Little Manatee River SP (Feb 9-22)

Tuesday - It was windy but not too cold for our move. We got here about 11:15, and were able to go directly to our site and set up. We ran into Dave and Pat, who were on their way to Publix. We were able to do a couple loads of laundry. We went to a dinner and talent program at our church this evening, put on by the youth group, and greatly enjoyed both.

Wednesday - It was cool, but the wind didn't pick up until after the campfire coffee. We checked out River Oaks RV Park near Ruskin, but although the people there were very nice, the sites just don't have enough space. We did discover a good place across the stress to launch the kayaks at a county park. No restrooms though. 

Thursday - We knew the boat ramp was closed, but we thought we could still launch the kayaks at Ft. Hamer Park. Sadly, when we got there, we find out the whole park is closed. We decided to stop for lunch at Popies Restaurant and go up to Apollo Beach and fish from shore. It was crowded there with many people fishing, and there were manatees all around. We saw a few fish caught, mostly jacks, but also a few pompano. Sadly, it was only casting practice for us. 

Friday - We launched the kayaks in at Emerson Point to fish. We tried several areas with little results. John finally caught two 13 inch seatrout about 100 yards off the launch. Reports from other fishermen were similar. 

Saturday - We stayed around camp today and hiked down to the nice park we found on the river. John fished with the Tenkara and caught two bream and a talapia. 

Sunday - We enjoyed another great service. Skip and Shirl arrived around noon, and after they got set up we walked to the lake and down to the river. 

They then came over for chicken and rice done in the Dutch oven. 

Monday - The four of us drove over to Medard County Park to visit our friends Bil and Joanne and possibly put the kayaks in there. It was too windy to do that, but we had a great visit, went for strawberry shortcake and fished a little from shore and the fishing piers, but no fish. In the evening, we enjoyed spaghetti with Skip & Shirl. 

Tuesday - We all decided to wheel the kayaks the approximately 1/2 mile to the lake here that nobody fished. After two hours of hard fishing? The only catches were two two bream caught by Joan and John. We have concluded that the lake is not worth the time. 

Wednesday - The four of us went back to Medard County Park and this time launched the kayaks to fish. John led the catching with two large blue tilapia and a large crappie, which we brought home and and enjoyed along with Shirl's beef stew. All were delicious. This area is a bird watchers dream, with many types of herons, pelicans, terms, etc. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. 

Thursday - We said goodbye to S&S this morning. In the PM we drove to O'Brien's Farm for our last BLT and strawberry shortcake for this season and to pick up veggies. They are doing another controlled burn here so we cancelled a hike down to the river. John doesn't do well around too much smoke. 

Friday - We tried Apollo Beach - nothing, then EG Simmons - only saw a few undersized trout caught. It was very windy, so no kayaking. 

Saturday - Big changes may be coming to our park in Zephyrhills, so we drove there to attend a meeting. Details to follow. 

Sunday - Quite sad that this was the last worship service here at UM Church at Sun Cty Center. Wonderful people. A beautiful day today and we visited with several fellow campers.

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