We spent the night in Homosassa River Resort. It is our “go-to”
camping spot in that area. We have friends close by and we get to use our Passport
America discount … so camping for one night at a cost of less than $17, it is a
no-brainer! However, we did learn that not all spots are created equal! I was first offered M-11 and I thought that was the un-level spot that Jack & Jackie were on, so I took M-08. It was very level, but not very wide! Oh well, Leigha was not working, so we missed our extra special treatment.
As the sun was starting to go down, we headed to McRae’s and
enjoyed some shrimp, fish tacos and hamburgers. You can guess, who had the
burger! The bugs were not out biting, so I was very happy. We did have a visit
from this little guy! I said it was a grasshopper, Terry said a locust ... not sure who is right!
We also watched a young boy fish … he was so excited,
every time he hooked a fish … his father, no so happy, because he had to get
the hook out. But the family certainly was having a blast!
Heading out of the resort, we take Yulee Road back onto US
19 & 98 north. We go through Homosassa and all the construction that never
seems to end, into Crystal River. Crystal River is part of Central Florida’s
“Nature Coast.” When the water temperature drops in the Gulf of Mexico,
manatees move to the warmer waters of the Crystal River, followed closely by
nature-loving tourists and other visitors. Crystal River is one of the few
places where you can swim with manatees. The springs flow at a constant 72
degrees, making the waters attractive to all sorts of swimmers in the winter.
Many summer visitors enjoy the 72 degrees of the springs too!
On the north end of Crystal River, you will find Willow
Creek Secret Garden Store. It is so inviting from the exterior. The Secret
Garden has a wonderful assortment of delightful finds, gifts for friends or
perhaps items for your own home. The owners and their employees absolutely
loves both their jobs and being with people. Items are displayed attractively
and in thoughtful groupings. A fun place to visit whether you are buying or
not. I bet, if we looked long enough, we might even be able to find an
underwater Geek-E-Bird there!
Chiefland is a very unique southern community located in
North Central Florida. Community
standards are set high in this family oriented society. Chiefland calls itself
the "Gem of the Suwannee Valley.” Manatee Springs State Park is located west
of town; the crystal-clear water is a "first-magnitude" spring that
flows directly into the Suwannee River. We stopped at Wal-mart and met a lady
in her RV that relocated to Cheifland from Westchester County, in New York. We
talked for a while and then went into the store to get a little activity in the
air conditioning!
We continued on US 19 & 98, it is a great road to travel
on, you pass through towns occasionally, but the road is good and the speed
limit is mostly 65. Fanning Springs, is labeled as "the Gateway to the
Suwanee River."
It is home to a unusual looking church, Bible Ministries Breakthrough Church. Don't let the outside appearance of the church hold you back; the building is covered in graffiti biblical scenes, but the inside is full of the Holy Spirit.
It is also home to Fort Fanning Historical Park. Fort
Fanning was named after Major Alexander Campbell Wilder Fanning. The original
settlement of the town around Fort Fanning (now known as Fanning Springs) was
named both “Palmetto” and “Sikesville”. A ferry service was setup, which
connected one side of Suwannee to the other and remained until a wooden turn
bridge and subsequently a modern steel bridge was built in 1935. Finally a four
lane bridge made of concrete was added and remains there to this day.
In Perry, we left US 98 to heading west along the bottom of
the panhandle of Florida and we continued on US 19 & 27. This portion of the highway was named in honor of Brandon Tyler Thorsen, a Chiefland High School graduate. He served in the US Army and was killed in Iraq in 2007.
We took a potty break at the Taylor County Rest Area on
US-19 & US-27. I have always found this painted rock interesting. I was finally
got a chance to get a picture of it, even if it was from the back side. We
found this little town sign on the side of US 19 & 27, IDDO. Iddo is an
unincorporated community in Taylor County. It was named, along with Eridu, by
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad chief engineer JE Willoughby. The Atlantic Coast
Line Railroad had two of the new stations on the Coast Line's Perry-Monticello
division that had to be named. The first station north of Perry, was named
"Secotan" while the one established near Pleasant Grove has been officially
designated as "Iddo." The only evidence that a town once existed is a
battered old service station. The service station property dates back to the
1800's.
In the very small hamlet of Capps, there is an old motel on
the corner where we turn off US 27 and remain on US 19. I have seen it every time,
we come this way and I can find no information on it. It peaked my curiosity
again today. I searched the internet again and still no answers! But I took
pictures anyway. I can see people in the 1950’s and 1960’s pulling up to these
little cottages to spend the night, or longer to enjoy their vacations.
We arrived early at our overnight stop at A Stone’s Throw RV
Park in Lamont. We have stayed here before, with member of our camping chapter,
Carefree Sams. A few rain drops provided us with this spectacular view of a rainbow!
Good night all!
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