Change of Plans

When we set out on this adventure of full-time RVing, I was totally naive about how far in advance we'd need to plan to get a site/make reservations in some places, especially in FL.  I had this idea that we would decide as we went along how long to stay in a given location, longer if we liked it, moving on if we did not.  But when I started looking for places to stay and finding many already full, I quickly realized the warmer the location, the further in advance one needs to plan.  I don't mind planning, in fact I rather thrive on it, but we wanted to be more spontaneous.  It is #7 on the Top 10 Reasons I want to Live the Full-time Dream list:  "To be free to roam - stay as long as we want, look for new vistas when we are ready to roll."

Mid-way through our week in Galveston, while I was enjoying the indoor infinity hot tub that Carol wouldn't go to with me because it was too cold outside to walk back from the hot tub, I decided, it might be time for a change of plans.  From Galveston, we were scheduled to go north, through Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and into North Carolina.  I made a pretty basic assumption none of these places were going to be warmer than TX.  It took no convincing to get Carol to agree to scrap that plan and head back to FL.  We cancelled reservations at 4 campgrounds and 4 Harvest Host sites and made some new reservations.  We are fortunate to have wonderful friends in FL, who let us crash at their house (again) for two weeks to get another (over) dose of sunshine before heading north.  

I've learned that there are a wide range of refund options (or lack thereof) when cancelling reservations.  Federal parks, reserved through recreation.gov, charge a $10 cancelation fee, and refund the balance of your deposit.  Mississippi does not refund, but issues a credit, that can be used up to a year later.  I haven't paid much attention to the "Terms and Conditions" when making reservations, but all of these are clearly spelled out prior to making reservations.  Cancelling comes at a price, but in this case, it was well worth it.

On our way to Galveston we had stayed for one night at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL and loved it.  On our "run back to the sun" we were able to stay for 2 nights, long enough to take advantage of this amazing park.  One of the things that we love about this campground, is that the sites are well spaced and the natural setting is well preserved, creating privacy and an opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna.  We visited the Nature Center and attended a program on alligators that was very informative, saw a hawk and owls that had been rescued and were being rehabilitated, and enjoyed looking at the various displays.  There are extensive trails at the park and we took a wonderful bike ride on one of the paved walking/biking paths that surround the park.  We took a dip in the pool which was quite large and well maintained.  We would rank this campground as one of the best we've ever visited.  We've already made reservations to return for a week in November 😀.

Cardinal in trees by our site

The naturalist brought one of these juvenile alligators with her to the presentation.  

There was a turtle wandering around in the Nature Center, that Carol stopped to admire.

Paved walking/biking path.

This alligator lives a short distance down from the site on which we were staying.

Spacious swimming pool.

During our return visit to FL we had the opportunity to visit our friends John and Gina, who were camping at Ortona Locks South Campground, in Moore Haven, FL.  This campground is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers and features working locks that move boats traveling across FL via Lake Okeechobee.  Again, we saw some amazing wild life.  All of these photos were taken from a bridge.  I did not get remotely close to the snakes. 

Turtle sunning on a rock.

The first snake, which I believe is a water moccasin;  AKA Cottonmouth.

The second snake.  If I've correctly identified it as a Water Moccasin, Wikipedia states, "This is the world's only semiaquatic viper, usually found in or near water, particularly in slow-moving and shallow lakes, streams, and marshes."

Picturesque stream feeding into the Caloosahatchie  River.

I'm absolutely smitten with this Little Blue Heron.

Busy fishing for minnows.

I couldn't take my eyes off him.  

Heading back to FL and again when leaving FL to start our trek north, we stayed at a Harvest Host site at a golf course.  I've mentioned before, but will again, because this is such a great option.  Harvest Hosts is a network of farms, vineyards, breweries, and other similar locations that will allow RVs a free overnight stay.  Harvest Host members are encouraged to patronize the host, to support the business that is sharing their space.  The names and locations of Harvest Host sites are available only to members.  If you are interested in becoming a member, use this link and look for the code at the top of the screen to get 15% off the membership fee: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/kellywight

Hanging out in Lake City, FL at Harvest Host site

It was the right decision for us to change plans and return to FL.  We got to soak up some beloved sun and enjoy the tremendous hospitality of our dear friends, Patti and Freddie.  We've made it back "on track" and are now in Asheville, NC as planned.  We are finding a balance between "Hit the Road Jack" and "Sorry, no room at the Inn".  S'all good!