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DuPuis South Florida Water Management District- Indiantown, Florida
Let us introduce Neville. Last year Neville traveled with us the entire time. However, he was a little bit shy but promised to make cameo appearances this time around. Since Britney’s junior year of high school, when he unexpectedly appeared on our doorstep, he was a part of the family. He’s been with us for 13 years and counting. Britney surmised it was one of her friends pulling a prank, but no one ever fessed up, and he has been with us ever since.
Florida Water Management has properties throughout Florida. The campsites are free, but you have no electric or sewer and water hookups. For some, this may be unimaginable, but it is a welcomed peaceful environment. This trip is our first for testing out the new solar and battery additions to our RV, and everything worked the way it should be.
To camp here, one must get a permit. The area has a locked gate, with only those with permits are allowed on the grounds. This campsite offers an equestrian area where barns are on-site to stable the horses. It was unique to see people riding horses from our 5th wheel. The permit allows a stay of up to 8 consecutive days, and you aren’t on top of your neighbor. There is also a limit of 30 days per year.
This campsite is 2 miles from Lake Okeechobee. We rode on a portion of the Florida trail, which provides 1500 miles of uninterrupted continuous road. This trail goes from Big Cypress Preserve in southern Florida to Fort Pickens in Pensacola. The portion of Lake Okeechobee where we rode was a biker’s paradise – a smooth road sandwiched between the lake’s views and the canal. We did not see anyone else except for the birds flying above us.
In contrast, we rode a 12-mile trail to the fishing pier. The path was rutted and probably the bumpiest bike ride I had ever been on. At the end of the ride, my arms were tingling, and I think my brain cells were scrambled.
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On the road again
We are heading out to capture another round of breathtaking experiences. Our big rocks, as Mitch calls them, will be Mt. Rushmore, Glacier National Park, and the Oregon/California coast. The route is planned and we are ready to hit the road. The sad part is leaving our family members. Yes, Mom, we are still going. Our time in Florida was memorable. Family is our number one priority and being able to see them face to face rather than in facetime was the best.
Mitch and I spent the Florida time at my son’s house. Unless, you are a grandparent, you cannot understand the joy a grandchild brings to one’s life. Our grandson is 18 months old and his smile is heart melting. Every day we were blessed with seeing him and my son. Watching the interaction between father and son was priceless. For me, the number one sound in the world is the laughter of children. The last few months have had much laughter and I treasured it each and every time he giggled or belly laughed. At least now, he will know who grandma and poppy are when we facetime on the phone. Having grandchildren is a gift allowing us to relive a child’s experiences since our own children’s younger years flew by in a blink of an eye.
We hope you follow us as we venture across the US once again. We look forward to sharing the adventure and if you want to say hi or want to comment, please do. Be safe everyone.
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Weedon Island Preserve, St. Petersburg, FL
We wanted to kayak this preserve for years but, as usual, the time has a way of passing by. Saturday was the perfect day for a kayak ride. We inflated the kayak, and off we went. The route was four miles and lasting about 3 hours.
This preserve was intriguing to us as part of the route goes through the mangroves. Thinking that would be a neat experience, off we paddled. Visible numbered markers guide along the way. The canopy of mangrove trees created a cave-like atmosphere. Clumps of oyster shells surrounded the base of their roots. Things were going pretty well until marker 6. BAM!! Water so shallow the only way to continue was to pull the kayak through. “Mitch, I thought you said high tide was at 2 pm? He looked at me bewildered as the man in front of us informed us high tide was not until 4 pm. Decision time – forge ahead or turn back. We and the canoe in front decided to forge on. The other kayakers chose to turn around.
Those who know me understand how I am not a big fan of getting wet. My knight in shining armor dragged the kayak with me in it through the narrow, shallow passageway. The water was so dark; who knows what was below. Occasionally, the water would be deep enough, and Mitch would hop back in. The family in front of us wasn’t fairing any better. We thought we were out of the woods when we came upon an opening, only to realize it too was shallow.
Bad news for me! The next part was so shallow I had no choice but to get out of the kayak. The only good part was now the water was clear, and I could see the bottom. Thankfully, it didn’t last too long, and for the rest of the trip, we were finally able to paddle. We enjoyed the quietness, the birds who sporadically perched on a mangrove limb, and the sun warming our faces. We would revisit this preserve, but this time, we will double check high tide tables.