A few months ago, Brian and I started talking about adding a camper to our outdoor adventures (off-road motorcycle riding, kayaking, hiking, geocaching). We decided to rent a RV to see if the lifestyle would work for us. We rented a Class C RV from Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden, Florida. Barbara and Chris (from the rental department at Giant Recreation World) were very helpful.. Barbara got us all signed up and Chris gave us a thorough explanation of the RV's features.
Shortly we were on our way to Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins (100 miles north of home). Setting up the camper was easy, even for newbies. Water...✔, electricity...✔, sewer...✔. Our excitement for our new adventure was still running high.
However, we found that the Wifi signal was weak (even with a booster), our cell signal was minimal and we didn't get good TV reception. I admit, I did start to think that without the "Trifecta of Technology", this lifestyle may not work for us.
It didn't take long, though, to get into enjoying the experience. The weather was perfect and the campground was quiet and peaceful. I spent most of my time sitting outside. In the morning the squirrels put on quite a show...every day a Pileated Woodpecker showed up...and I read two paperbacks (thanks to the camp store's lending library). I was fascinated by the surrounding trees. I learned I could live without internet and TV.
Brian and I rented kayaks and took a 4-mile paddle down the Ichetucknee River at the nearby State Park. In the summer, tubing is very popular. The young guy who shuttled us to the river said that there are as many as 5,000 tubers a day on the river. The line to get in the park can be 4 miles long before the park opens. We picked a great time because the traffic on the river was very light...no lines, no waiting.
Kayaking was very relaxing and the scenery was beautiful. There were lots of turtle on the river, interesting flowers (spider lilies), beautiful springs and miles of clear, calm water.
I found a spot where the fish were jumping. See why I LOVE KAYAKING!
The next day, we bicycled back to the park to see two springs that were not accessible from the river (the Head Spring and Blue Hole). It took me a while to slowing ease myself into the cold water (a constant 72 degree), but the underwater view at the spring was worth the discomfort.
Brian and I celebrated our last evening with a campfire. Later that night we were serenaded by several owls. What a treat.
On our way home we took a side trip the University of Florida Museum of Natural History to see the exhibit, Frogs! a Chorus of Colors. It was a different experience driving the RV in a big city...traffic, obstacles, unsympathetic drivers. At the museum, we had to pay for 4 parking places! With a little more experience we may have gotten it down to 3 spots.
The exhibit was colorful and informative. Frogs come in all sizes and colors. The golden poison frog from Central and South America is probably the most poisonous animal on Earth. One golden poison frog contains enough poison to kill 10 people. Another poison frog (Epibpedobates tricolor) produces a powerful painkiller that seems to have all of the benefits of morphine, but none of the damaging side effects. Interesting creatures.
THE VERDICT
I knew this trip was a success when after we were home, comfortably watching TV, Brian said he would rather be sitting outside the campsite. Good thing we liked it, because we have already ordered a new van and bought a travel trailer.
I see many more adventures in our future!
