Crystal River Preserve State Park

Monday we said a sad goodbye - or see you later - to Barbara and Terry. Before we left we were able to empty and fill our tanks and after playing in the sand Cassia got a bath. All set - we hit the road.

From Barbara and Terry's we found our way back to the 39 north. We DID cross over the 60 - again - but still loaded with fruit from the Strawberry Palace we didn't stop in but continued north on the 39 through Plant City. We also passed the Red Rose Inn where we stayed for the Grace Conference not too long ago.

We continued on the 39 until just below Zephyrhills where we took a right on Chancy Road. Barbara and Terry tipped us off to Chancy - a bypass that meets back to the 39 just above Dade City. That's what's great about knowing the locals!

Anyway - we made our way to Brookville and then on to Homosassa Springs. It didn't take us very long.

So we headed north to the Cyrstal River Preserve State Park - a rare state park with free entrance.

Good thing too cuz there isn't much there!

We stayed parked in their lot for the afternoon - took a few walks and then a nap.

We stayed until sunset - looked like a shrimp boat going out for the night.

So - not the most exciting of days - but it got us closer to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where we went on Tuesday. 

We stayed at the Homosassa Springs Walmart for the night. Good news! Seems that you can add it to the list of Walmarts in Florida that you CAN overnight. We were no alone - when we drove in there were three other rigs. We were happy to see them!

Thanks for visiting!

Teresa

You just never know

You just never know - seemed like an apt title for this post - on two counts. 

The first - you just never know

is the fact that last Friday we actually got to attend a bible study in person with Pastor Curt Crist.

The timing of our being here just when Curt and Debbie were down from Asheville, North Carolina was just too amazing. We have been listening and watching Pastor Curt's videos for almost two years now and have learned so much from his teachings. He is a super speaker and teacher. To watch his videos visit Grace Abounded More  and/or visit his site at Welcome to Grace.

The beginning of the teaching - 'Welcome to Grace' - with Pastor Curt Crist.

Pastor Curt speaking with Ray.

It was bit of a marathon day. We didn't get out of the hotel until about eleven with still a few stops to make on our way to the teaching about 5 miles south of the 39 and 60. Just east of the hotel we stopped at Walmart to stock up and then on to the Strawberry Palace for another - yes - another load up of fresh fruit and veggies. If you are counting it was our third time to this great place.

When we arrived at the location of the bible study we were offered lunch and all sorts of treats. The teaching went from about 1 - 4 and then 6 - 8. I have to say that Cassia did very very well. Every Church we have been to and the Bible Conference have had playrooms. And so Cassia was pretty quickly scoping out the place. We created a little play space for her beside us with her own toys.

The 3 of us with Pastor Curt - soooo happy to be here in person.

Curt and Debbie Crist.

When it was done we bid adieu to Curt and Debbie who had to drive all the way back to Asheville the next day. It was a bit sad for us - we had just gotten to know them and were enjoying the fellowship - time sure flies.......

We followed Barbara and Terry back to their place not to far from the Bible Study. Thus leading to the

second - you just never know

you just never know when two great people and new friends are right around the corner. We have been blessed to spend the last two nights - and tonight the third - parked on Barbara and Terry's property - enjoying their hospitality and generosity. 

Cassia has taken a particular liking to Barbara - how could she not?! I think it is because she is a blend between my mom - Cassia's Oma and Derek's mom - Cassia's Gram Gram. Barbara is also just one of those people kids (and adults :)) are drawn too - being a mother down to a great grandmother must have something to do with it. We have so enjoyed being here!

One of the first pictures I took - now I'm not sure what Derek and Barbara were looking at.

Ladies of leisure - Cassia and Ashtyn - Barbara and Terry's great grand daughter who was visiting on Saturday.

We have spent a couple of days enjoying being parked. The nights have been cool - I think last night was 36 F - and so have been just thrilled to have electricity for the heater as well.

Today we spent sometime playing (as we did yesterday) with the neighbour kids - Emma and Jake. Super kids - we really enjoyed kicking the ball around with them and such. Derek also spent some time with the map in hand showing them where we live and what it is like - 'up there in Canada'.

Emma, Spot and Cassia.

ahhhhhhh - what a face!

Jake and Cassia playing........

and chasing. hmmmm - being chased by the boys already - yikes!

Cassia and I with Barbara and Terry.

Sorry - I was NOT planning on being in a picture - OR I would have dressed for it!

And so, for me these last few days, and our whole trip really has been a big

you just never know

I could never ever have planned or predicted how our trip this year would have gone. To have been able to meet such wonderful teachers and to have been able to fellowship with our brethern has made it a trip of a life time really. Yes, we have seen a lot of great scenery and such - and don't get me wrong - that is really great - but the learning and visiting and friendships that we have found has been the true blessing.

I could go home now and be happy!

Well, lets not go crazy - it is colddddddddd up there in BC. Oh and by the way, as of yesterday Saturday, January 14th we have been on the road for 

3 months

Boy has it gone fast. For the first month or so it felt really slow but now time just seems to be flying by. And so on that note, tomorrow we will continue our trek northward. We won't be going to far - back up past Zephyrhills and Dade City - crossing a path and then on to the 98 headed to the coast - should be about 75 miles. We are going to Homosassa Springs to spend tomorrow night at the Walmart. Fingers crossed that it is ok - they are not on the 'no overnight parking' list. 

Time for a movie on Hulu! Thanks for visiting!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: As you may have noticed we haven't visited any theme parks, zoos or aquariums while in Florida. They are EVERYWHERE it seems and so it is a bit weird that we haven't been to any. The main reason is cost - they are pretty expensive. And with Cassia being 2 1/2 years old we are just not sure how much she will get out of them. BUT we are going to splurge on the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park  Tuesday. It seems like it will be our kind of place - for all 3 of us. If all goes well, we will spend Tuesday night at the Home Depot - with wifi - and I can post the pictures then.

We'll miss the hot tub

A double header tonight! I wanted to add this post - to conclude our stay here at the Marriott - particularly while we still have non stop electricity and wifi. Good thing we are leaving tomorrow because

we could get used to this kind of living! 

You could probably see this coming, and I guess we could too but just didn't want to think about it - but we will definitely have trouble detaching ourselves from this place. I think Cassia too - who was the most suspicious, has come to see why mom and dad were so excited last Monday.

This morning we decided to start the day with our Black Sapote - it was FINALLY time. This was one of the exotic fruits we picked up at Robert Is Here just outside of the Everglades National Park. When purchased it was green = unripe. The clerk told Derek to wait until it becomes black and mushy. mmmmm appetizing...

We figured it was now or never.The black Sapote is also called the chocolate pudding fruit - which was what REALLY got our attention and why we bought it. Guess we should have read the fine print.

It LOOKS like chocolate pudding it does not TASTE like chocolate pudding! 

So disappointment and a general sense of displeasure quickly set in. I was the one that ended up eating it as Derek and Cassia lost interest after a few bites - the problem?

It has NO taste! Can you believe that. I don't care that it didn't taste like chocolate - although that would have been a great breakfast - but it sure would have been nice if it had a taste. Pass it by if you see one.

The morning and early afternoon continued on like every day this week - not much. We did take a trip to the pool and hot tub of course.

Early afternoon we got a call from Pastor Curt - the deliverer of the deviled crab I told you about last night. So off he and Derek went to Brocato's Sandwich Shop - an institution here in the Tampa area. They don't have a website but you can check out the great reviews at the link. It's one of those places that is ALWAYS busy - we are glad that we got a chance to sample their food.

We had deviled crab....

and not sure of the name of this one - a deep fried shephards pie - or meat pie is the best we can come up with.....

and a Cuban of course!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And so the the three of us sat with Pastor Curt enjoying our late lunch and some great teaching. Actually, one of the blessings of the hotel was not only the physical comforts, but being able to be close to Pastor Curt and his wife Debbie (whom we hadn't met in person until last Monday) so that we could visit with them and begin our bible study before tomorrow's bible study. 

Pastor Curt and Derek - discussing what - the Bible - Rightly Divided - of course.

Since that took the rest of the afternoon and we were stuffed from the cuban food we didn't have dinner. Instead we headed back to the pool room for one last dip in the pool and hot tub. This time I brought the camera and was able to catch the old man (of now 47) doing a back flip in the pool - to impress his daughter no doubt. Sadly, the few hot tub pics I took have hit the cutting room floor. 

And so, in the morning we say goodbye to the Marriott. We are headed back to where the 39 meets the 60 and heading south a few miles. Of course if you have been following along with us those 2 roads will sound familiar. Yup

that's where the STRAWBERRY PALACE is located. 

I think we'll have to stop back in to see our new friends there - just in time too - we just finished our 2 - yes 2 - containers of strawberries.

The bible study with Pastor Curt will take up the day and we'll be parked at one of the brethern tomorrow night. Kinda hoping there is a place to plug in since 38 F or 3 C is expected for Saturday night. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! are we NOT in southern Florida?

Come this weekend we are headed - NORTH - which was inevitable. Problem is that this whole time we have been headed south. I didn't stop and really think about it when we were in Key West. It was the most south we could go - everything else was now north. Oh well - there is still so much to see. We are really excited to see the north western side of Florida and of course the gulf coast areas.

By the way, I have been really bad in keeping y'all up to date on our expenses for the last few months. Suffice to say that we are KIND OF on budget. We are staying pretty close to our $1,000/month budget but we have been going over a bit. We definitely splurged in December - mainly due to the cost of things in Florida and paying for some camping. We have managed to stay under $400 for food which is good.

Also, just to let you know we have now travelled 8,809 kms or 5,474 miles! WoW! a longgggggg way - eh? To date gas has cost us $1,624 so still between 29-30 cents a mile. At the moment we may exceed the budget I had in mind of $3,000 for gas - my rational being that we are 1/2 through our trip and so I will have to double the $1,624. 

But I don't think that is totally true - our trip home should be shorter - I think - I'll get back to you on that!

I'm glad you came to hear about our day! 

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: Today I posted on Authentic Florida's fb page looking for suggestions and comments from Floridians (or those that travel here) about our trip north. Robin of Authentic Florida forwarded this article about central Florida which was very helpful. She also recommended Withlacoochee (quite a mouth full) State Park. Her suggestion was given a big thumbs up by others and so we may need to stop and check it out. 

Plant City, Florida

As we have mentioned in a few posts now, we came up to Plant City (just east of Tampa) on Friday for the Florida Grace Conference, a conference put on by the Grace Church's of Florida (Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth). We heard about this conference somewhere between our drive from Jerry Lockhart's Church in New Braunfels Texas to Steve Gotberg's in Montgomery Alabama - I can't remember exactly how - undoubtedly through fb.

Looking at the map, our first thought was - NOPE - can't do it - just look at all those roads - WAY to busy for us!

However, upon closer inspection it looked like we may just be able to squeeze through on a less traveled road. Sure, ok - well MAYBE we can do it.

Well of course after all the mayhem of Southern Florida Derek has become quite the pro on these busy roads and so really the trip into Plant City was pretty darn easy. We are glad we came.

Although we had written to the Red Rose Inn & Suites weeks ago to inquire about whether or not we could park in their lot for the duration of the conference, we hadn't heard back. So, we were a bit worried about where we would be staying. Fortunately, and we are very thankful, the front desk girl didn't even blink and directed us to the back by the conference hall - to a nice and quite area with even a bit of grass! What a spot!

Doesn't even look like we are parked in a hotel parking lot. There is a strip of rooms to the right but they weren't renting them over the weekend.

 A very nice conference building.

We had a great weekend. Great teaching from the various Pastors and we met some great people and families. Great, great, great..... (I may need a new word).

AND - Maude - remember her from Valdosta - was there - a total surprise for us! Boy - do we ever love Maude. Maude's family - sister's, brother in laws, and nieces live in the Tampa area and also attended the conference. Maude has one of those families that you wish you were a part of so you would have an excuse to hang out with them - what wonderful people. We will miss Maude - we invited her to come visit us at home - she smiled and didn't say no - so who knows.....fingers crossed.

We also met a family from the Jacksonville Florida area - Laura and Mark and their six kids. Cassia and I spent some time in the playroom and with the 3-5 year olds and we met Laura and her kids there. It was nice to see Cassia interacting with other kids albeit all much older then her. Later we met up with Laura's husband Mark. They are considering - maybe - going out on the road. Of course, I am always willing and ready to pass on information about such a lifestyle as ours. Roofous was also very popular this weekend and was visited regularly by both the kids and adults.

Cassia 'enchanted' by the big kids playing football - notice - mostly girls and in skirts no less.

Derek chatting with Maude. I didn't get any more shots inside as the room was very dark.

The conference ended on Sunday around noon and pretty quickly everyone was gone - more goodbyes to new friends. Derek went to check if we could stay where we were for the night and got the ok.

So what are we doing still here?

I am glad you asked. Last week when we posted on fb that we were headed to Plant City - a fb friend commented that Pastor Curt Crist was going to be in Plant City also - January 9th!

Well now that is just too crazy for words.

Derek and I have been learning through Pastor Curt Crist by way of his videos on the internet for a few years now. Since he lives in North Carolina we thought that we wouldn't meet him until next year's Grace Trail of Fellowship. 

So we quickly got in touch with Curt (also a fb friend) to set up a meeting - we thought we could meet for lunch and be on our way OR if we could find a place to park we could stick around for his bible study on the 13th. Thankfully Curt found us a place to park our rig.

BUT THEN - last night he wrote to us that his daughter had to cancel her trip at the last minute and her hotel room was available since it was non refundable. Would we like the room from Monday to Thursday? 

YES!

And so today we got ourselves ready and headed back down the 39 to the 60 to come here, closer to Tampa. Imagine our excitement when we realized we would have to go right by the Strawberry Palace. 

Of course a return visit was in order. We still needed to try their cuban sandwiches and we may as well get some more strawberries.

mmmmm - strawberry shakes......

Our cuban - and Derek going in for OUR shake.

Too busy to look at the photographer.

And so we got to visit with our Strawberry Palace friends again. Stay tuned a third trip may come to pass since the bible study is back towards this area. 

Speaking of this area - we are in love with it. 

Oh Plant City, Plant City, Plant City how we love thee... ha ha - just joking. 

But yes - we feel very comfortable here. We drove through the historic downtown (well we had no choice the 39 goes right through). Anyway, the area feels just like the Okanagan area of BC to us and specifically Keremeos where we used to live - lots of fruit stands. And so - it is now officially on the list of places to consider living longer term during the winter. We loved Micanopy for it's old Florida feel and quietness, we love this area for the agriculture and easy access (well not quite easy - but accessible anyway) to our favourite beaches near Sarasota. 

The Birthday Boy and his dog.

AND before I forget - a huge ***HAPPY BIRTHDAY*** to my husband Derek - 47 years old today - yup! He's not lookin' too bad now is he for an old grey stallion (his words)! Since his birthday is at this time of year we are always on the road - last year was a bit of a dud since we were freezing our butts off at Imperial Dam. But here he was in 2008 - all smiles in Texas.

And so - here we are, feeling pretty darn fine in our room at the Marriott (not our usual - we are usually in the no-tell motel types). The truck and trailer are nicely tucked in a corner with grass for Roofous and shade during the day for all of the animals. It is HOT here right now.

We have been to the pool room TWICE already - first when we arrived and then for a swim after dinner. Cassia isn't nearly as happy with the whole thing as mom and dad, wishing for the camper. But she is fast asleep in our HUGE king sized bed. Ahhhh the luxury of running water and non stop electricity.

So - we have 3 days stretching out in front of us. I have NO idea when we are going to do but we will no doubt think of something. Right?

Thanks for stopping in and reading my ramblings.

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: Ok - so I don't think I have pointed out this blog directly yet - maybe I have - well if I have it deserves another mention. Please visit Cave Dwellings when you get a chance and read Donna's blog - man - she is funny! I crack up every time I read her posts. They are over in south Texas right now - at Falcon State Park. We stopped in there in 2008 and couldn't get out of there fast enough in the morning - but they love it and that's great. I hear from Derek that they are headed over to Goose Island and Goliad State Parks - two of our favourites as well.

to Highlands Hammock State Park and beyond

Bidding the Everglades a fond farewell we began our trip north. Brian, whom we had met at the Park had prepared us well for the trip along 27 explaining to us the various areas we would be traversing. As a born and raised Southern Floridian he was spot on.

We backtracked our way back up the 997 crossing paths with the 41 which we had come east on. We continued through to the 27. It was actually a very sad drive as there was not a thing to look at but empty land and A LOT of dead trees. I always feel homesick in such areas.

Anyway, we quickly reached the 27 and taking a left began our journey on this large 4 lane divided highway - or is it 2 lane divided? Derek and I had this discussion in the truck - 2 lanes either side - divided. 

Exciting travel talk eh?!

I always feel bad that our posts show little of the 'in between time' the actual time we are on the road. Yes, I do so some but compared to all the miles we travel precious few of those end up here.

So - here are a few along the way......

Hard to tell it is Florida - right?

Although we hadn't been driving too long we turned into the John Stretch Park just north of South Bay. A great park for a rest - we were sad that we had just had lunch at a rest area. No matter - we could all use a walk and a trip to the playground. If you are ever this way it is worth pulling in to.

I imagine you could walk for hours along this walkway - it lines Lake Okeechobee.

Back on the 27 we entered the Sugar Cane growing area. I don't know - I don't think we would have known what these farms were growing if Brian hadn't mentioned. I don't think I knew what sugar cane looked like out in the field - do you? Well - this is it. Not the best picture in the world.

Derek and I almost became obsessed with getting a good picture. For miles we were in awe at the beauty of the sun illuminating the pink flowers (seed heads) of the canes from behind. BUT - do you think there was a place to pull off and get a good picture? Nope.

We did actually pull off to take this picture but not quite what we were going for.

Next, came the orange groves. Again - no real chance for a good picture while moving. BUT this was our first look at orange groves in Florida.

The best picture.........

most turned out like this.........

Our destination this day was the Highlands Hammock State Park near to Sebring. Although we only had 72 miles to go, with leaving late and stopping along the way, we pulled in just before dark. Lest you think that south central Florida is quiet compared to the coast areas it isn't just all sleepy little towns. We were surprised that the area around Lake Placid and Sebring - just little dots on the map - are actually booming retirement and snowbird places - must be all the lakes in the area.

Anyway - we were happy to to have arrived and made our way to site #50 - right beside a what? yes, the playground! We had decided to spend - literally - a few nights at a state park on our way to the conference to charge all of our electronics, have showers and do our laundry. Although reasonable for Florida it was a definite splurge for us at $23.98/night. But boy did we enjoy having the heater on for a near freezing two nights.

Site #50 at Highlands Hammock State Park.

Actually a very busy place.

There are many trails to take - on this one we felt like a dinosaur would step out any moment.

This was to be our fourth visit to a Big Oak and I guess it still is but sadly it hasn't survived. The trail guide listed it as 1000 yrs old and 36 feet around.

Friday morning it was time to leave the park for Plant City! With not far to go we took our time getting reading in the morning and getting in some good playground time. Our route was little more convoluted since we had to keep moving west. After several towns and more orange groves we were on route 60 closing in on Plant City.

Now, for those of you that don't know - as we didn't but surely do now - Plant City is known for it's strawberries. On this morning though with all the Orange groves that we had been driving by Derek and I were anxiously trying to find a fruit stand to stop at to buy some fruit. Apparently there aren't many.

Just as I was directing Derek to take a right onto the 39 - his foot hit the brake - I mean REALLY hit the brake as he had just seen this....

and this....

And so, we made a not to gracious entrance into the Strawberry Palace. We were so glad he was on the ball and we truly enjoyed our stop at this very fine produce stand. We are getting pretty good at fair prices and quality and so were so happy to see a combination of both. Cassia was quick to help herself to the strawberry samples while Derek and I learned about all of the choices of oranges.

If you ever find yourself any where near or at the corner of route 60 and 39 just south of Plant City - we highly recommend that you stop here - particularly if it is lunch time. We just got produce this day but we may have to return before we leave the area for a cuban and some strawberry pie.

Strawberry fields - that go on - forever.

And that's the kind of day it was - or couple of days I guess. It was nice to travel through agriculture areas we really enjoy the openness of the landscape. We were happy to be showered and with clean clothes and warm the night through.

Thanks for visiting - drop us a line won't you.

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: My sister just sent me this link - I guess she figures we may as well put our orange peels to good use! I hadn't heard of the site Instructables - surprisingly. You can go here to make your own Orange Candle. I also checked out the camping section and plan to get going on our new duct tape hammock right away :) - pretty funny stuff at this site.