We’ve been over on the West Coast of Florida, in the Tampa Bay area for four days now – and I can see how folks can come and spend the winter here. Despite some of the coldest weather of the year (hard freeze warning on our first two nights), we’ve had a wonderful time in this beautiful area. After spending Saturday night in the LazyDays RV Supercenter parking lot (and checking out the new models the day before!) we headed to St. Petersburg and Fort DeSoto County Park Campgound. This place is absolutely gorgeous! We are surrounded by palm trees and are right on the water! My oh My! Here is the view from the back of the coach – where we have our coffee in the morning:
Imagine our surprise when we went out early our first morning (after a very cold night and a full moon) to this view –
Talk about a LOW TIDE!!!! We enjoyed watching the amazing water fowl – cranes and egrets and ibis and pelicans and herons. In the distance we even spotted a Roseate Spoonbill with its beautiful pink wings! Brilliant green parrots were flying overhead! It has felt like we’ve been in our own wildlife refuge – right down to the raccoon tracks around the grill in the morning! I would highly recommend this campground – and the area in general.
While we were out and about we managed to take in a little history at The DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton, FL (across the beautiful Skyway Bridge from here) where Ferdinand DeSoto landed in 1539 to begin his 4000 mile trek into Florida and points north in his quest for gold. Did you know he went as far north as North Carolina and even made it West past the Mississippi?
We joined friends for lunch in Bradenton, entertained Mike and Robyn Fitzpatrick here at the campground, walked on the beautiful St. Petersburg Beaches, and Gary went fishing for the first time in a long, long time. Today we continued exploring this DeSoto County park – walking and riding our bikes through many, many lovely trails and beaches. This really is a lovely area – we were blessed with great weather (especially compared to the blizzard in Pennsylvania!).
Check out the rest of the pictures over on the pictures page, Okay?
Tomorrow we head to Punta Gorda for a visit with Gary’s sister, Judy!
later, friends!
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Wow!! Must be nice to be in FLA, instead of Green Park. Sure sounds as if the Lord is giving you so much to praise Him for. Where do you go from here? And what are your dates at Disney world?? If i can stay awake i might even call some night after 9. Enjoy the beauty all around you. What an amazing Creator!