FLORIDA 2015 – Stephen Foster State Park - White Springs, FL and HOME SWEET HOME

Stephen Foster State Park

Monday found us headed north to White Springs, FL near the Georgia border for a stop at Stephen Foster State Park, located on the banks of the Suwannee River.  We had planned a week visit but after viewing the weather report decided to leave the next morning headed home to Kentucky before the next rain and cold spell arrived.  On Tuesday we drove as far as Chattanooga, TN and overnighted at the campground provided by Camping World which is just off I-75.  After leaving the campground at 6:00 AM we arrived home by noon on Wednesday.  We unloaded the RV and by 3 PM had it returned to storage and the mound of dirty clothes we brought home already in the washer.  As predicted the cold rain welcomed us home this morning (Thursday). 

This was our 6^th straight year to winter in Florida and as always it is like awaking each morning in paradise.  January was cooler than usual with temperatures in the 60 – 70 range, which suits me exactly.  February and March were much warmer with record breaking temperatures in the mid to high 80s almost daily.  We adjusted by doing our biking and hiking in the early mornings and spending afternoons reading and relaxing. 

Additionally, we always enjoy meeting up with friends while visiting in Florida.  We are already making plans for next year.  See you “somewhere” up the road . . . . .

FLORIDA 2015 – Hillsborough River State Park

 

This week we were camping at Hillsborough River State Park near Thonotosassa, FL.  The park has a pool and café along with tours of Fort Foster, canoe trips, camper coffee “meet and greet” and various interpretive programs by the park Rangers.  One of our favorite features is the bike path that circles the park which we rode daily.   Temperatures here continue to be in the record setting high 80s each day and even drove us to the swimming pool one afternoon.
 

We depart here on Monday and have only one more park visit before heading home.  Next stop is White Springs, FL near the Georgia border at Stephen Foster State Park located on the banks of the Suwannee River.  See you up the road . . . . .

FLORIDA 2015 – Oscar Scherer State Park

Musical Jam Session - Oscar Scherer State Park

This week found Wayne and me at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL where we have visited many times before.  It is a favorite due to the many activities the park schedules.  Also they have free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities which are a treat.

Our visit found us riding on the nicely paved Legacy Bike Trail from Osprey down to Venice and back, a round trip of about 7 miles.  I like trails that provide a destination that might have ice cream involved.  Temperatures in southern Florida have been much higher than normal for this time of year.  We’ve had high 80’s for the last week and are expecting the same for next week.  This feels like July or August in Kentucky.  Weather is just weird no matter where you are this winter.

Legacy Bike Trail

The next stop takes us NORTH about 90 miles to Hillsborough River State Park where they also have good biking.  We are definitely headed toward home for the first time.  See you up the road . . . . . .

 

FLORIDA 2015 – LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK

The past week has been spent at Lake Manatee State Park in Bradenton, Florida where we met friends Dennis and Susie Archer from TN and Hoby Melton from IL.  We were also joined by Kathy and Bob Dolby from Wisconsin.  Each day the group enjoyed a different event which included trips to the dog races, horse show and Pioneer Park annual fair.  Nights found us around a campfire with each group trying to outdo the other in ambiance and refreshments.  Good times and good food were enjoyed by all.

Dennis & Susie Archer

Hoby Melton

Next week will find Wayne and I headed to Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL where we are looking forward to the 26 mile bike trail.  See you up the road. . . . . .