Travel Journal 2023
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Our first night at Seminole RV Park and Resort. We got setup
on our site and reorganized or rig for our January stay. We met some folks
around the campground and walked around the neighborhood. This is going to be a
great location for playing-tourist and enjoying the Tampa Bay area.
Seminole RV Park is conveniently located at Seminole Blvd,
and Park Blvd., in Seminole, Florida. Snuggled in and surrounded by Home Depot
on the north, McDonalds and Sprouts Farm Market on the west, and subdivisions
on the south and east sides.
Today, for a
rest-day, we stayed in, walked around the neighborhood, shopped, read, did
computer business, and relaxed at our campsite. We spotted our first (Florida)
new life-bird, the Palm Warbler, in a palm tree adjacent to our RV site. We are
surrounded by shops and stores, in walking-distance, that provide everything
that we need.
In the afternoon,
we walked over to CVS and purchased some supplies. Also, I prepared a list of
attractions, activities, County Parks, historical sites, and restaurants that
we can visit during our stay in the Tampa Bay area. Our Tampa Bay discovery
goals are to walk a park and do an activity daily.
Seminole is a
working-class community, with primarily small businesses of all sorts, along
with the chain-stores for food, and other supplies. We purchased the best
citrus ever at Sprout’s Farm Market, the Noble tangerine, crunchy, sweet,
juicy, and delicious. Seminole is a convenient, central location for the
exploring the Tampa Bay area.
Seminole RV Park
has Palm and Live Oak trees, providing shade and habitat for birds and
wildlife. We have a nice Clubhouse, laundry, and comfort stations. Our rig has
all of the facilities that we need, so we only use the laundry as needed. We’re
in walking distance of shopping, restaurants and recreation.
Tue. January 3, 2023
Following a leisurely morning, breakfast, and daily-walk, we
filled-up with $5 diesel and drove down to Fort Desoto for an afternoon at this
beautiful Pinellas County Park. Along the way, we had a seafood lunch at
Billy’s Stone Crab. Crabcakes appetizer with remoulade sauce. Broiled Seafood
platters. Cod, shrimp, Sea Bass, Scallops with sides of pineapple coleslaw,
mashed potatoes. Desert Key Lime Pie. It was divine!
We enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon at Pinellas County's,
Fort Desoto, enjoying the history, flora and fauna, beaches, and recreation. In
May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries,
craftsmen, and clergy made landfall here, in Tampa Bay. They were met with
fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s
quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four-thousand-mile odyssey of
intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the
United States.
The largest park in Pinellas County, it has the old fort as
a centerpiece, along with great trails, beaches, wildlife, and native plants
and trees. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the park.
Wed. January 4, 2023
After making our breakfast, we drove over to the TECO
Manatee Preserve. Down on the southeast side of Tampa Bay, south of the Port of
Tampa, in an Industrial area, is a gem of an attraction. At the Tampa Electric
Power plant, is a Manatee protected area, with lots of Manatee. The Federal
Preserve part had nice trails and an observation tower, so we walked and took
great pictures of the mangroves, flora, and fauna.
Thur. January 5, 2023
With a rain storm coming in from the Gulf, we got rain
overnight, with continuing showers today. We elected to stay in, relax, fix meals,
and have an open-option day. With an afternoon break in the rain, we walked
over to Walgreen’s and purchased a Sun Pass for pre-paid use of toll roads,
bridges, and parking in the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Today brought warm, sunny weather and a light wind. After we
made breakfast, we headed to the Florida Botanical Gardens, in Largo. Everyone
should visit the Florida Botanical Gardens. Multiple gardens with plants and
trees from around the world. We especially liked the Native Garden and the
Topicals Garden. Great wildlife and birds too! Cruised on over to Havana
Harry's for a Cuban lunch.
The Gardens are a 100-acre Park, managed by the Pinellas
County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, that inspires and educates
visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational
surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. This was a
marvelous activity and one that we repeated.
Lunch at Havana Harry’s Market
Truly, a Largo-locals favorite, Havana Harry’s, a polished
yet celebratory restaurant serving the best Cuban food in Tampa Bay, is a rare
mom-and-pop family place. Mom (Latino) and pop (Cuban) team to make superb
Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean entrees. They also served us a knock-out Key Lime
Cake! Havana Harry’s stays busy
year-round because the locals know the best!
Saturday, January, 7, 2023
Another beautiful day in the Tampa Bay area. Following
breakfast, some maintenance, and cleaning, we walked over to Blossom Lake Park,
then north on the Pinellas Trail, returning to Seminole Boulevard, and our
Seminole RV Park.
The Pinellas Trail is a paved public, controlled-access
recreation trail, utilizing the old Pinellas Peninsula railroad bed between St.
Petersburg and Tarpon Springs. It has been extended to 75 miles, encircling the
entire Pinellas Peninsula. This is a great, public recreation asset for
bicycle, and pedestrians. It’s very scenic, with nice rest areas, comfort
stations, and connections to food, lodging, and other services, as it passes
through numerous coastal towns and beside beach areas.
In late afternoon, we enjoyed sunset at Seminole Lake Park. Lake
Seminole Park is 258 acres of designated wildlife habitat and sanctuary located
in Seminole, just one mile from our RV Resort. The Pinellas County Park is home
to raccoons, alligators, hawks, eagles, turtles, songbirds and all sorts of wildlife.
This is an upland type of nature park, with fabulous Live Oaks, Slash
(Longleaf) pines, Saw Palmetto, Palms, and other native flora. The park provides benches and swings that are
placed to view the lake, picnic sheds, restrooms, and alluring trails.
Sunday, January 8,
2023
Returned for a morning walk on the two-mile loop-trail at
Lake Seminole Park. We saw lots of wildlife, including some amazing Ospreys and
ominous alligators. This is a mile from us and a splendid Pinellas County Park.
A nice day, and time to do laundry. Doing laundry, a flock
of Monk Parakeets visited the RV Park and made quite a loud show. They all talk
at the same time and cannot be still for long. We also observed flock of Nanday
Parakeets at the Walmart lot. They’re very colorful. There are 17 varieties of none
are native parakeets in Florida.
Monday January 9, 2023
Today, we walked the area around our RV Park. The
subdivision just south of us has a nice lake with a trails and landscaping. We
saw some birds, turtles, and enjoyed the sunny morning.
In the afternoon, we took a guided tour of Raymond James
Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First NFL stadium we've toured that
has a Pirate Ship, with cannon!
Their ad: WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE, YEAR-ROUND
TOURS OF THE DISTINCTIVE RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM. THIS 75 MINUTE-LONG WALKING
JOURNEY WILL GIVE YOU BACKSTAGE ACCESS TO MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND WORKINGS
OF THE STADIUM.
WE INVITE YOU TO ENJOY A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT RAYMOND
JAMES STADIUM. YOUR TOUR WILL TAKE YOU TO A STADIUM CLUB, A LUXURY SUITE, HALL
OF FAME CLUB, THE FAMOUS PIRATE SHIP, VISITING TEAM LOCKER ROOM, THE UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTH FLORIDA HOME TEAM LOCKER ROOM, THE FIELD AND MORE!!
Our experience: We had a superb tour-guide and the Stadium
Manager was along as a special treat. These guys gave us a comprehensive,
informative, and spectacular experience, exploring the stadium from top to
bottom. We’re always amazed at what it takes to make it all work! The Pirate
Ship is special but the entire tour was impressive.
Tuesday January 10, 2023
Today we took a morning walk at Seminole Waterfront Park. The
two-mile, improved walking-loop is one of our favorite walks, in a beautiful
Pinellas County Park
After lunch we cruised the beaches from Indian Rocks down to
Madeira Beach. The beautiful "Sun Coast"! The Gulf Boulevard took us
through all the popular beach towns and past elite tourist hotels, restaurants,
attractions, and historic sites. This overview gave us some must-see candidates
to add to our tourist-list!
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
We took our morning walk at Boca Ciega Park. Boca Ciega
Millennium Park is 186 acres in Seminole and is accessible to the Pinellas
Trail. This park provides an observation tower to enjoy panoramic views of Boca
Ciega Bay. The park is also recognized by Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation as part of the “Great Florida Birding Trail”. Other highlights of
this park include pine flatwoods, coastal oaks, hammock, mangrove swamp, salt
marsh, bay head and wetlands. Boca Ciega has an extensive boardwalk right
through the mangroves and along Boca Ciega Bay.
After our delightful and scenic walk, we took lunch at the
Conch Republic, (on Gulf Boulevard) for some terrific Grouper Tacos. We split a
crabcake appetizer and had Grouper tacos. The restaurant feels like old Key
West. Conch Republic lunch, superb!
Heritage Park: You can come to the Tampa Bay area and do
something different every day and a year would not be enough. This afternoon,
we explored the Pinellas County Heritage Village. Walk through Florida’s past.
Stroll the paths of Pinellas County’s historical homes in this 21-acre living
history museum with 28 historic structures nestled in a native pine and
palmetto landscape. The collection of historic buildings was relocated and assembled
here to preserve history and experience the “old Florida”! Loved it! Great
experience!
Thursday January 12, 2023
St Pete Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is over a century
old and only getting better!
Sunken Gardens- St. Pete’s oldest living museum is a
botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old Sunken
Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering
paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than thousands of
plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens,
cascading waterfalls, Koi pool, and a flock of flamingos. The garden is
situated in an old, sloping sinkhole, with a natural spring flowing through. This
was an old Florida roadside attraction, thankfully preserved by the St.
Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department.
Small Batch Ice Cream- And of course there is ice cream. We
each got a scoop after our tour through the Sunken Garden in St Pete. We met
this old guy and recognized him from his television ad. As a hiking club
member, he shared lots of great hiking information with us. His ice cream dream
is superior!
Rain overnight created some nice sleeping weather and
brought in some cool days.
Friday January 13, 2023
Friday morning began with rain, then sun, with a brisk north
wind. We elected to take our morning walk in the sheltered woods of the Lake
Seminole Park. Close and always surprising, Seminole has become our go-to park
for a power-walk!
Lunch at Barracuda Deli. "Home of the Best Cuban
Sandwich and a whole lot more". Food, a problem, and no problem. There's
plenty here and it must be sampled. "Donut take us lightly"!
St Petersburg: Chihuly- We visited the Chihuly Collection
presented by the Morean Arts Center, a stunning, permanent collection of
world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent 10,000
square foot gallery. We also saw the glass-blowing demonstration. Quite
fascinating!
Waterfront- St. Pete has a magnificent waterfront with a
large marina, public pier with entertainment and a concert venue, restaurants, a
historic area, with grant old trees and meticulous landscaping. The wide
walkway extends several miles along the beach, where walking, bicycles, and
scooters can be enjoyed.
Saturday January 14, 2023
WalMart Shopping at Seminole. We saw a large flock of Nanday
parakeets in the trees of the Walmart lot. Beautiful but noisy birds!
Walking Lake Seminole Park. Cool but saw a huge Alligator. Today,
after lunch, the sun brought this old reptilian out. Was lucky to catch a Wood
Stork walking by.
Sunday, January, 15, 2023
A cool, clear, sunny Sunday, so we had Lox and eggs for
breakfast, spaghetti for lunch, then the afternoon at another great park.
Walsingham, a Pinellas County Park. Walsingham Park is 354 acres with a
100-acre lake in Largo. This park has two entrances: one on Walsingham Road and
one on 102nd Avenue N. The park also provides a 6-mile trail, a playground, a
fitness area, boardwalk, and great wildlife. This park is where we learned that
Pinellas County parks use chain-link fences beside neighborhoods to keep the
alligators from going “shopping”.
Monday, January 16, 2023
Today demanded a wash-day, so we washed clothes, made lunch,
then took an afternoon walk at War Veterans Memorial Park. War Veterans’
Memorial Park is 112 acres in St. Petersburg. The focal point of this park is a
landscaped Memorial Center featuring five plaques with official armed forces
flags that commemorate each of the United States’ military branches. This park
also has a Battlefield Cross, a Sundial and an Army Tank. The park provides many
shaded areas to view Boca Ciega Bay. We enjoyed the natural walking trails,
boardwalk at the boat launch, and spectacular views.
Tuesday, January, 17, 2023
It was a fantastic day in Tampa. On the water, on the
boardwalk, and driving around. After 2 boat tours and a walk on the Tampa
Riverwalk, only ice cream can restore our energy. I had lemon ginger Bob had espresso with
Kahlua.
We took two boat tours. First, we viewed the city from Tampa
Bay, cruised by the Tampa Bay Ship Docks, saw the spectacular properties on the
islands, bird-watched, were introduced to the Celebrity homes, and enjoyed the
historical lecture on Tampa Bay.
We had an al fresco lunch (Grouper Sandwich) at the Rusty
Pelican, on the Boardwalk.
After lunch, we took the Hillsborough River Water Taxi for a
narrated tour of the river and three-mile boardwalk. You can hop on and off at
the expedient stops, but we did the round-trip overview for later reference. Seeing
Tampa from the water was very scenic and enjoyable.
Wednesday, January, 18, 2023
A beautiful day in Tampa Bay. We walked Seminole Lake Trail,
shopped, then made lunch.
This afternoon we spent at St Pete, Waterfront and the
splendid Kopsick Palm Arboretum.
Visit Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum they say: In just one
location, find multiple types of trees that define warmer global climes. You
might be surprised how many palms there are in the world. See outstanding
examples of swaying palm trees on a visit to the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum –
Palms and Cycads. The St. Petersburg attraction, with over 500 palms and cycads
representing about 150 species, continues to add even more to its list. Wander
the park’s paths surrounded by these stately trees and lush cycads that are
perfect symbols of subtropical and tropical regions.
This is another old tourist attraction that has been saved
by St. Petersburg. It’s right on the waterfront, so it can be enjoyed along
with many other attractions nearby.
Thursday, January, 19, 2023
This morning, we returned to the War Veterans Memorial Park.
This is a part of the VA and National Cemetery, but great upland woods and
trails to be enjoyed. We saw lots of wildlife.
After a cook-out steak lunch, we went to visit the Seaside
Seabird Sanctuary. Mission: To rescue, treat, and rehabilitate sick and injured
wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into their native habitat in
the wild. To educate the general public about Florida's native wild bird
population, and how to prevent and reduce the man-made dangers that wild birds
face every day.
This is a must see because it is so interesting, and it’s an
impressive operation, right on Indian Shores Beach.
Friday, January, 20, 2023
A nice Friday morning walk on Boca Ciega Bay. Nice
Boardwalk, bird-watching, mangroves, a tower with great views, a wonderful
nature park.
Friday afternoon at John's Pass Village and Boardwalk. Web
says: Created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848 a pirate, John Levique, made
the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, Johns Pass.
Located on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century
fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred
merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of
restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat
rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Always very busy, but great views,
shopping, restaurants, fun boardwalk, marvelous boat-watching.
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Saturday is a complementary admission to the RV show at the
Fairgrounds. Lunch at Bonefish Grill in Tampa, the salmon was perfect, the slaw
and broccoli were perfect. These little leftovers are going home with us. And
the slaw was not sweet nor was it soaked in mayo! The Key Lime pie was
scrumptious! After lunch, we walked the Tampa Hillsborough Rive Boardwalk.
The RV Show was held at the Florida State Fairground, a
sprawling complex, with massive buildings, all full of recreational vehicles of
all sorts and makes. We saw rigs priced from $8500 to $2.5 million. They had
food, entertainment, and vendors. We were exhausted, but it was fun.
Afterwards, we took a ride around Tampa and made some interesting
discoveries:
The old Rough Rider Encampment
Several nice City Parks along the boardwalk
The old Armament Complex
The Tampa River Center: Home of collegiate rowing winter
training. (We met a very informative member of the Princeton Ladies Rowing
Team)
Ybor City, the old Cuban cigar factories, now being
renovated into an entertainment and dining venue.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Sunday at Sawgrass Lake Park. The wonderful parks of Pinellas
and Hillsborough Counties are all a gem. Unique nature and wildlife, with great
planning and design. Keeping old Florida alive to enjoy!
Sawgrass Lake Park is 400 acres in St. Petersburg and is the
result of a unique cooperative agreement between Pinellas County Parks &
Conservation Resources and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
This park has one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, which allows
people to view a variety of wildlife. Thousands of birds migrate through the
park during the fall and spring. This park is right on I-275 but the best
boardwalk, observation tower, alligators, and native plants. Very enjoyable
visit!
Monday, January, 23,2023
A cool, cloudy, and windy day. We decided to walk Wall
Springs Park, explore Tarpon Springs, and enjoy a Greek Lunch.
Wall Springs Park is a 210-acre, Pinellas County park,
located in Palm Harbor, Florida. The park includes a historical natural spring
which was used as a bathing area from the turn of the 20th century until the
1960s. We had a splendid walk, enjoyed the wildlife, spring, lakes, mangroves,
trees, improved trails, and especially the extensive Handicap-accessible
observation tower. This was an old medicinal spring, tourist attraction,
guaranteed to make you feel better. It still runs strong, smells like Sulphur,
and would make you feel better just to get out!
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Taylor Lake, on a sunny but cool and windy Tuesday morning. John
S. Taylor Park is 156.5 acres that connects to the Pinellas Trail and is tucked
next to a 53-acre freshwater lake in Largo. The park provides a full disc golf
course, a tree-lined shell trail and a lake to take a boat out for fishing. The
park had large beautiful tree specimens, restrooms, and information plaques. We
loved the shell-trail around the lake and observed lots of birds. We
encountered several walking clubs, very popular walking-groups in the Tampa Bay
area. Love the parks and Nature Preserves!
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
With sunny, cool, windy conditions we joined our Denver
friends at Honeymoon Island State Park. One of Florida’s best-loved state
parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore along with
a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.
Our friends Diane and Dave came to visit from Colorado. At
the end of our walk on the beach and through the wonderful trails, we were
looking for a restaurant for lunch. This looks like the three of us are
addicted to our phones! We enjoyed a delightful seafood lunch at Frenchie’s in Dunedin.
The Stone Crab was superb!
We had a delectable dinner at Cristino’s in Clearwater, with
our Colorado friends and another couple. Tom and Derick are a charming and a
well-traveled couple and now we have some Safety Harbor friends. Delightful
evening!
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Joining our Denver friends for a day at St Petersburg and
the Dali Museum. The Salvador Dalí Museum is an art museum in St. Petersburg,
dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Museum celebrates the life
and art of the influential and innovative artist, Salvador Dalí. We had a
blast!
Friday, January 27, 2023
Friday was our day at the racetrack, some park walking, and
another delicious dinner with friends.
Renowned for high-quality Thoroughbred horse racing, Tampa
Bay Downs is the premier multi-entertainment destination on Florida's west
coast. As the track prepares to celebrate its 97th anniversary season, its
remarkable history is worth another look, and it well worth the visit. Go to
track, get program, bet the races. Seven races today. Five dirt track races, 2
turf races. Great fun!
Saturday, January 28, 2013
Sad to see our Denver friends leave, but we had a great
visit. We spent today walking, cooking-out, and resting. Our early morning
walk, at Seminole Lake Park, was great for bird-watching, as it was an active
time. We also, saw Osprey on the nest and watched them feed each other. For
lunch, we cooked steaks on the grill, with nice sides. We spent time visiting
our RV Park friends too. We have six couples from Indiana, and some new friends
from MN, IL, MO, NY, and WI.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
On a quiet Sunday morning, foggy, with No one outside, I see
the Live Oaks, Palms, and tropical vegetation, with seabirds overhead and
colorful parakeets in the trees. I am an official snowbird!
We can't overstate how wonderful the Tampa Bay parks are.
This morning we walked the Eagle Lake Park in Largo. Eagle Lake Park is 162
acres set in the heart of Largo. This park provides a wetlands section that has
been restored with native plants. In keeping with the tradition of the land’s
former use of citrus growing, many of the amenities have a citrus grove theme.
We loved the boardwalk, nature trails, native plants and wildlife, and the
scenic lake. A great day.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Monday's walk is the best wildlife Park of all. We walked
Largo Central Park Nature Preserve. Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is a
31-acre nature park virtually surrounded by water. The park is home to hundreds
of wildlife species for viewing. Over 130 species of birds, otters, red fox,
American alligator, marsh rabbits, wild turkey, and bats all feed or live
within the park. A 5-mile kayak/canoe route begins at the park and ends at Park
Boulevard. Extensive Boardwalk, right over this swamp park. This swamp park has
great wildlife and flora. Loved the Cypress, Elderberry, Florida Coffee,
Epiphytes, Sweet Bay, and a bunch of other natives. This was an incredible
experience, with the best nature walk we’ve had in the Tampa Bay area. Got some
amazing pics! Lunch at Chicken Salad Chick.
Sunset at Madeira Beach. We drove over to Madeira Beach for
the splendid sunset on the beach. Wonderful colors, warm evening, lights of the
hotels and shops, hang-gliders, tide rolling in, and a humbling experience!
Tuesday, January, 31, 2023
Our last day in Tampa Bay. It has been a fine January
retreat!! We walked Seminole Lake State Park, now our old friend, completed our
business, organized for travel, and bid farewell to the new friends at Seminole
RV Resort.
After a McDonalds breakfast, we were rolling by 8:30 am,
following I-275, then I-75 north, with fairly light traffic. It was sad saying
farewell to this marvelous Tampa Bay area, as we looked over the water, city,
and roadsides, as we drove on. Thanks, Tampa Bay, for a grand experience!
Travel to Columbus, Indiana:
Wednesday, February, 1, 2023
Leaving Florida and a couple of days in Valdosta, Georgia, with
our kin. Scenic drive, lunch at Chick-fil-a in Gainesville.
Our drive up to Georgia was warm and sunny, with a light,
cool wind. After lunch at Gainesville’s Chick-fil-a, we resupplied at Walmart,
refueled, and continued north. We stopped off at the Florida Citrus Center for
a rest-stop and walk but it’s strictly a tourist-trap with little citrus, and enormous
loads of delightfully tacky junk!
Visiting Pat and Kristy at River RV Park, in Valdosta, Lowndes
County, Georgia, was loads of fun. We enjoyed our afternoon arrival with a
relaxing conversation/reunion, under the trees, with warm weather and
refreshments. For dinner, Kristy served a delicious broccoli soup and salad
dinner.
Thursday, February, 2, 2023
A nice Thursday with Pat and Kristy.
We enjoyed a late, team-breakfast of chiles rellenos, sweet
potato cubes, with Florida oranges. It
was fun cooking and dining together! Later we toured the Crescent House, a neoclassical
house built in 1898, drove around historic Valdosta, got some good pics, then
had ice cream treats. Afterwards, we drove to Withlacoochee River for a
pleasant overlook of this tributary of the Suwanee River. A great day together!
We shared a pleasant dinner at Olive Garden of Valdosta. It
was a delightful visit!
Friday, February 3, 2023
Today, we drove on up to Warner Robbins, Georgia, for lunch
with friends Miles and Carla. We relished an extensive lunch at the Old Times
Country Buffet, along with a sociable visit. It was good to see these friends
from Macon, GA. Miles shared some pictures from our days passed and some
information on old friends to reunite with.
Our overnight site at Lake Tobesofkee, Arrowhead Park,
Clovis Point, was cold, compared to Florida, but it’s still winter and we ARE
heading north! We walked around the Park area and took some pics at overlooks. The
lake was scenic but cold wind off the water usured us inside. It was a
beautiful full-moon night, under the Georgia pines, and the Canada Geese
entertained and assured us that all was well! A crisp, moonlight, quiet night
with moonlight through the Georgia pines.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Today, we made our breakfast, then made a pull up to
Sweetwater, Tennessee, in Loudon County, just south of the Tennessee River. Our
Cracker Barrel lunch at Dalton, Ga was very enjoyable. We recalled coming here
for shopping when we camp-hosted at Amicalola Falls State Park, near Dahlonega,
situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. We continued to TN on a
very scenic drive!
Our campground is just south of Sweetwater, Tennessee, in
Loudon County. Sweetwater Valley KOA. The Tennessee River is just north of
Sweetwater. The RV Park is in rural area woods and our campsite cold and windy,
in the foothills of the Smokies. I was surprised at the rural KOA but then
learned about all the nearby attractions that people come for. All the trees
are bare and the skies are grey. I went out for a walk in the woods and saw
lots of wildlife, big trees, boulders, some Black Angus cattle, and a babbling
creek.
Went out a dusk. A cold, still, quiet, twilight. Noticed
lots of exposed blue-gray limestone boulders on the hillsides. Found little
Google info on Loudon County TN geology. Witnessed a large, uncountable flight
of kamikaze Wood ducks, splashing into a farm pond, and paddling into a
Bottonwood thicket in the shallow end, to roost. Could barely see them on the
water but no mistaking their unique communications. Ain't life grand!
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Driving from Tennessee to Kentucky, we saw all sorts of
curious places to explore. Little Tennessee River confluence with the Tennessee
River at Lenoir City, TN is very scenic. At Rocky Top Tennessee, we learned
that it’s actually a newer town. The Rocky Top Mountain is over near Cade's
Cove. The actual namesake of the popular song is really unknown, but it
inspires Tennesseans, as their theme-song.
We stopped at the Kentucky Welcome Center, near Jellico. Our
route entered the East Tennessee region from Georgia, following the Tennessee
Valley all the way through Knoxville to near Rocky Top, then climbed into the
Cumberland Mountains before crossing over into Kentucky at Jellico. Lunch at
London, KY.
After a scenic drive north, we took our campsite at
Whispering Hills RV Park, at Rogers Gap, just north of Georgetown, Kentucky. This
was another rural, quiet, campsite, on a lake, with ducks, Canada Geese, and
Kill Deer. It was cold overnight, so the electric heater AND the furnace kept
us cozy.
Monday, February 6, 2023
Driving from Georgetown, KY. to Seymour, IN. completed our
Florida vacation travels. Our route continued on I-75, then US 50 west, at
Cincinnati. We had a pizza-picnic lunch at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, the continued
US 50 west to Seymour. We parked and unloaded our rig, winterized, and headed
to Columbus. This has been a wonderful winter-trip to Florida, with splendid
attractions, pleasant weather, old friends, new friends, and scrumptious food.
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