Travels with haRVy

Got back to Florida in time to spend Christmas day at the beach.  I had no idea that it would be crowded! Of course, the 80+ degree temps could have been the reason.

Crescent Beach on Siesta Key.

Only in Florida…

Lookin’ pretty good at 70, eh? Needs to work on his tan though.

After a couple of nights with Al’s nephew Marcus (thank you) in Sarasota, we loaded our stuff back into haRVy and got back on the road. After perusing the map, we decided to wander up the Gulf Coast for a while.

A delightful day was spent at remote Pine Island beach.

This delightful backyard campsite in Homosassa was compliments of Boondockers Welcome host, Jim.

Old Homosassa attractions include ruins of an old Sugar Mill and an eclectic Printing Press Museum and Cafe.

A long dirt road lead to one of our best Boondockers Welcome locations ever!

Directly on the banks of the Suwanee River near Old Town. It was so great we stayed longer than we ever have with a BW host. Thank you Butch & Judy, we loved your place!

It seemed nearly impossible NOT to sing this song while we were there:

Way down upon the Swanee River,
Far, far away.
That’s where my heart is yearning ever,
Home where the old folks stay.

All up and down the whole creation,
Sadly I roam.
I’m a still a-longin’ for the old plantation,
Oh, for the old folks at home.

All the world is sad and dreary,
Everywhere I roam.
Oh, darkies, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.

We enjoyed a paddle down the Suwannee.

Even drifted over a pair of Manatees – mother and child.

Luckily we didn’t bump into any of these!

The next day we peddled over the Suwannee on the local rail trail.

I do love cooking in haRVy’s galley kitchen!

Our next stop was a bit inland at Paynes Prairie Preserve.