Oscar Scherer SP (Dec 17-26)

We left Zephyrhills about 9:30 and arrived here about 11AM. We got set up, had lunch, and took a walk around the campground. We relaxed in the shade of the First-Up in the afternoon and after dinner we headed to Venice Inlet to catch the sunset and fish from the jetty. Joan caught the sunset while John caught three good sized pinfish. It is great to be back in the parks. It has been quite warm, which is supposed to end by the weekend.
Tuesday - We launched the kayaks by the office and headed towards the channel that goes towards the ICW. We fished around the channel with no results, so we fished likely areas on the way back. John managed three mangrove snappers that were fun, but too small to keep.
Wednesday - We had breakfast and decided to try Turtle Beach with the kayaks. We saw a lot of action, but they were mullet. John talked to a mullet fisherman afterwards, and he said that he has not seen any reds or trout in this area yet.
Thursday - In the morning, we stopped at Family Optical and picked out new glasses for John. We will pick them up after we return in January. Afterwards, we drove over to Shamrock Park to check out the ICW there. John fished there from shore, but again nothing. We talked to an older gentleman who fishes there every day and he said that he hasn't caught any fish there for a couple of weeks. Our friends, Bruce & Cheryl pulled in to their site down a few from us. We enjoyed getting caught up with them.
Friday - The four of us went on a nature with the assistant park manager, Jerry. He was very informative about the history of the park and things that are being done to maintain the habitat for plants and animals. In the evening we went back to the jetty with our friends and watched the sunset and huge waves coming in and breaking on the seawall. Finally we all went to the nature center where they showed "A Christmas Story" and served popcorn and cookies.
Saturday - Today we joined our friends in biking the Legacy Trail to the Venice Train Station and later kayaking South Creek. When we got back from that, we enjoyed a presentation by the naturalist on bald eagles. We biked about 14 miles today and kayaked about 5. Finally we went over to the amphitheater for cookies and hot chocolate and participated in a karaoke style Christmas carol singalong.
Sunday - We said goodbye to our friends this morning, had breakfast and went on an explore. We wanted to see if there was action on the Venice Pier, so we began there. Negative! We next went to Casperson Park and walked around there fore awhile. They continue to make improvements to an already very nice place. We checked with a few folks fishing there, but nothing biting. It is beginning to warm up after a significant cold snap.
Monday - We hung out around the campground and took several walks/hikes. Later in the day, we drove down to the Inlet and watched the sunset. It was a beautiful evening.
Tuesday - Merry Christmas friends. We pray the day finds you well and full of joy at the birth of our Lord and Savior.


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