Two Florida State Parks

During the Skinnie Winnie rally, we took the opportunity to visit two nearby state parks that we have driven by a number of times, but had  not visited.  Perhaps one of the reason for this is that neither of them have a campground.

We first stopped at  Camp Helen State park, which is on the national historic register.  The park is surrounded on three sides by water and provides access to the Gulf and Lake Powell.  Lake Powell is a rare example of a coastal dune lake.  Based on the ancient mounds and other artifacts, it is known that the area was occupied by humans more than 4000 years ago.

This area was first developed for recreation in the 1920's.  In the early 1930's, the area was purchased by the Avondale Textile Mills in AL.  It was used as a resort for vacationing employees for 39 years and  most of the remaining structures were built during that period.

The park is a great place to hike, enjoy the beach and coastal environment, and  imagine how the earlier visitors enjoyed the rustic resort.

Visiting the beach, we spotted one of those sites, that as long time sail boaters, gave pause to reflect on all the things that can and do go wrong in the unforgiving water environment.

The second stop just a few miles away was Eden Gardens State Park.  This park started as the private residence of William Wesley and his family, built in 1897.  Wesley built up a large lumber company in the area, which prospered until after WWI.  The family lived in the home until 1957, when Henry's wife Katie passed away.  It was sold twice, with the second buyer, Lois Maxon, turning the home into a showplace for her antiques and prized possessions.  In 1968, she donated the home and gardens to the state for everyone to enjoy.

Walking the grounds along the bay and looking back at the home, you can almost see the southern bells walking the large veranda and strolling around the grounds among the huge oak trees.

 

The home is open for tours, and many folks return regularly to walk the garden and stroll the trails on the grounds.  Or you can just sit on the shore and enjoy a peaceful sunset. 

To be determined

It has been over a month since I have posted but the urge to do so has finally returned.  We have been keeping busy with a couple of RV rallies and plenty of time with the Grandkids.

At the end of January, we attended our FMCA club outing in Picayune, MS at the Sun Roamers RV Resort.  This is a large facility that has been changing hands a number of times recently. We had a great time with the club, but we had truly awful weather for most of our time there with heavy rains and cold.  We discovered that the park and the surrounding area is prone to flooding in such conditions.  We only thought to take pictures on the one day that was mostly dry.  The club house and large number of sites with full hookups make this a good place for a larger group to meet.

Returning home, we celebrated our Granddaughter Victoria's fourth birthday.  It seems that she has decided that all pictures of her must include silly faces.  She did seem to enjoy the exercise frog that we found on our travels.  Nico quietly took it all in stride.

With the relatively cold weather, we have been spending more time around the house, just relaxing and watching the critters that wander into the yard.  We decided that Halley needs a purpose in life, so she is now our official security force.

Last weekend we attended the Skinnie Winnies rally held in Freeport, FL.  We had around 40 rigs in attendance.  Lots of activities with everyone checking out the latest modifications that everyone has made to their rigs.  We ranked last in that department. It was five days of social gatherings with folks we had not seen in a year.  With so many people, it was a challenge to get everyone with their pets organized for the group photo.

There is a school of thought that if you ever feel lonely in any campground, just lift up the hood of a vehicle and you will soon have lots of new friends.  This is proven every year at this rally.  We have a number of folks who are driven to working on their rigs and enjoy helping others with their issues.  One solo lady had all kinds of help on her rig, including changing out the serpentine belt.  In these situations, I stand back and take pictures.

With the great weather, there were some very nice sunsets.