Hanging out near Tampa Florida

Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River is on the Gulf Coast a bit north of Tampa Florida.  This was an RV park so the spaces were pretty tight and it was a challenge getting Hilda (our trailer) into our spot. We had some spectacular thunderstorms, including a lightning strike in the middle of the night that was very close to us.  Due to all the rain, and the flat terrain of Florida, there was lots of standing water that stuck around for a few days.  Rubber boots are a normal part of your wardrobe if you live in the south (like during our time in Louisiana).  We explored some trails in the area and enjoyed the warm weather.

E.G. Simmons Regional Park

This county park is also on the Gulf, on the lower part of Tampa Bay.  There are a myriad of backwater ways, and our campsite backed onto one of those waterways.  There was a lot of wildlife in the area including racoons at our doorstep.  Once again we had some great thunderstorms and rain.  Susie has been able to find great camping spots like this by carefully searching the web. We went in to St. Petersburg to visit a Chihuly exhibit and glass blowing demonstration at the Morean Arts Center.  Chihuly’s glass creations are spectacular in person, I don’t think the photos do justice to his work. We also took a trip to Fort DeSoto State Park to enjoy an warm, windy afternoon on the beach.  Meanwhile, most of the rest of the US is under frigid conditions, and Texas is without power.  We knew South Florida would be a good place for the winter, we just didn’t know how much better it would turn out to be. 

Next up, more Southern Florida, perhaps some manatee and alligators?