Farewell to Florida Fun

And so exactly two months (Nov 22-Jan 22) we have left the snowbird state.  An article we read states that Canadian snowbirds spend 5 billion dollars in Florida each season, so we have done our miniscule (in comparison) share.  And we get it… sparkling waters, sunny skies, gorgeous weather, throw in stunning birds, cute manatees, alligators and everglades and you can see why.

We covered 7008km and travelled the complete coastline from Jacksonville on the Atlantic down to Key West and back along the Gulf and across the “Forgotten Coast” and Emerald Coast on the Panhandle.  Throw in a few inland adventures to Osceola State Park, the Everglades and Blue Spring State Park and we feel we have seen most of what Florida has to offer.

And of course the other fantastic highlight has been the folks we have been able to reconnect with along the way – making it a sweet deal for sure.

• Dave & Alex in Jacksonsville
• Scott, Paula & Kathy in St. Augustine
• Willie & Bev in Clearwater
• Ron & Judy in Hernando Beach
• Ann and Roxy at Cape Canaveral
• Reid & Kathy – St. Augustine to Tampa
• Childhood Neighborhood Friend….. Kelly & Mary in West Palm Beach
• Teresa – Tampa to Pensacola

 

Who would have thought that Roo can do company?  All in a 24’ RV?  We had a fun filled, laugh out loud, never a dull moment adventure with Reid and Kathy from December 26-January 8.  We covered a lot of territory and started work on our next adventure – finding the perfect catamaran for four!

A quick change over day and Teresa arrived for a visit January 10-21.  We were able to pack it all in and had many memorable, mermaid-type moments and firsts – alligators in the wild and snorkeling with the manatees.  Awesome fun!

So with many stops, pictures and moments we will sign off with just a taste of our favorites:

FAVORITE:

Campground        Fort de Soto State Park, Sarasota

Beach                     the white, squeaky sands and quietness of St. Joesph State Park on the Panhandle

Happy hour          Key West all the way baby – Sunset Pier and Sloppy Joes on Duvall Street

Experience           manatee moments at Blue Spring State Park

City                         St. Augustine – the historic Spanish Fort, Christmas lights, National Cemetery,

Anastasia State Park & Beach

Distillery/Winery     Siesta Key Distillery – BEST coconut rum EVER!  (made with lots of real coconut)

Get Away                Cocoa Beach where we indulge in a bargain, off season resort on the beach

 

Sunset                    Turtle Beach Campground – times two!

Seafood                  White gulf shrimp and cheap tuna steaks

One time event        watching a satellite launch at Cape Canaveral from our campsite dock

Roo’s favorite           four new rear tires

And off we go… headed west and north to HOME!  We have to be back by March 27 for health insurance so we are savoring the last of our journey.  New Orleans here we come!!!