More nature in Florida...and maybe a decision on what to do next February. We were at Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey, and toured the campground. The sites reminded me of Peninsula State Park, only the trees between the sites were palms rather than pines. Osprey Lake is at the far end of the park.
But swim at your own risk....alligators in the area.
The volunteer force at the park paid for WiFi (always a requirement for Rick) and they host a variety of daily activities just like at the private RV resorts we've seen in the area. Apparently Florida is known for its state parks.
We also checked out Myakka State Park, Sarasota, but were not as impressed with the campsites in that park. However, the Myakka River is beautiful. Last year we went on a boat tour to see the many alligators and birds that make the park their home.
Later in the week, we were at Linger Lodge. Bradenton. Our Englewood friend, Randall, recommended the campground at the Lodge. Turns out we were at the Lodge two years ago but didn't pay that much attention to the campground. "Rustic" would be the best description. Maybe a place for a couple of nights but no more. For a private campground, at least the price is right.
Many camp sites are on the Braden River. The restaurant at the Lodge overlooks the river. (This picture was taken through the screened in porch.)
The Linger Lodge restaurant is definitely bizarre. Lots of dead animals mounted on the walls. This little fox greets guests as they enter.
As for the decision for next year, Rick is thinking about bringing his Argosy (basically a painted Airstream) trailer to Florida. Florida uses Reserve America just like the state parks in Wisconsin so we would have to be Johnny-on-the-spot to get our reservations in eleven months in advance.
My husband and I took an airboat tour on the Myakka in the late 1990's. We were told at the time that it is unique in that it is not spring fed at its source as most rivers are. Instead, it is fed by rainfall. So there have been years when it is barely a trickle of water and the alligators have had to seek other places to live. I am enjoying your blog. A friend who lives in Racine pointed me toward it. We have lived in Tarpon Springs since 1992 and truly love this state and its flora and fauna as well as wildlife and parks. Pinellas County is well known for its county park system with parks that rival the state parks in size and beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Sherri. We visited Tarpon Springs two years ago when we were staying in Seminole. Wouldn't you know it but the young man who donned the historic diving suit to demonstrate sponge diving was from Stevens Point WI.
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