Two Lane Florida Adventure to Okeechobee - Day One

We left this morning traveling along Pasco County 54 to US 98 to FL 60 to 441. We traveled through several towns, from Zephyrhills, to Lakeland, Eaton Park, Bartow, Lake Wales, Hesperides, Yeehaw Junction, Fort Drum, into Okeechobee. Gator Creek Preserve is located in the northwest corner of the Green Swamp. It is a place where nature lovers can enjoy wide open spaces of peaceful, natural habitat. The reserve features miles of well-established trails, including one paved trail. The park boasts shaded pine, oak and cypress forests. Sometimes you can even see turtles, deer, turkey, fox and of course squirrels. I noticed In Lakeland that an old Sonic became a Gelati Joe's. The mascot is a gator and he is sitting on a park bench ready for a photo opportunity. Lakeland High School has an interesting mascot. It is the Dreadnaught. Dreadnaught was a World War I-era British battleship HMS Dreadnought. The name was brought to the school by a Scottish schoolmaster. The Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center on FL 60, looks like a piece of true Spanish architecture. The center brings together visual and performing arts. The Lake Wales Arts Council maintains the Center. They arrange classes, concerts, and exhibitions that change throughout the year. Lake Weohyakpka, also known as Lake Walk in the Water, is on FL 60. It is over 7,500 acres big and 12 feet deep in spots. It is known for largemouth bass fishing and produces both large numbers and trophy-sized fish. While traversing FL 60, we came across several Panther Crossing signs. I have seen deer, turtle and bear crossing signs, but never Panther. There is a group, Defenders of Wildlife, that are working to reduce the number of panthers killed on roads. Went by River Ranch, we took a bus trip there earlier this year. If you have never been to River Ranch on a Saturday night, you should go to check out the hay ride, the saloon and the rodeo. Yes, we were still on FL 60, we passed of thing most would not even know it was there, the Avon Park Air Force Range. It is a 352 square mile bombing and gunnery range. Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) consists of an 8,000 foot main runway, an operational control tower, an aircraft rescue and firefighting facility, and limited ramp and hangar facilities. There are no published instrument approach procedures and the airfield is limited to Visual Flight Rule (VFR) operations only. It's the primary training range for Homestead Air Reserve Base, Patrick, MacDill, and Moody Air Force Bases. I believe the airfield is currently closed. Who does not love Yeehaw Junction. The junction's name "Yeehaw" comes from the Seminole tribe in origin and means "wolf", referring to wolves that inhabited the area. It is also known as the cross roads of Florida. The town was originally named "Jackass Junction" or "Jackass Crossing". This name was given to the four-corner site, when local ranchers rode on burros to visit the Desert Inn (then the local brothel). The Desert Inn is closed, but remains on the National Registry of Historic Places. On 441 we came across Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. The park protects one of the largest remaining stretches of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. While driving the five-mile-long road into the preserve, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of grasslands similar to the Great Plains of the Midwest. Kissimmee Prairie’s remoteness makes it one of Florida’s premier locations for stargazing. Any military person has to mention when they travel through Fort Drum, even if it is over twelve hundred miles away from the one most of you know! Arrived in Okeechobee safely. We will share the sights of Okeechobee tomorrow.

Two Lane Adventure with Wings

We traveled to Tampa Airport very early on Friday morning. After a quick two hour and twenty minute flight we landed at Baltimore Washington Airport. We picked up our rental car (book mark the location) and headed north on MD 100 to US 1 to Ammendale to Powder Mill Road arriving at our hotel. Don't forget, need to bookmark the location in our GPS. Too early to check in, let's explore! Montgomery County's Historic Sites includes the 1946 Canada Dry Bottling Plant. With its Art Deco-style, yellow brick, glazed tile, glass block rotunda, curved corners, strip windows, and distinctive signage, the Canada Dry Bottling Plant is a unique feature of downtown Silver Spring. It is the focal point of Silver Spring's historic industrial corridor, known as the East-West Highway. It also includes the Laurel Armory, a landmark since 1928. Its original purpose was to serve as a home for the Hq Co., 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry. The Armory also housed the local branch of the U.S.O. The Armory is now the Anderson & Murphy Community Center since it was purchased by the City for use by the Parks & Recreation Department. We drove around the University of Maryland College Park campus. It is pretty interesting, because the University of Maryland specialize in providing career-relevant online higher education opportunities. They are dedicated to the online higher education of military personnel, veterans and their families with a presence on military installations in more than 25 countries. They are the leading provider of education services to the U.S military. Although we can not attend, our second son, is graduating from the University of Maryland in Lakewood, Washington on Friday May 2nd with a BS in IT and Computer Science. We are so proud of him for all he has accomplished in the military and in getting his degree. The Anacostia Watershed helps to preserve the abundance of the Anacostia River. It is breathtaking, as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. You can watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest, paddle to Nationals stadium and catch a baseball game or tie-up at Yards Park. Upstream you’ll find forests, wetlands, and wildlife that seem amazingly removed from the city. The reason for our quick trip to Maryland, was to see our middle son, graduate from the National Labor College. It was a great day for this family to gather together and celebrate his accomplishments. The convocation included a keynote address by Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO. However, it was a sad day for the college. Despite historic backing from the nation's largest labor unions, the National Labor College graduated it's last class. The college, in suburban Maryland, has a decades-long history at the heart of the American labor movement. The college has operated on a 47-acre campus in Silver Springs, called the George Meany Center for Labor Studies. The Labor College is closing on its own terms and can be proud of it's accomplishments of helping union members, leaders and their families obtain their degrees. Following the graduation we enjoyed a reception and time with our family that traveled from New York, New Jersey and Florida. The family fun lasted well into the evening. The very early morning, 2:30 am, came to soon! Use the GPS to get back to the rental car facility, bus to the airport and a two hour plane ride back to Florida. Next two lane adventure ... Lake Okeechobee!

Two Lane Adventure Gulf Shores -Day Six

Just a short ride on Tuesday morning, Crystal River to Zephyrhills. Did you know, Sugarmill Woods is a planned greenbelt community. It is one of the most unique communities in the United States. Unlike most of the State of Florida, It has gently rolling hills and an abundance of trees. It was built with the sustainment of our ecology and conservation in mind. World Woods offers two of the top 100 Golf Courses in one place, both designed by Tom Fazio. It offers you Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks Golf Courses along with the Number 1 ranked Golf Practice Facility and Driving Range.  If you golf, they say it is a "must place" course. Hernando Aero modelers is located in Brooksville. Their airfield has a 150 ft wide x beautiful 1200 foot long grass runway with enough room for the largest aircraft. If you have a RC aircraft, it is a great place to visit! Trilby is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of our County. Trilby is part of a non-profit "Greater Trilby Community Association" which exists to improve the life and quality of residents of the Trilby, Trilacoochee and Lacoochee. All three of these communities are along the Withlacoochee State Trail. The Withlacoochee Trail is the longest, 46-mile, paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in Florida. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and crosses through the Withlacoochee State Forest. Our friend Jack road this trail for 100 miles! From Trilby all the way to fade City we looked at all the activity as they build the 20 miles, in both directions, of sidewalks to no where! Seeing the jumpers in the sky, we knew we were close to home. Skydive City, one of the World's Premiere Skydiving Centers, is located 1/4 of a mile from our home. They are home to skydivers and students from all of the continents. Skydive City carries on the long tradition of high quality skydiving, training and fun that has been in Zephyrhills since the 1960's. Last three turns, one into Majestic Oaks, one at the office and one into our road. See you all on our next two lane adventure.

Two Lane Adventure Golf Shore - Day Five

We started out today in Perry Florida and spent our brief time traveling on the Nature Coast Highway. We saw Miles and miles of higher fence. The fence had signs indicating "Licensed hunting preserve." This area runs along side of 27 / 19 / 98. Is the fence to keep the hunted in or the hunters out? We crossed over the Suwannee River and it made me want to break out in song. Since I can'y carry a tune in a basket, I will spare you! On 19 you cross over 10 mile creek. Does anyone know if it is really 10 miles long? In Inglis, we came across Horse Hole Creek. It sounds like it would be a ranch, wrong ... It is the home of The Horse Hole Creek Mud Bog. If you are looking for places to ride your ATV, UTV, Side by Side or 4 wheeler, they have several exciting ATV riding trails in their park. Historic Yankeetown was founded by an Indiana politician and lawyer in 1923. If he was from Indiana, how did the town get it's name? People from Indiana are not Yankees, are they?Ever heard of Red Level, Florida. Not me either, here is what I learned about Red Level. Over 100 years ago, William Turner made his home, Ina town named Cedar Grove, just north of Crystal River.  The site, which was situated mid-way between Crystal River and the Withlacoochee River, is now known as Red Level. We ended our day in Crystal River, the gem of the Florida Nature Coast. Get it, Crystal ... Gem ... Why is the north west coast of Florida called the Nature Coast? Isn't there more parts of Florida with Nature? Final leg to home, first thing in the morning.

Two Lane Adventure to Gulf Shores - Day Four

Traveling today we moved along a couple of the the same roads we came over to Alabama on but it was a sunny day, so everything looked more spectacular! Along the coast on AL 182, FL 292 and US 98. Did you know that Navarre, is also known as Florida's Best Kept Secret for its untarnished natural beauty and the picturesque emerald colored waters. In Fort Walton Beach we discovered the Indian Temple Mound which is an archaeological site. The large platform mound was built around 850 CE and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The mound has been reduced over time, but is till 12 ft high x 223 ft wide.The mound served combined ceremonial, political and religious purposes. At the center of the village the mound served as the platform for the temple and residence of the chief. Successive leaders were buried in the mound and additional layers were added over time. Destin, also titles itself "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village", and claims to have the largest fishing vessel fleet in the state of Florida. With as many boats as we saw today, I do believe that to be true! We moved north on 331 and west again on FL 20. Along the side of the road were magnificent blue wild indigo flowers. Between Freeport and Bruce on SR 20 we saw a sign with a bear, and immediately thought of you Karen Sprague. It was a sign for Nokuse Wildlife Plantation. Which is a 51,000 acre private conservation. Nokuse is the Creek Indian word for black bear and symbolizes the goal of providing suitable habitat for large ranging animals through ecosystem restoration. In Blountstown we saw the Panhandle Pioneer Settlements, a living-history museum to replicate a farm community. It is a collection of historical buildings, dating from 1820 to the 1940s. We cut through the Apalachicola National Forest on CR 267. The Apalachicola is Florida's largest National Forest, spanning over 570,000 acres. On the west side of National forest we traveled through the town of Wakulla and the Wakulla Springs SP. We traveled over the Spring Cave, 125 ft below the surface and the Wakulla Spring Cave 300 ft below the road. We finished our travels today on the Big Bend Scenic Parkway also known as US 98, ending our day at the KOA in Perry FL.

Two Lane Adventure to Gulf Shores - Day Three

Spent the day yesterday with our friends, Pat & Kathy. Started out the morning with some Beignets, that Kathy came to the camper with. They are a French pastry made from deep-fried choux paste, served with powdered sugar on top. They are prepared right before you purchase them and are best when eaten fresh and hot. We visited for a while over the beignets and coffee and then took a drive around the area. Our final destination was Fairhope for Earth Day. On the way, along US 98, we saw many pecan orchards, starting to sprout their buds. Along the road side there was the most beautiful red wild flowers, come to find out it is red clover. We stopped at a strawberry field, where they were picking fresh strawberries, $10 for half a flat! We made it to Fairhope, nestled along the banks of Mobile Bay, where we enjoyed touring the downtown shops, especially the quaint antique shops! Some interesting facts about the City of Fairhope. It began as a dream of a group of people looking for their own special utopia. It was established in 1908. Fairhope's greatest assets are the beachfront park, the park lands on the bluff above the beach, Henry George Park, Knoll Park, and the quarter-mile long pier. It offers you pleasant, peaceful surroundings, inspiring scenery, a vibrant downtown filled with cozy cafés, gourmet restaurants, unique shops and galleries. It is something like a quaint European village or Seneca Falls, for those of you from New York. We ate lunch at Sandra's Place. The guys had Ruebens, Kathy and I went for the salads. She went for the trio of salads and I went for the strawberry spinach salad. All of it was delicious! On the way back to Gulf Shores, we saw huge turf farms and Pat took us to see Billy's Seafood Market in Bon Secour. The name "Bon Secour" comes from the French phrase for "safe harbor." It is considered a safe harbor due to the secluded location on the inside coast of the Fort Morgan peninsula of southern Alabama. Since it was Saturday of a holiday weekend, there were no shrimp boats coming in. We big farewell to our friends and relaxed at the camper. Thanks Pat & Kathy for a great time in the Gulf Shores. After our rest, we headed out to walk the beach and wait for the sunset. There is just something special about walking hand in hand with the one you love on the beach at sunset!

Two Lane Adventure to Gulf Shores - Day Two

Lots of rain overnight and into the morning, so we took our time getting around. We headed out from Falling Waters SP traveling south on 77 into Wauasu, the "Possum Capital of the World" they even had a statue with a possum in a tree! To bad it was pouring down rain, so no picture! Sand Mountain is located near the town of Wausau. At 250 feet above sea level, Sand Mountain is one of the highest points in the state of Florida. We continued down 77 through Sunny Hills, to Crystal Lake. There we turned west on 20 into Ebro. Ebro has the two things every town needs a cafe and gas station! In Freeport 20W intersects with 331S. 331S was under construction, they are creating a new divided highway. Along this road was an RV park, Calypso Cove RV, it had some brightly colored park models, even a purple one!  We crossed over Choctawhatchee Bay to arrive on the Emerald Coast and all it's beaches ... Santa Rosa, Miramar, Grayton, Henderson and Fort Walton Beach. We traveled along 98 and all the beautiful beaches all the way to Okoloosa Island. Okoloosa Island is considered the best overall beach experience in the Destin area. We were not able to walk this great beach, because the rain was still coming down in buckets! We passed through Navarre, Florosa, Gulf Breeze and over the bridge into Pensacola. Pensacola is known as "The City of Five Flags." Do you know why and what the five flags are? It is for the five governments that have flown flags over Pensacola during its history: the flags of Spain (Castile), France, Great Britain, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. We followed FL 292 out of Pensacola and onto Peridodo Key Island. FL 292 changed to AL 182 as we entered Gulf State Park. Just a few miles from Gulf State Park we arrived at our destination, Island Retreat RV. We are less than a mile from our friends, Patrick & Kathy Hadley in Gulf Shores Alabama.

Two Lane Adventure to Gulf Shores Alabama - Day1

Another two lane adventure has begun. It was originally slated to begin today, but Charlie got a bit antsy and we headed out yesterday after work, just together a head start. Wednesday night we traveled for a few hours along 301, 98 and 19. Zephyrhills, Dade City, Brooksville, Homosassa, Crystal River, Inglis, and Otter Creek. We passed the Dakotah Winery. It was closed, but you can stop in for a wine tasting. Stopping for the night in Chiefland Florida. Did you know that there are three RV parks there? West of Chiefland is what I’d say is a big draw, when the time is right. The Manatee Springs State Park, which is also a National Natural Landmarks. Starting out Thursday morning we followed 19 and 27. Leaving Chiefland it is barely 4 miles until you get to Fanning Springs, on the banks of the Suwannee River. There used to be a military post here, Fort Fanning, it has been made into a park. Just beyond that is Fanning Springs State Park. Next came Old Town. How old is Old Town, anyway? The first school there was built around 1909, so there’s a clue. Cross City features Putnam Lodge. It reopened just a few months ago, but originally built in 1927 by the Putnam Lumber Company. It was located beside the old Dixie Highway, now known as 19. Driving through the forty or so miles of wilderness from Cross City through Salem to Perry, you can see the reality of days gone by in the empty and run down motels. On the bright side, there were huge patches of wild flowers, beautiful purples, bright reds, vibrant pinks and whites. (Karen - you would love them!) In Perry you can see 520 acres of prime swamp land that was turned into “IRON HORSE MUD RANCH." They offer the best mild to wild trails and bogs in Florida. (Tammy - this place is for you!) In Monticello we picked up 90 and started to head west. We skirted along the northern edge of Tallahassee and saw parts of Florida State University. Go Seminoles! (Jack - that is for you!)  We continued along the Florida Arts Trail. Where there are authentic little towns full of art and antiques to explore in Quincy, Gretna, Mt Pleasant and Chattahoochee. Sneads holds tons of old Florida charm, and just outside of town is the Apalachee Correctional Institution which had acres and acres of crops being planted, growing and harvested. It was a very welcome sight. Marianna, is known as the "City of Southern Charm" it is also home of Florida Caverns State Park. This park has dry caves and offers tours. It is a place we will stay on another trip! It reminds me of the caverns in Pennsylvania!  We quickly headed through Cottondale into Chipley and turned south onto 77. In just a few miles we came to Falling Waters State Park our destination for the night. Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line the trails and boardwalk that leads you to Florida's highest waterfall. Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. The water's final destination remains unknown. The park is also home to beautiful native and migrating butterflies in their butterfly garden. We experienced the verdant, gently sloping landscape and some serious hills of the park on our bikes! Resting up tonight for our drive into Alabama tomorrow.