Friday, May 1, 2015

Our 2014/2015 Camping Season In Review, Vol. 5 of 5

This is the last volume of the review of our recent camping season. I promised Gary that I'd get this done ASAP, and I think I've done a pretty good job. I don't think I will have to worry about getting my TV privileges revoked anytime soon, and I am VERY happy about that. Here's where we went to on our last two rounds of camping. Round #10 (March 22nd thru March 29th, 2015) As I mentioned previously, our air conditioner was a "must have" accessory to take along with us as we headed to central Florida. The temperatures were climbing quickly, and we knew we would need it. Our first stop (of two) was Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, FL. That's in the Orlando area. We spent four nights there. At most of the places we went to during our camping season, Gary went antique shopping a lot while I hung out at the campground. Wekiwa was no different. There are several antique stores in the Orlando area that Gary really likes, so he was gone every day. I had a nice shady campsite to enjoy, lots of squirrels to watch, and great TV reception, so I was fine with him being gone. Our next stop was Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. This was our second visit to Tomoka this season, both visits taking place while car shows were going on at the Daytona International Speedway. It rained heavily right after we arrived, and Tomoka turns into a mud pit when it rains. We are sick of the muddy conditions there, and we won't be going back. We spent four nights there. A total of 629 miles was traveled, and I was along for 222 of those miles. Gary and Dodge logged 407 miles without me. This was our last leisurely camping trip of the season. We had one more trip to go on, but it was a working trip for Gary. For me, camping is ALWAYS leisurely. For Round #11 (April 12th thru April 22nd, 2015), we headed back to where our camping season actually began back in October. The destination was St. Petersburg, FL. Just like our previous trip to St. Petersburg, the purpose of going there was for Gary to work on his rental house. We were supposed to head over there at the beginning of April, but there were several delays. We arrived on April 12th, and camped on the driveway of our friends Bill and Sandy, just like we did in October. Gary had no idea how long it was going to take to complete the repairs on the house. As usual, it took longer than he thought. We were there for eleven nights, all of them spent with Bill and Sandy. We headed back to St. Augustine on April 23rd. Our lengthy (and fun for the most part) camping season was over. Gary had no time to antique shop in St. Petersburg, so there wasn't much additional mileage racked up by him and Dodge by themselves. A total of 527 miles was traveled. During 403 of them, I was along for the ride. Only 124 miles was traveled without me. So here are the grand totals after our eleven rounds of camping: We traveled a total of 11,018 miles in 3 states. I tagged along for 5676 of those miles, and Gary and Dodge traveled 5342 miles without me. We spent 4 nights with family in Georgia, and 17 nights with friends in Florida. A whopping 104 nights were spent at state parks, including 71 in Florida, 31 in Georgia, and 2 in Alabama. Gary knows exactly how much money he spent, but I won't get into that because I don't want to depress my best buddy. But he agrees with me that it was worth every penny. Looking over our camping reservations for next season, I can tell already that we are going to have a TON of fun. Going to all new places that we haven't been to before will be REALLY exciting. I can't wait to get started. But first things first, and we have a hot Florida summer to get through. I'm sure there will be some interesting things going on around here, and I will keep you in the loop when they do. Until next time, this is Toaster. Over and OUT!!!

4 comments:

  1. Hey there! Just another avid camping enthusiast here. Been following your blog for a while (and enjoying it). I love all of the pics and information about campgrounds that you post. My hubby and I live in Florida too (near Gainesville) and try to hit the state parks in the area. I've gathered some good info from your blog and wanted to say thanks! Happy Camping friend!

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  2. Thank you SO much for your nice comments, Mary. It's good to know that the blog is informative as well as (hopefully) entertaining. Do you have a vintage trailer? Maybe we will run into you and your hubby somewhere. Happy Camping to you, and thanks again for your comment and support of the blog. Gary and I really appreciate it. Your friend, Toaster.

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  3. Hey again! No vintage trailer, although I love the way they look and think it would be super fun to have one. We have a 2012 thirty-two foot Forest River Lacrosse. We started with a 24 foot older used camper to see if we would like camping. (that was 2 years ago) We went 6 times that first year, decided we loved it, and traded up to a newer model....mostly for a slide out bunk feature for our teenage daughter so she would enjoy camping as well and have room to take her friends along. We've been 6 more times now, just finished our 12th trip and headed to Georgia in another week for trip #13. (So I'm not sure if we're still considered newbies) lol

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  4. The weather has just been chaotic and even worse for those who have not been in places that snow that much. However, even those of us who have been in places where snow just can’t hold, this is quite a new face. Now, bringing the aspect of weather with winter trees together is what amazes me here and I think your two “girls” like it too.

    Andrea Wilkins @ Getaway Outdoors

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