Hillsborough River S.P. & Carefree Kissimmee RV Resort

I've been having such a good time that I've been remiss in updating the blog. We've had some cold, rainy weather in late January but it's still better than snow. At least, that's what the sign says. Not every day is paradise but many of them are very nice and sunny, mostly warm.

Hillsborough Site 108

After Lake Griffin we returned to Hillsborough River S.P. We spent another 5 days there, then had to leave for a couple of nights and returned to another spot. Florida state parks are very popular, you have to make reservations a year in advance or you'll not find more than a few days in a row available. We got a couple of nice spots. This is the first one (site 108) with a really nice view. I don't have a picture of the other one (site 51B) but it was smaller. It was on asphalt so we didn't have to contend with so much sand tracked into the trailer. 

Hillsborough River

Hillsborough River, bridge to one of the trails

We went from Hillsborough to Davenport, the Kissimmee South RV park. On arrival they said our intended site didn't have working electricity. So they put us on a "value" site and refunded $78. It turned out to be a nice spot, no one on the left side except the occasional overnighter. It's quiet and neighbors are very nice. I think if we come back here we'll ask for the same spot.
 

The RV park doesn't have the nice sites like the state park, but we are on sewers, have several nice fishing ponds and the neighbors are very nice. The front office will accept mail for us. We've ordered several items here and have had the mail forwarded to us. There's a swimming pool, lots of walking or bike riding areas, small library, propane and ice on -site. The only down side has been the cool to lukewarm showers. We've complained twice and they've raised the temp a little, but still mostly cool. Of the two available bathrooms, one is older and most of the facilities are out of order for all of our stay. The other is newer but further away. These are the only two in the park. 

On arrival some Florida Sandhill Cranes came up to eat at the bird feeder next door. They make the oddest noises. We thought there were just the two but many others have come into the park. They like it here too.

We are only 20 miles from Walt Disney World and even closer to Kissimmee. We went to Disney Springs a couple of times, once because I forgot my credit card at the Rain Forest Cafe.  It was a nice, albeit expensive, dinner. When we went back to get the card we spent more money, so lesson learned.
 

Rain Forest Cafe across the lake

Rain Forest Cafe Volcano Eruption

Ghirardelli Ice Cream Treat

Happy with the ice cream, frustrated with the camera' selfie button.

Rich and Yvonne, snowbirds, year 2

Yes, the snowbirds have migrated to central Florida for the winter of 2015-16.   We traveled from home to Vic and Barb's in Marietta. Spent New Year's with them, then went to southern Georgia, spending 2 nights in Reed Bingham S.P.  It was peaceful and picturesque but still cool. We had sunny days and cool nights. We walked around a little but didn't launch the kayak. The wind has us wearing our heavier jackets and I wanted to wait for warmer weather in Florida.

Rest area somewhere in Georgia

Reed Bingham SP, Adel, GA

Reed Bingham SP, Adel, GA

 We went from Reed Bingham to Hillsborough River S.P. in Thonotosassa, FL.  We were there for 8 nights, finally launching the kayak. I went solo, Yvonne was afraid for her back.  I fished and got a couple of love taps, had about a 14” largemouth follow me to the boat.  Mostly, I was just concerned in learning to launch, handle and recover the kayak.  It was easier to get it down from the 4Runner than to put it back. I have to have the front on my shoulders and I can't find anywhere to get handholds. I'm sure I'll get it.

Hillsborough River

First outing with the Kayak

 

We happen to be in Lake Griffin S.P. at the moment, Fruitland Park, FL, next to Leesburg.  We took the kayak out Thursday, paddled 1 mile out ‘Dead River’ marsh to Lake Griffin.  I saw nothing, I mean nothing, on the fish finder. The depth was a steady eight feet all the way, dropping to about 14 under the bridge then back to 9 on the other side. It’s a large lake, 9,400 acres. After paddling a mile I wasn’t in the mood to explore.  Next year I’ll have the trolling motor mounted on it and maybe we can find a close launch ramp, start from there. There’s supposed to be bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. I fished around an acre of lily pads and got no hits nor saw anything on the scope. Spoke to several other anglers in bass boats, no one was catching anything. 

Yesterday was 75 after a night’s low to 50.  Coldest so far has been 43 but they are predicting 39 for Sunday night.  We had some strong storms yesterday but mostly just heavy rain here.  We’re on a downhill slope here so I had to use a board to shovel a pile of sand, leaves and moss off the “yard” mat out front.  So far, mostly cooler weather, 50s and 60s, a few days in the mid-70s. They say we’re about 5-10 degrees below normal.  When the sun is out (also rare recently) it’s very pleasant with a hoodie.

There is a centuries old Live Oak here, Yvonne is standing at the base.  So far, no gators but we’re not complaining. Every turn looks primordial and you expect a gator or something Jurassic to pop out.

Live Oak at Lake Griffin S.P., Fruitland, Park, Florida