The Journey.

DAY #69

Had an excursion planned for the day and was eager to get to it, so eager in fact, I got up at 8:00 am. What was this excursion that motivated me enough to get up so early? I was taking an air boat tour around Lake Panasoffkee and the Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Refuge. This was something I hadn’t done before and yea, I was looking forward to it.

The tour was through an outfit called Swamp Fever Air Boat Adventures and was located about 45 minutes away from the campground. It was a leisurely drive there and I made it with plenty of time to spare for the 10:30 am departure. There were a total of seven of us and the tour lasted for about 75 minutes, as we crossed the northern part of the lake and went into the backwaters of the wildlife refuge. It was a fun and interesting experience.

Took the long way back and stopped at a couple of places I rail against (Walmart & McDonald’s). The plan was to get back to the park and hookup the water. After reading the manual for the water heater, I was still confused about starting it. There seems to be a fair number of RV places around, I’ll check into it tomorrow.

It was a good day in Central Florida.

DAY #68

What’s the weather like today you ask? Well, thanks for asking. It’s feeling like summer. High in the mid 70s, partly cloudy and humid.

I’m a happy camper (and perhaps a bit of a hypocrite). I scanned for TV and picked up four channels. They’re crappy channels, but its for the noise as much as anything, and I HAVE VERIZON. It is so nice not having to go to some parking lot to get service, and then write the daily blog. Plus it’s a strong enough signal that I should be able to use my “hotspot” (it’s like turning your phone into a WiFi) for Amazon Prime & Netflix (thanks Marc & Shari).

The only plan for the day was to take a jaunt over to the neighborhood Camping World in Sumerfield, FL, and then give the area the once over.

Driving down the road to Camping World, which took about 35 minutes, and afterwards while just cruising around, I commented to myself how much more traffic there was, and how it just felt somehow, different?

Another thing that caught my eye were all the “communities” springing up behind the tree lined roads.

Marion Oaks is huge, and not too many miles away are the ‘Villages,’ which makes these guys look like hermits. Also saw a ‘Del Webb’ community with the most impressive entrance.

Along with these communities, noticed a number of developments built around golf courses, “Communities” seems like the way to live around these parts. It looks like the future for this area, and it looks like it’s going to happen fast. There are a lot of farms and fields, and the area remains rural, but there are signs of exurbia at pretty much at every corner. one doesn’t have to look far to see ‘for sale’ signs and ‘now renting.’

Yes, I’m noticing changes. There’s no doubt about it, we’ve left “the south” behind and are now, both feet in Florida. The traffic’s heavier (as pointed out) and the pace seems to have quickened. The smaller towns still have their historical downtown’s, but now they seem more theme park than areas of commerce. These changes are reaffirming my preference of rural over urban, and cementing exurbia, as the worst of all. I appreciate and yes, even use the fast food joints and stores along its strips, but it is so devoid of anything lasting.

Back to the trailer for an evening of binge watching Shit’s Creek on Netflix. It’s a quirky but enjoyable comedy.

Official Update:

I get a call from Sears Citi card saying there is suspected fraud usage on my card. It seems someone tried to charge over $1000.00 from a department store in Madrid, Spain. Long story short, the problem got taken care but it got me to being concerned about the other cards, what if they’ve been compromised, man I’d be in a bind if that happens (fingers crossed).

DAY #67

Late start leaving this morning. Since the next stop was only 62 miles away, I didn’t leave until noon. I checked the water level by the campsite one last time (still rising), and bid adieu to Manatee Springs State Park.

I know that its getting old, but I gots to say it; it was just a beautiful day, sunny sky’s and high in low 70s. I’m perhaps more sensitive to the weather, a bad day limits my activity.

The ride was uneventful given it was only a little more than an hour on the road. Driving along the tree lined highways, I had some thoughts about things I’d seen over the last month.

-The Confederate flag still flies (not as common but still found).

-Not seeing near the number of Mercedes that I did in Louisiana & Mississippi.

-Trucks with big tires & straight (loud) exhaust pipes very popular.

-People selling boiled peanuts by the roadside.

-Still seeing trash on the side of roads.

-Blacks tend to live in the oldest parts of towns and the housing is less substantial, but more historical.

I’m sure there’s more but hey, it was only an hours drive.

Welcome to Ross Prairie Campground.

Along with the campsite, which is on the small side (16 sites), there are facilities & trails for horses.

The campground is decent. It’s very open with pull through sites. The host was very helpful and showed me my site, it can get confusing the way the grounds are laid out. Setup the trailer and viola, home until next year.

DAY #66. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Last full day at Manatee Springs State Park, and I decided to sleep in, and boy, did I ever, I didn’t get up until almost two. I’m surprised at the number of weekend campers that were here (still) over Christmas. There’s a boatload (is that term offensive?) of them, but the noise and any inconvenience hasn’t been bad at all.

The project for today was to go and wash/clean the truck. Found a self serve car wash and it was as they say at the cape, mission accomplished. The truck, she’s a lookin good.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Its been a great base in which to explore from. This area with its rural richness and wisp of the southern aura has captured and held my attention. From the cedar pines, to the pastures and fields. From the main roads, to the back roads. From the waters of the gulf, to the waters of the Sante Fe and Suwannee rivers. This region has offered so much and yet, I just scratched the surface. Its an area I will soon not forget.

On to the next stop in the journey.

DAY #65

First Christmas Eve I’ve spent in Florida, and aside from missing the family, I’m real OK with being here. I saw a cardinal outside the trailer window yesterday (briefly), so I know I’m not alone.

Started the day a little cool and cloudy, but it was full steam ahead, destination; Micanopy, FL. This is the small town I went through a couple of days ago. Its located about one hour east of the park, and its most recent claim to fame is being the backdrop for the movie, Doc Hollywood, starring Michael J. Fox. If you didn’t go off the main road, you’d miss it.

Some photos of the town.

I’ve seen these guys on past trips to Venice, FL, but first one on this trip.

A couple of homes in town, just a slice of life in Micanopy, FL.

The ride back to the campground was as satisfying as the trip to Micanopy. As I got around Williston, the horse farms again began to appear. I noticed that more than a few were for sale.

Yes sir, pretty nice Christmas Eve.

DAY #64

The day started out cool (33 degrees), but with a promise of sunny sky’s and warmer temps. I left to check out a small town I had come across yesterday but didn’t have enough time to fully check out or get photos, it had gotten too late.

But life doesn’t always go as planned (or so I’m told). Before leaving the camp site, I had put my phone on the bed rail of the truck and went off to do something. While you guessed it, I forgot it was there and off I went down the road. I was out of the park and about two miles down the road when the thought came to me…where’s the phone? After a moment of realization/anger (both at turn of events as well as myself) I stopped, checked around and sure enough, it was gone off the truck. I have to say I was cool in the way I handled it. I wanted to freak out /meltdown but I didn’t. I choose to look at it as a test, knowing that I’m never given more than I can handle. Back tracked to the campsite, asking everyone I saw if they had found a phone, and each time the answer was, sorry no. Long story (slightly less) short, I did not find the phone.

The next thing was to see if there was a Verizon retailer in the area, I was thinking I might have to go all the way into Gainesville. Checked Google, found a place in town (Chiefland), and thought, that’s where I’m headed.. They didn’t open until 1:00 pm on Sunday so I needed to wait for them to open. After getting there, I waited 1/2 hour before it was my turn (it’s a slow process). Thankfully, I was able to get another phone with the same number, and also was able to download almost everything that was on the old phone. I had to pay off my old phone first. Now my monthly payments are going to go up by $14.00 per month, but it’s an increase I can absorb. Plus, its the new galaxy 9 compared to the old galaxy 8. What does the new phone do that the old one can’t? Cost $14.00 more per month is about all I can see.

It took well over an hour to complete the transaction, and then I had to finish setting everything up, which took time. By the time I was ready to rock, the day had passed me by.

I was tested today and passed. I didn’t act like some crazy ass, damn fool (which I‘ve been known to do). I was focused, accepting, and thankful that everything came together to resolve the situation. Now watch, Ill get back to camp and someone will have found it (Update: The phone was not found).

Sorry, no photos today, just a sad tale of a boy and his lost phone.

DAY #63

After two days of less than ideal weather, today showed up with blue sky’s, calm winds, and a brisk 34 degrees.

The campground has had its influx of weekenders. It looks like a lot of campers with tents and kids. Sure ingredients for noise, but with the spacious sites, the noise and commotion is tolerable. Went and checked on the water level near the campsite, It continues to rise, so much so, the park has closed the boardwalk out to the river. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get to flood stage here at the park.

Sitting in the trailer, I took some time to reflect on the journey up to this point (having no TV or internet will do that).

It’s been two months on the road, over 25% of the trip complete. I’m glad (as of today–subject to change, stay tuned) I decided to do this. Both the truck and trailer have performed admirably (knock on wood). Overall, the weather has been very accommodating (even with the heavy rains). Another plus, I’ve been staying good budget wise. There are a couple areas I’ve not addressed and need to, namely, getting more physically active and lose weight. I’ve been (so far) able to see parts of America I’ve always wanted to spend time in, and have not been disappointed.

I have times when the pull of home is strong but at this point, the urge to go on is stronger. I think that feeling ties in with the next sentence. It’s so easy to get stuck in one place (literaly & figuratively), and it can be so hard to break free of it. I want to be unstuck, and this trip is giving me the path to do just that.

OK enough with reflection, now on with the day. Headed east of Chiefland to check out the sites.

Began to notice the pastures changing from cattle to horses, and the spreads began taking on a more upscale air to them.

Also have noticed that there are no barns on the farms. There are some outbuildings (more like lean–tos) but it looks like the cattle are out in the elements 24/7. The horses on the other hand, have some nice stables. I read that the winning horse of the 1975 Kentucky derby was from one of the stables in the area.

Driving along the back roads, came across this old store at a rural crossroad.

Wanted to see more of the area but the day was getting long and not being a big fan of driving in the dark, especially were I haven’t been before, began the trip back to Chiefland. A couple more photos of the area to end the day.

And a goodnight to all.

DAY #62

It’s the first day of winter and in this part of the world, it’s rainy, windy, and 55 degrees. Not much outdoor activity planned for today, and with no TV or Internet, it may be a long day.

I did get the idea (a little slow on the trigger in thinking this) to download some books off my kindle account, that way I’ll have something to read.

As I headed out, there in back of the site was a deer, just hanging out. How cool is that. Lots and lots of squirrels around and I’ve saw a bunch of robins unpacking from their trip south. Also saw some red birds. I haven’t gotten close enough yet to tell what they are. Maybe they’re (I’m hoping) cardinals. It would be great to have some of my loved ones hanging out with me.

Back to the campsite for an evening of reading.

DAY #61

It’s raining and there are flood warnings for parts of the area, so not going to do much today. I did straighten up the trailer and went into Old Town, Florida, to do some laundry.

Old Town is a spot on the map about 10 miles from Chiefland. Biggest draw in the area is one of the few bridges that cross the Suwannee river.

The river looked high and the current was swift.

Saw this and thought pretty cool (in a history sense).

Time to head back to camp. The river is not far from the campsite. Hope I don’t wake up tomorrow in a house boat.

DAY #60

Woke up to a cloudy day. The temperature was nice though, and there was little wind (not a big fan of the wind).

Didn’t think I could get any decent pictures, but went down to the spring anyway. With the water darkened by the recent influx of rain and no sun, even seeing the manatees, much less taking any photos was a challenge. Plus because of the rising water, the trail to the other side of the springs where you could best see them was now under water and impassable.

Went into Chiefland and had lunch. The staff wasn’t the friendliest but the food was good and the place was authentic (no corporate branding found here). I’m noticing that iced tea is a big drink around here.

From the restaurant, hit the road for about an hour and made the trek to Rosewood, Florida.

About all that remains of the town today is this sign.

After Rosewood, I headed up to Bronson, Florida, which is the county seat of Levy County. It’s a cool little town with a southern feel to its architecture. The homes and buildings take you back into a southern state of mind. I thought I had left that, nice to see it back.

This caught my eye. Its located at the County Courthouse.

Headed back to Chiefland, and on the way saw another example of one of these.

I took the long way which brought me down a road with big old oaks lining the road and covering it like an umbrella, it was such a satisfying ride. Made it back to camp, and another day in the book. It was a good day.