Monday - It was a short 19 mile trip here, so we got in before noon. Shade is at a premium, so we are depending on our awning and canopy to protect us from the Florida sun. We are trying something new to see if we would be happy in a private park rather than struggling with making reservations two weeks at a time in the state parks.
Tuesday - Another hot one today. We got gas then checked out a dirt road along the barge canal. It is possible to fish there, but not an area with much scenic appeal. Also got the truck really dirty. We enjoyed sitting in the shade much of the day, then drove out to Yankeetown, where John fished and Joan enjoyed the view, the shade, and the breeze. It turned out to be casting practice for John. On the way back in we stopped at Shrimp Landing and enjoyed shrimp scampi. It was quite good.
Wednesday - We biked with some of our kayak buds from up north on the Dennellon Bike Path which runs along the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers. We bike about 10 miles, and might have done more, but it got too hot.
Thursday - Our friends Mike and Christina came over and visited. We took a walk around the campground. They will be returning to Vietnam soon.
Friday - Our southern kayaking group put it at the Inglis dam/spillway and paddled downstream to Riverside Inn, where we had lunch. It was a nice 5.5 mile trip, in which we averaged about 4 mph. On the way we saw hundreds of gar, which were rolling on the surface.
Saturday - Our awning began to separate where it attaches at the motorhome, so John took upholstery thread and needle and sewed it thru two small holes he made in the attachment point. It came out great.
Sunday - Worship was awesome again. Pastor's message was incredible and aligned perfectly with what God has been speaking to us. In the afternoon we drove over to the Crystal River Preserve State Park and hiked and John fished from shore with little success.
Monday - We needed to drive to Zephyrhills for John's yearly eye appointment and our dermatology checkup. John checked out good on both, while Joan required a biopsy. We are praying for a good result on that. We had a nice visit and breakfast with SIL Shirl and short visit with former neighbors, George and Dot. On the way back, we stopped at Charlie's in Crystal River for dinner outside on King's Bay.
Tuesday - Our GMC Canyon has a recall, so we made an appointment with the dealer here in Crystal Springs for today. When we got there, they told us it would take several hours of work, so we had to leave it there. They gave us a loaner for the day.
Wednesday - Here we sit in our motorhome still without our truck. The dealer says they need another full day, so we won't get it back until late tomorrow. All our fishing gear is in the truck, plus we have no way to transport the kayaks on the loaner, so fishing is out of the question. DirecTV also messed up our appointment for this morning by trying to send the technician to Trackrock instead of here in Florida. They did not get our address changed even after three calls to do so. I think we finally got it straightened out today.
Thursday - We didn't have our fishing gear, since it was still in the truck, so we went on an explore of the recreation areas close by. We went over to Felburn Park, which has a bike trail along the Canal. We walked a ways on it, then drove on a dirt road out to the end. There are a few places (piers) along the way to fish. Later, after dinner, we received a call that our truck was ready to pick up. With some trepidation we got it and thankfully, it seemed all fixed. We tried fishing from a boat launch close to our campground on the Canal, but quickly got chased away by no-see-ums. We decided to drive out to the end of Hwy 40 at Yankeetown to enjoy the sunset. John fished, but there was nothing biting.
Friday - Applebee's was honoring vets today, so we went there for lunch and had a great meal. Fishing stops at the dam and Inglis Recreation Area proved fruitless.
Saturday - Our DirecTV guy came out to upgrade us to Genie, but was unable to proceed because we don't have a permanent setup. We'll have to wait until we get back to Georgia and have a professional instillation. We rode our bikes across the canal bridge and into the Nature Coast Landing RV Park where we enjoyed checking out sites. It was really a nice day with perfect temps.
Sunday - We enjoyed another great service. This time the kids from the nursery school came and did a song. They were priceless. So cute. The message was again very challenging.
Monday - It was a perfect tide and weather conditions and our hopes were high for a successful kayak fishing trip at Yankeetown. It was not to be however, with neither of us getting a single hit. There was plenty of mullet action, but nothing that will take the Clousers and hoppers we were using.
Tuesday - Another trip to Zephyrhills for our annual dental checkup and cleaning. Joan also had a follow up appointment at the dermatologist. Thankfully all was clear.
Wednesday - We took a walk at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve off Hwy 40 near Yankeetown. It is a very beautiful area with a tidal creek on the trail. We then went out to the end hoping to get some good fishing information from locals. We were not disappointed. A couple who were getting their boat ready to leave were very helpful. They pointed out several areas where we should find sea trout and reds.
Thursday - It was low tide when we put the kayaks in again at Yankeetown. We followed the advice of some locals who told us where they have caught fish. At least we saw some fish, but couldn't get anything to bite. We stopped at Our Pub on the way home for pizza, but they don't make them until 4PM, so we had burgers. They were quite good, but the service was extremely slow, even though it was not crowded.
Friday - We needed a down day, so Joan knitted while John tied flies. Of course there were a couple of walks involved too.
Saturday - Our friends Bob and Kathy who we met at the Trout Unlimited Picnic in Hiawassee came over and we drove to the Yankeetown Seafood Festival. It was pretty typical of most festivals, but we did see some unusual arts and crafts. We had lunch at Cracker's and enjoyed getting to know them. They also like to fish, so we are going to try to meet up with them for some outings.
Sunday - Another wonderful service and message. Pastor Eddie does such an awesome job in his message to the little ones. They are so cute. We are going to miss it here when we leave in December.
Monday - It was quite chilly today by Florida standards, so we took a day trip to Cedar Key. We checked out a few boat launches, but decided they were too open and subject to the wind for us. We walked around town and looked in one shop. On the way back we drove over to Lower Suwanee River Preserve and walked out to the boardwalk. It is a beautiful spot. Next we drove to a boat ramp and park on the Waccasassa River and John fished a little from the bank. Nothing biting. Finally, when we got back to Inglis, we stopped at Shrimp Landing for their shrimp tacos. Yum!!
Wednesday - Since Yankeetown didn't treat us very well, we decided to try Crystal River Preserve State Park. There is a nice launch near the Visitor Center, with restrooms and good security. We tried several areas and finally, John caught a seatrout which was too small, but at least some action. Later, Joan caught one about the same size. We saw two dolphin coming up the river and also saw two bald eagles make an osprey give up its catch and drop it. At least here we saw many boats fishing in the same general areas we were. The tides were high and did not begin to flow back out until we were nearly done for the day.
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving! We drove to Williston, Fl and had turkey and fixin's at The Ivy House Restaurant. It was really nice. The food was great as was the service. We had to bring a doggy bag back with us.
Friday - Despite our fears that it would be very crowded on the water, we checked the tide tables and planned our kayak trip back to Crystal River Preserve State Park. There was little wind, so the no-see-ums were merciless. We tried a spray that was supposed to repel them, but in only worked for a short time. John had most of the action with two ladyfish, and a small snook. Joan had to settle for a needlefish. The number of boats that headed out to the gulf was very impressive.
Sunday - We will miss Dunnellon UMC when we leave this week. After the service we returned to Inglis and had breakfast at Shrimp Landing. Excellent! In the afternoon, we got the bikes loaded on the truck and took them over to Felburn Park access to the Withlacoochee Bay Trail. We had a nice ride along the trail.
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Rainbow Springs SP (Oct 23-30)
Sunday - Today we drove farther than usual at 258 miles, with considerable truck traffic the last stretch on I-75. We got into our site (14) after five hours. Thankfully, the trip was uneventful. We decided to treat ourselves at The Front Porch Restaurant. We got together with our friends Mike and Christina who now live in a nice little community on the river. We all walked down to their dock and met some of their friends. It was great getting caught up with them.
Monday - We slept in this morning, then took a couple of walks around. The park is looking rather ragged and not as well managed. There are no camp hosts right now either. In the evening, we went down to the river and John fished with the Duck Commander pole using a finesse worm. First cast produced a nice bass that John filleted. The mosquitoes were also biting.
Tuesday - We managed to sleep in again. It has been great sleeping weather. We made a Wally run and John tried for the third time without success to get our service address changed with Directv so we can get our local channels. Each time they seemed more intent to sell us something than getting us back working. John also tried to get the awning end that has partially come out of its groove to go back, but failed. Looks like we will have to put up with it for now.
Wednesday - We drove out to the end of Hwy 40 past Yamkeetown and put the kayaks in for a couple of hours. We saw plenty of mullet action, but only got a couple of hookups. Joan lost a big fish while John landed a mangrove snapper that was a half inch from being a keeper. It got quite windy around noon. We had lunch at the Riverside Lodge that used to be the Isaac Walton Lodge. They kept his name on the building anyway. We both had their shrimp special, which was excellent. Their prices were reasonable as well. The Lodge is on the Withlacoochee River with nice views while we were eating. On the way back we stopped in at Gulf Coast RV Resort where we will be staying in November to introduce ourselves. The lady there, Dawn, was vary nice and helpful.
Thursday - We had our friends Mike and Christina over for dinner and had a nice visit.
Friday - Today we kayaked with the southern contingent of our group from Silver lake to the River Ratz Cafe in Nobleton. It was I nice, but quite long (7 mile) paddle. The current helped, but was tricky in spots. No gators and John didn't fish.
Saturday - We visited a couple yard sales/flea markets, but didn't buy anything. Then we went to the Inglis Lock Recreation Area and after picking up four bags of fisherman trash fished for awhile. John had his 6 wt. with a black foam hopper which caught nothing. Joan on the other hand caught a real nice bass on a Zoom finesse worm usung a Duck Commander pole. We brought it home and added it to the two re already had. In the evening, we went over to Mike and Christina's for a burger and hotdog cookout down by the river. It was a great dinner and time with them.
Sunday - It was great to get back to First UMC of Dunnellon for a super contemporary worship service. Pastor Eddie's messages are always challenging and encouraging. We will be able to go here for all of November as well. Afterwards we had breakfast at the Citrus Grill. It was very different, but good.
View Pictures: Click Here
Monday - We slept in this morning, then took a couple of walks around. The park is looking rather ragged and not as well managed. There are no camp hosts right now either. In the evening, we went down to the river and John fished with the Duck Commander pole using a finesse worm. First cast produced a nice bass that John filleted. The mosquitoes were also biting.
Tuesday - We managed to sleep in again. It has been great sleeping weather. We made a Wally run and John tried for the third time without success to get our service address changed with Directv so we can get our local channels. Each time they seemed more intent to sell us something than getting us back working. John also tried to get the awning end that has partially come out of its groove to go back, but failed. Looks like we will have to put up with it for now.
Wednesday - We drove out to the end of Hwy 40 past Yamkeetown and put the kayaks in for a couple of hours. We saw plenty of mullet action, but only got a couple of hookups. Joan lost a big fish while John landed a mangrove snapper that was a half inch from being a keeper. It got quite windy around noon. We had lunch at the Riverside Lodge that used to be the Isaac Walton Lodge. They kept his name on the building anyway. We both had their shrimp special, which was excellent. Their prices were reasonable as well. The Lodge is on the Withlacoochee River with nice views while we were eating. On the way back we stopped in at Gulf Coast RV Resort where we will be staying in November to introduce ourselves. The lady there, Dawn, was vary nice and helpful.
Thursday - We had our friends Mike and Christina over for dinner and had a nice visit.
Friday - Today we kayaked with the southern contingent of our group from Silver lake to the River Ratz Cafe in Nobleton. It was I nice, but quite long (7 mile) paddle. The current helped, but was tricky in spots. No gators and John didn't fish.
Saturday - We visited a couple yard sales/flea markets, but didn't buy anything. Then we went to the Inglis Lock Recreation Area and after picking up four bags of fisherman trash fished for awhile. John had his 6 wt. with a black foam hopper which caught nothing. Joan on the other hand caught a real nice bass on a Zoom finesse worm usung a Duck Commander pole. We brought it home and added it to the two re already had. In the evening, we went over to Mike and Christina's for a burger and hotdog cookout down by the river. It was a great dinner and time with them.
Sunday - It was great to get back to First UMC of Dunnellon for a super contemporary worship service. Pastor Eddie's messages are always challenging and encouraging. We will be able to go here for all of November as well. Afterwards we had breakfast at the Citrus Grill. It was very different, but good.
View Pictures: Click Here
Lake Seminole SP (Oct 22-23)
Friday - It was a quick 70 mile trip here with a nice tailwind. Georgia, in most of their parks does not allow specific site selection. It is wise to get in early before the better sites are taken. We got site 18, which is quite nice and mostly level. John had a challenge finding sky for the satellite. After soup for lunch, we walked over to the fishing pier, which turned out to be unfishable due to thick weeds, and the boat launch looked good, but did not produce even a bite. This a really beautiful park and is really filling up for the weekend.
View Pictures; Click Here
View Pictures; Click Here
Cottonhill COE (Oct 20)
Thursday - We got in about noon after a mostly uneventful drive. The only issue was when we missed a turn and had to make a u-turn at the entrance to Ft. Benning. They were very nice, though. While we were disconnecting the truck, John pushed the parking brake down too hard and broke the 12 V plug to the Brake Buddy. We drove to Abbyville, Al. and picked up a new one, and decided to have dinner at Huggin Molly's Restaurant. We both had their specialty burgers which were very good. After John got the plug fixed, he took a 6 wt. fly rod with a black foam hopper and fished the areas between heavy weeds. He caught three small bass. We are having to deal with Argentine ants here too.
Whitetail Ridge COE (October 18-19)
Tuesday - We had a nice five hour trip here and enjoyed the leaves, even though the color faded the further we got south and lower elevation. We got set up on site 34, which is real nice on a cove and relaxed after getting things organized and put away. After stuffed pepper soup for dinner, we headed down to the boat ramp and dock armed with our Duck Commander poles and Zoom finesse worms to see what we could catch. John caught a nice 13" spotted bass on his first cast. This was a good sign, especially since others fishing there said it was real slow. Sadly, this was the only ish for the evening. We will been to complete our dinner provision tomorrow.
Wednesday - We had washed the motorhome before we left, but it had a summer to collect grime inside and out, so we took advantage of the cool morning. Joan attacked the inside, while John was assigned outside. It really looks nice now and ready for us to enjoy the winter in it. In the evening we returned to the boat ram area, Joan with the same as yesterday and John with a foam hopper on a 6 wt. Joan lost a nice bass and John caught a few small bluegill and bass. Nothing to fillet.
View Pictures: Click Here
Wednesday - We had washed the motorhome before we left, but it had a summer to collect grime inside and out, so we took advantage of the cool morning. Joan attacked the inside, while John was assigned outside. It really looks nice now and ready for us to enjoy the winter in it. In the evening we returned to the boat ram area, Joan with the same as yesterday and John with a foam hopper on a 6 wt. Joan lost a nice bass and John caught a few small bluegill and bass. Nothing to fillet.
View Pictures: Click Here
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