Another Adventure Part 8

February 13

We did return to the previous Walmart (this one open for 24 hours) and found many campers already parked for the night so we happily joined them. In the morning as we were driving out we noticed the signs for No overnight camping. Thankful it was not a problem.

Our first stop this morning was Eden House. It was a nice house, the grounds were well kept and it looked like people would use this location for weddings or picnics. We did a short nature trail hike before we left.

We were tired of driving past shops after shops of stores trying to sell their wares so were were happy to see some miles of road that were free of all that. We drove through some sleepy tourist towns and through a bit of windy road before we reached the town of Sopchoppy. Our original plan was to visit a state park for the night but when we called to check availability we were told they were all full but they gave us the name of a city park in a nearby town. The park was a bit difficult to locate with cell coverage but thanks to some helpful town citizens we found it. The Myron Hodge City Park is a quaint little park with a river running through it. A nice walking path through the bush, a playground for the kids, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and two covered areas for picnics and a gazebo. And the camping, with water and electrical is only $15.

We walked the nice little nature trail and then took our bikes for a ride through this little town. The school was built in 1926 and the gymnasium was built in 1935 and they are still in use today, and they look kinda neat. The lots in this town are quite large which is unusual for a town but also very nice. For supper we had been recommended to check out Sopchoppy Pizza and we were not disappointed. We enjoyed a delicious spinach salad and the Municipal pizza (Alfredo sauce, spinach, chicken, onions and mushrooms all on a thin crust), which was very tasty. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area.

We road back in the dark to the park and Tim made a nice little fire for us to enjoy. We settled in for a movie and popcorn before retiring for the night.

February 14

Valentines Day, at least that is what is celebrated in our culture. We took another walk through the bush before breakfast and heading out. No plans for today, we will see what comes.

We saw some signs and we went to explore St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the Historic St. Marks Lighthouse. It was free to enter the park today, which was a treat. A very nice Visitor Center with very well done displays. Just off the deck of the Visitor Center we saw a real live alligator sunning himself.

Driving halfway to the lighthouse we parked the RV and took out our bikes to ride a refuge trail, a refuge road, then the paved road to the lighthouse. All toll we saw four alligators today, and many different kinds of birds. What a beautiful place to visit. We are sure glad we stopped.

As we were trying to decide where to stop for tonight we decided to call the Manatee Springs State Park and it just so happened that they had a cancellation and had one spot open but two others had already called and it was first come first serve. We were only about 10 minutes away and we made it! We got the only spot available.

Manatee Springs State Park is a first magnitude spring and haven for wintering manatees. We were able to see a couple of manatees swimming in the spring along with a couple of young boys, who seemed to be having the time of their lives. The water temperature here is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round and many people come here to scuba dive in the springs. They have a nice long boardwalk leading to the Sunwanee River. The large black birds that are in this area look like a vulture of some kind and when they flap their wings it makes a really cool sound. (We found out these birds were called Turkey vultures).

Since we were low on groceries we picked up some smoked barbecue meat from the canteen and enjoyed it back at our campsite. Tim biked back to the ranger station to get a bundle of wood so that we could enjoy a nice campfire. I always love to sit around the campfire and enjoy the sights and sounds of a crackling fire. Thanks sweetheart! Spent the rest of the evening reading books.

February 15

Today is the 30th year anniversary of our first date. This morning we went for a bike ride along some of the trails through the bush. We were able to see some more manatees in the spring as well as some Florida gar (looks like a spurgeon fish). A beautiful park, too bad we could only stay one night.

After packing up we got back on the road and drove only a short way before we decided to stop and visit the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park which was like a small zoo. Here we saw more manatees, even underwater and a hippopotamus named Lou who was born in 1960 and has been in this park since he was four years old and he has been in several movies. We also saw more alligators, a bobcat, Florida panther, black bear, fox, and many different kinds of birds and more. It was a nice little place to stop and visit.

Trying to find a place to stay for the night in this part of Florida is becoming more difficult as everything is booked. We had hoped to spend the night at a Walmart but when Tim went to ask they informed him that the police often come by and ask people to leave. Needless to say that did not sit well with two tired people. Thankfully the Home Depot next door said we could stay in their lot without incident.

It was very hot tonight and soon the rain began and then the thunder and lightening and the wind which made it a little difficult for me to sleep but with prayer and faith in God I was able to sleep.

February 16

Today we drove to Fort Myers to visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. It was very interesting to read the history of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and to visit what was their winter estates.

After lunch in downtown Fort Myers it was time again to find a place to stay for the night and we were fortunate to find an open at a KOA campground in Naples/Marco Island. It was only about an hour drive to reach this campground, a nice little place with a warm pool and hot tub. We chose to stay for two nights.

We did go for a swim and sit in the hot tub and it felt good. 

February 17 

After a good night sleep and a good breakfast we biked to the closet Fresh Market to purchase some food for lunch and supper. We spent the day relaxing by the pool. It was nice to just enjoy the day. Tomorrow we will back on the road.