our time was very relaxing.

We hiked most of the trails though Seminole trail was closed. Found a geocache along the way.

We took a paddle on the Hillsborough River to see what we could see.

March 8-13

A 179 mile ride brought us to Ortona South Campground in Moore Have FL. This is one of just a few COE campgrounds in FL. There is a lock on Caloosahatchee Canal right across the canal from the campground. Site 18 wasn’t on the canal but it, along with all the other sites, was out in the open so we were able to get both satellites to work. Verizon signal was good, water and electric at the site, dump station on the way out. Family visits and down time before we head to the east coast of Fl.

Ortona is about an hour away from Dave’s sister, we hadn’t seen her since early 2012 so we spent her days off catching up with her and her husband.
A day on the boat in the Gasparilla Sound - Charlotte Harbor!!!

One afternoon Deanna & Craig came out to check out how we live. 

 March 14-17

107 miles and we were in Fort Lauderdale and the crazy traffic. We were fortunate to find Easterlin County park which is in close proximity to both of Dave’s uncles who live in Ft Lauderdale. It’s a very tight campground with narrow roads, shall be interesting to see how we get out. There is always some sort of noise, interstate, airplane or train, noise all hours of the day and night.

Local wildlife

We hadn't seen Dave's Uncle Ed and Uncle George since 2/2012 so a visit with them was of utmost importance.  

Due to him not feeling well we got a short visit in with Uncle Ed. 

We got to enjoy a few visits and meals with Uncle George and his friend Mike. Lots of reminiscing and catching up. Who knows when we’ll see them again, so thankful for the time with them. 

George and Mike were curious about our home so they came to check it out. I think they were surprised by our home and how the RV really did feel like a home.

I don’t think we’ll be visiting anyone else till we get the Outer Banks of NC.  On to Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake in Orlando tomorrow, after we figure out how to squeeze out of this spot.

Until next time…