Winter in Florida with a surprise ending

[leslie]

So, my husband retired not quite a year ago, and we planned our first major trip with our RV to spend Christmas and winter in Florida. We left on December 18th, and we just got back.

We had a blast! We found beaches on the East Coast where we could take the dogs - in South Carolina, we found Edisto Beach and Hilton Head Island, in Florida we found Fernandina Beach. We enjoyed Christmas with our youngest son, something that we haven't done in 9 years! (Work schedules just haven't permitted this, for many reasons - not a problem this year)

We went next to Central Florida. My husband wanted - insisted - that we go to resorts with full hookups. So, we had reservations at lots of resorts, but I managed to sandwich in some county-run campgrounds here and there with limited facilities. We even Wally-docked one night. He still wants resorts with full hookups. Oh, well.

We were totally bored with Lake Okeechobee, because we don't have a boat and we don't fish. On that huge lake, there is only one spot where there is a nice lake view.

We are totally into enjoying life with our dogs, going to wineries and discovering restaurants that are either ethnic or quirky. We went to Roland Martin's highly recommended Tiki Hut on the shore of Okeechobee, where dogs are welcome. The drnks were watered down, the food was barely edible, but the atmosphere was great.

We also managed to get to the Gulf Coast. We found Nervous Nellie's restaurant in Ft. Myers, where dogs are allowed on the back deck. The drinks were great. The food was scrumptious. We watched a spectacular sunset on the water. People in the restaurant made a big fuss over the dogs, which my girls really enjoyed - water, treats, tummy rubs... We have to go back.

We found a quirky winery in Tarpon Springs, right on Tarpon Ave. Quirky doesn't begin to describe it. You just have to experience it - the owners, the art work, and the wine. Tarpon Springs Castle Winery has one of the best Pinot Noirs I have ever had.

The highlight of the trip, for me, was Big Cypress National Preserve. I wanted to see alligators. Every place we stayed, I asked people about where I could see an alligator. I am not talking about the farms where there are alligator shows. I wanted to see a real live wild alligator. I was disappointed until I got to Big Cypress. Lots of alligators. I even bonded with an alligator.

I was standing on a slight bridge formed by a culvert. Two men were fishing, and two alligators could be seen over by a cypress tree. The men indicated where an alligator was close by in the water. I walked over to where they indicated. Right below me was an alligator in the water, about 5 or 6 feet long. The alligator opened his eyes - I am assuming it was a he. Anyhow, he opened his eyes and looked at me and I was looking at him. We bonded.

To please my husband, we stayed at several RV resorts. It is interesting to see how different the culture is at each one. At Grand Lake RV Resort in Citra, FL, it seems people golf all day and play poker all night, neither of which appeal to us, although it is a very pretty resort. We found a different emphasis on entertainment and activities in each resort where we stayed.

It seems they all have sites with or without park models, or other variations on homes, that are for sale. We found one resort where we had the most fun, where they have sites for sale where you can park your RV right next to your home.

Guess what? We made an offer to buy, and it was accepted. We are moving to Florida, something I thought I would never do. I have always been rather dismissive of the RV resorts with golf carts buzzing around.

OMG! What have we done! Am I going to turn into one of those gray hairs who zip around in a golf cart with the dogs in the back? Oh, my. Now, we will be living in Florida for the winter, and then take our RV north for the summer. Butterflies in the stomach for me. Hubby is happy.

[admin]

Congrats! It sounds like you'll be having a blast year round now

[fasteddieb]

Sorry we never got to touch base this season.

But always good to have yet another FL destination!

[leslie]

We met up at Edisto Beach! Just seems like a long time
Will send you a text in a bit

[fasteddieb]

[quote source="/post/20149/thread" timestamp="1459719142" author="@leslie"]We met up at Edisto Beach! Just seems like a long time
Will send you a text in a bit[/quote]How soon they forget!

Karen just reminded me of sitting on the beach and watching the dolphins and the little seafood restaurant!

She says congrats on the new digs!

[farmboy]

Congratulations!  I am envious.  I love Minnesota, but not so much in January.   Florida in the winter sounds really nice.   Safe travels.

[daplumbr]

On our trips to the Florida Gulf Coast east of Pensacola dogs are allowed on many of the beaches. We love the St. Joseph Peninsula. One of the happiest dogs I've seen spends its days riding the beaches on the back of its owner's golf cart. So when you get the inevitable golf cart, make sure it has room for the furry ones. 

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Leslie,

You've been leaning over the edge too long and you've finally fallen in! Here I'm trying to get out of this buggy swamp and you're moving in. Anyway, welcome to FL. At least you don't have to worry about reservations at CGs anymore.  8-)   Enjoy.
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[leslie]

Yes, my husband likes RV resorts so much, we are going to live in one ofbthem.

[dh50]

[quote source="/post/20164/thread" timestamp="1459727696" author="@charliem"]

[font size="3"]"Here I'm trying to get out of this buggy swamp and you're moving in. "[/font]


[font size="4" color="#2119e6" face="comic sans ms"]Man o man, isn't this the truth!  
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[uscg]

Due to your Alligator comments, I assume you are an animal person.  IF so, the next time you are in Florida in the colder months, go and stay at Salt Springs campground.  In the winter, like all of the springs in Florida, the Manatee are present and the water is always 72', summer or winter.  My wife and I went right after Christmas and per Florida law, you can swim with the Manatee.  IF they come to you, you can pet them with one hand (not two hands at one time, because that can be considered harassment).  It is an experience that you will not forget.  The manatee like being rubbed because they get a fungus on them, but, if you pet them, you have to be respectful that the spring is their winter retreat so petting and harassing is a fine line.  I recommend wearing a life jacket even in shallow water so that you do not have to use your feet to "kick".  Just relax and let them come to you, once you start scratching them, they will do all the turning and rolling to get your hand in the right spot for them. You won't need to chase them, and when they are done, they will move away.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/null/recarea/?recid=40307&actid=29

[pinstriper]

Cuddle up with that alligator and you'll never play the piano again!

[ammobob]

Lived on Florida's panhandle for 10 years and loved it. Always wanted a golf cart, a fancy one you know like a 57 Chevy but, never did it. You'll love it so, congrats and good luck!

By the way it's a long drive from Florida to Oregon 

[dh50]

Cuddle up with that alligator and you'll never play the piano again!

[font face="comic sans ms" color="#192be6" size="3"]After twenty six years in Florida, I cannot say strongly enough to never ever trust any Florida ponds, lakes, rivers or springs especially where your dogs are concerned.  And gators are not found only in water.  Last week's news reported with photo of a huge gator trying to get in the front door of an area home.  During mating season, gators can be found in very odd locations.  Point is, do not take this warning lightly!  Our local spring, where manatees and people share space, spit out an experienced swimmer not long ago...after a gator got him.  


 We've lived here too long and have heard too much of the pet dogs, wandering Seniors, tourists, anglers, and recently, a kid running from Cops who hid in the brush at a pond's edge, all meeting untimely and unthinkable ends.  


Ocean full of 'stuff' too.  First week living in Florida, a local news channel reported on a big catch and startling discovery made off the Central Florida coast: a shark and a tennis shoe with a man's foot in its belly.  That did it for me.  We built a pool. 

Welcome to Florida!





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[leslie]

Lived on Florida's panhandle for 10 years and loved it. Always wanted a golf cart, a fancy one you know like a 57 Chevy but, never did it. You'll love it so, congrats and good luck!

By the way it's a long drive from Florida to Oregon 

It's a long scenic drive by way of Maine! We will come close to circling the lower 48 this year!