Can you imagine being one of seven campsites in a national park?  That’s right; this campground only has seven sites nestled among the pine trees that tower over 90 ft tall.  Each site is so removed from the other, making you feel like you are the only one in the park.  The individual sites are the most spacious I have seen in a national forest.  There is a concrete pad – a big plus for us, a firepit with two wooden benches, and an oversized picnic table.  To top it off, it has water and electricity. It’s like someone fulfilled a camper’s wish list.  If you think where is the downside, it would be the occasional sound of a passing train blowing its horn blaring, “Here I come.”  Thankfully, it is not frequent, and the pluses outweigh the negative.

One of the many things I like about traveling the country is the opportunity to see friends and family you don’t often get to visit.  The opportunity arose this time.  I don’t have many friends, but those I have are a blessing to me and are very dear.  They are the kind of friend you may not have seen in several years, but it is like no time has lapsed between the two of you when you see them or call.  I met Mari Anne when my son was in 5^th grade.  He just celebrated his 32^nd birthday.  I have not physically seen her in about five years.  Some people may find it uncomfortable meeting after such a long time. For us, it was like slipping into your favorite fuzzy slippers, giving you the feeling of warmth and being happy.  Traveling allows us to make side trips when friends and family are not far from our traveling path.  We plan on stopping by next year as we travel up the east coast. 

We have discovered a new type of campsite created by the Corp of Engineers.  These sites are usually by water, which we love to camp by, and are half price because Mitch has the lifetime national senior pass. For us, we favor these sites over private RV parks.  They are roomier, quieter, and offer more of a natural environment.  This particular campground had water locks which were quite interesting to watch as the boats were navigating through the locks for passage.

I married an adventurer.  By nature, I am not.  I play it safe, and I follow the rules.  I think it has something to do with being the firstborn.  I sometimes find myself outside my comfort zone, but most of the time, when it’s over, I am glad we did it.  For example, we went kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River. Say that three times fast.  I can’t pronounce it once.  Mitch was hell-bent on going down the Bedman Creek due to some review he read.  Initially, we went down the wrong creek.  We went right instead of left, and there was a good reason.  The left side had a fallen tree and a massive area of water lily leaves blocking passage.  When the GPS said we needed to go left, my adventurer decided we were going left- regardless. Going over the fallen tree was not an option. Water lilies here, we go.  For those who have never tried to do this, it is an arduous task.  I would have said, “Let’s turn back,” but he was determined to get through to the other side.  Determination paid off, and away we went.  It was a pleasant and quiet kayak ride down the creek as we were the only ones on the water.  When the waterway narrowed and, the water became stagnant,  it was time to turn around and head back.  Yes, we had to go through the water lilies again.

As we start our travel out west, we never know what each stop will bring.  It could be a bust or one for the memory books.  Either way, I am glad I am on this journey with my adventurer.  Sometimes, it is a good thing to go beyond your comfort zone. 

We visited this campground two years ago and found ourselves returning to the peaceful environment it offers.  Our site backed up along a water canal.  After setting up the rig, we were greeted by the sight of a gator quietly gliding back on forth in the water.  I am beginning to think we are gator magnets. If you want to read more about the campground, you can visit our archive.  Simply, it is a great area to observe wildlife, enjoy a natural environment where one can relax, bike, kayak, and walk among the trails listening to the bird melodies.

Mitch’s sister lives about 30 minutes from here in Jensen Beach.  It was great to visit with family, especially when his brother decided to fly from NY and make it a family reunion.  Time with family is always a precious commodity.  We shared laughs, meals, and stories.  We also visited the National Navy SEAL Museum.  After visiting the museum,  it was suggested we visit a nearby jetty.  Anything having to do with water seems to pique the Scott’s family interest.  Upon arrival, the athletic antics of a few kiteboarders were fascinating to watch, but you would never find me on one.

One of the activities Mitch and I enjoy is leisurely strolling farmer markets and craft shows.  Those were nonexistent during last year’s travels due to COVID.  We were rewarded this past weekend with a two-in-one.  Both were going on the same day we decided to visit Stuart’s downtown.  Being a crafter myself, I appreciate the creativity of artists.  At one time, I also participated in art shows. I understand the time it takes to create the art, display your creations, and the courage to hear critiques of your work.  The farmer’s market offered a variety of produce and other unique products.  We walked away with two different types of fresh mushrooms picked that morning, fish dip and a gorgeous leafy green head of farmed raised lettuce.

The King Neptune restaurant was where we enjoyed a freshly caught grilled mahi-mahi dinner on a local’s recommendation.  The restaurant was cozy and couldn’t accommodate a lot of people, but the meal was delicious.  We couldn’t have had a better visit to this area. A waterfront campsite, unique shopping, and family visits made this weekend a home run in our book.

It was our first visit to this park in the 39 years we lived in Florida.  Talk about taking your sweet time visiting somewhere.  It is 39 miles from the entrance of the park to get to Flamingo Campground.  This national park offers hiking trails, places to kayak, and an abundance of wildlife.  The black, screaming vultures circle the campsite looking for anything to scavenge and hoping some camper will drop some food so they can dine.  Our site is large, but it has no natural fauna separating each area, so privacy is non-existent.  Earmarked shady sites have one tree which doesn’t provide much shade. One of the campers told us the wind in your friend in the Everglades.  Lucky for us, this was the case for most of the week and kept the mosquitos at bay.  This campground has neat eco tents.  The tent looks like a bungalow with beds and electricity.  Interesting for a night, but I would not be a fan of strolling to the shared bathrooms in the dark among who knows what creatures may be lurking.

We kayaked on the 9 Mile Pond Trail.  As Mitch was inflating the kayak, I was searching for launch sites.  I came across one I thought was a discarded tire by the water’s edge.  Getting closer, I had a “HOLY CRAP” moment as I realized it was a 5 to 6 ft. gator sunning himself.  The alligator’s spiky dark grey body splayed across the opening, protecting and stopping us from trespassing in his territory.  Decision made – launch from the other site.  We started to meander through the fields of mangroves and noticed gar fishes in the water.  I spent the next twenty minutes trying to capture a photo of these elusive creatures but to no avail.  They were too quick and perhaps camera shy.  At the halfway point, we met a couple on a canoe.  They suggested we turn around as the water was shallow and not easily passable.  After our previous kayak experience, we took their suggestion.   Up ahead,  I spotted an alligator’s scaly head and beady eyes treading the water, causing tiny ripples around his body. I immediately told Mitch to stay back as I didn’t want to become gator bait. Perhaps, the gator thought he was a tour guide as he continued to swim in front of us without caring there was a kayak trailing him. Thankfully, after a while, he veered off into an open area, and we continued on our way.  Did I say we were in the Everglades?  Gators, crocs, and Everglades are synonymous and should be an expectation should you plan to visit.