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 5^th 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.