Meandering the Country

January 15 - 22, 2021   The Savannas Recreation Area is a preserve located only a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean.  Fort Pierce is 6 miles away, so the preserve has a convenient location!  It offers kayaking, canoeing, and hiking, which could be endless if you don’t mind occasional encounters with alligators and snakes!  Apparently, the preserve has suffered from budget cuts recently and workers have not been able to keep some of the tall grasses cut back.  The part of the park that is maintained is fantastic!  There was a 1½ mile (one way) paved trail that took us through marshes, across the canal and out to the savannas.  Walking along the trail was like walking in an aviary where we observed a wide variety of birds.  Alligators were also present, but at a safe distance!  Signs were posted reminding all that it is illegal to feed the gators so we kept Frankie on a very short leash so we wouldn't get in ...

January 1-15, 2021 Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds (COE) are amazing and affordable!  The past three weeks we hung out at two different COEs located around Lake Okeechobee. The first one was Ortona South Campground.  It was near the town of Moore Haven, FL.  While eating breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the campsite picnic table, we would have to remind ourselves it is actually JANUARY!!!  We enjoyed watching the birds, sunsets, taking walks and playing with Frankie.  Frankie even got an outdoor bath and haircut!   We spent considerable time enjoying the fresh air while we dreamed about where we want 2021 to take us.  We looked at maps, attractions, and campgrounds and came up with a plan!  We are a bit relieved to have things mapped out, as campsites can be difficult to get if you don't have them booked in advance.  We've made note of the various campgrounds' reservation windows and have them marked on the calendar as to when we can ma...

December 24, 2020 - January 1, 2021 We arrived at Lake Louisa State Park on Christmas Eve, having made our reservations over a year ago.  Our intent was to be in a campground located close to Disney World and have the family join us for a Disney Christmas.  Well, COVID changed the family from being able to join us (NO ONE is interested in flying at this time!!) and spending time in Disney World.  Regardless, we had a wonderful Christmas in the camper at this beautiful park!  Disney may have been canceled, but the Zoom went on!  We still exchanged gifts.  Brandon and Anne even managed to have some celebratory adult beverage delivered to our campsite in spite of possible campground violations!  Speaking of celebratory adult beverages, if you haven’t tried Pecan flavored whiskey in eggnog, you owe yourself a treat!   Don’t forget the dash of nutmeg!  Venems and Cranes sent us a package filled with ho...