January 26-29, 2023 Old Town, Florida

 We arrived at Old Town Campground in Old Town, Florida on Thursday. The people here are super friendly! Cheryl greeted us and told us about a chili cook-off on Saturday. The neighbor Sherrie (an artist) welcomed us and Tito stared at their cat. The guys next door plan on hunting hogs and the man kitty corner from us played good music (folk music).  

Tito under the camper

Friday we went on a hike to the South and North trails at Otter Creek. It was a cool day - a high around 60. The springs we hiked to were so clear! We saw turtles and bass - but the pics did not show them.

“Way down upon the Suwannee River, far far away…”

A Red Shouldered Hawk - up close and personal

After our hike we went out to dinner at Suwannee Belle Landing. We both had the grouper - and it was super! Our table had a great view of the river. We saw lots of jumping fish!

 

Saturday was another cool day - 60ish. But the sun was shining so we went for a 6 mile walk.

We relaxed the rest of the day. We tried to help mom and dad figure out problems with their tv - but failed.

We ate leftovers and just hung out. Our neighbors came home with 3 pigs they hunted. They said it was good eatin’!

Sunday we left Old Town and headed to Manatee Springs State Park.

January 23-26, 2023 Withlacoochee River Park

 We left the cold and snow in Michigan January 22. Roads were fine and not busy - but cloudy skies all the way to Perry, Georgia. 

Monday morning we woke up to blue skies and sunshine!  ☀️

We picked up Beauty and headed to Withlacoochee River Park. The campground was small (16 sites) but so nice!

The staff were very friendly and recommended Steph’s - good southern food. Kurt had chicken, rice and black eyed peas. I had Oxtail, squash and black eyed peas. Forgot to take a pic. 

Tuesday we went for a 20 mile bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail. Nice ride!

After our ride, we cleaned up and went to dinner at Green Door on 8th Street - a gem in downtown Dade City!

We enjoyed sangria and Kurt had jumbalaya, gumbo & crawfish etouffee. I had shrimp and grits. The grits were made with smoked Gouda.  I am not a fan of grits - but these?!?! Awesome! The food was fantastic!  If you are ever in Dade City - this is worth going to!

We enjoyed a fire that evening.

Wednesday we went for a 6 mile hike. The landscape is beautiful - live oak and many birds - including Sand Cranes, White-eyed Vireo and. Red Shouldered Hawk - just did not get pics of them.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

I think a female house finch

Brown Creeper

Hairy Woodpecker

We met Aunt Betty, Uncle Ken, my cousin Steve and his wife Tami. We went out for Mexican food and had a delicious pumpkin cake back at their home. It was so good to see them, catch up on life and memories.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Withlacoochee River Park!  Now on to our next adventures!  Old Town, Florida!