After three unusually rainy and/or cold winters out west in our 19ft camper van, Zesty, we had one objective for this last season: be warm. The only place in the lower 48s to assure that: Florida. Southern Florida. Since Mark and I always “bring” weird weather wherever we go, something would be amiss in the Sunshine State this winter as well. Firstly, Sunshine State is a misnomer better suited for California or Arizona, as the skies have been mostly cloudy (except on the days I take photos :-)). Secondly, we regularly had 40-degree weather (5 degrees Celsius) in January and, skipping spring all together, upper eighties from March on. Unseasonably hot.
Here’s what we’ve been up to the last three months…
(Hover over the photos to read the captions or click to enlarge.)
January 2020
The new year and new decade couldn’t have started better. After work and a bit of sightseeing in Kentucky, we drove to Florida to celebrate the arrival of 2020 with good sailing friends in Marineland. Even Maya liked her week-long visit to their refurbished catamaran, Sauvage. We were invited by a business owner in St. Augustine, who welcomed us with open arms and spoiled us with splendid company, food, and promises. Good times!
Mark flew to Boston for five days, we boondocked in a couple of places, and explored a bit of the Timucuan Preserve (with Kingsley Plantation an informative stop about the days of slavery) and St. Augustine. We met up with blogging friend and fellow memoir writer Marian and her husband in Jacksonville, but that’s for another post. After spending a substantial amount of time, effort, and emotions on the potential job, it didn’t work out and we left historic St. Augustine.
February 2020
This was the month I prioritized the travel/sailing memoir I am still working on. For that, we needed better places to camp than a parking lot here and a pull-off there. The first week, we bounced around a campground by a lock, without AT&T service, and a few scattered spots in Ocala National Forest.
Then, we managed to reserve free campsites in several Southwest Florida Water Management Districts (worthy of a separate post) and I could be productive. We also met some happy cows. To “celebrate” another revision of my memoir and querying a bunch of niche publishers, we spent an afternoon in Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.
March 2020
In March, we were finally ready to sightsee. But first, we celebrated Mark’s birthday in the dog-friendly brewery town of Dunedin, still on the west coast of Florida, and met up with two sets of friends in the middle of the state, near Lake Okeechobee. More about that later as well.
Mid-March, we were really ready to sightsee and travel again. Two things happened. The weather had unexpectedly turned hot and humid, requiring shady parking/camping spots, water to cool Maya off, and a screened tent to be able to sit outside (which we don’t have); the biting gnats and mosquitoes multiplied. The second thing, you guessed it: the Coronavirus. We decided to skip Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami on the east coast, and later all the cities on the west coast. We did manage to squeeze in an outside lunch with old sailing friends on picnic benches in Jupiter.
Before we came to Florida, we didn’t have plans, as usual. After reading about the things to see and do in this state (we both visited before, I more extensively than Mark), he had his mind set on Everglades National Park and I on the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. We both looked forward to checking out the west coast beaches and assumed we’d spend most of our remaining time there. One of those goals worked out. Please know this is NOT a complaint. I realize most people are way worse off than us (we are used to isolation, uncertainty, and unreliable jobs). I’m just sharing our experiences.
Our main destination in Florida
Before the COVID-19 measures in Florida became stricter, we set our minds on a quick stop to the Everglades. We planned an early start (positioning ourselves in front of the closed gate half an hour before the park opened), a parking spot in the shade (scouted out the day prior), and a two-hour bike ride on the loop trail by the Shark Valley Visitor Center (the sooner we’d be done, the less long Maya had to wait in the van). It was eerily quiet, the VC was closed, the trams didn’t run, and the entrance fee was waived; not that this mattered as we have a National Park pass.
After this delightful, yet slightly rushed 15-mile bike ride and excursion, we spent one night in Big Cypress National Preserve and drove back to Northern Florida, the Panhandle to be precise, to hide in the woods for the foreseeable future.
(If you’re interested in reading other blogs about our time in Florida, I’ve linked those topics above to their respective posts.)
Please, take care of yourselves and your loved ones – physically and mentally – and thank you for being a part of our lives!
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March 25, 2020 at 16:54
Hi Liesbet! So sorry that your time in Florida was somewhat cold AND cut short. Meanwhile, here in the Southern Californian Desert the weather has been wonderful overall…and NO BUGS! yes we’ve had a few days of rain but it will just bring out more wildflowers. I consider ourselves super fortunate the with our weather we have been able to get outdoors every day in spite of the Coronavirus. We are a big retirement area so we are considered a “hot spot” so all the more reason to be careful. Glad to hear you are both doing good and able to “flow” with the experience. ~Kathy
March 26, 2020 at 13:38
Hi Kathy!
Mark and I have often wished we were in the desert of the Southwest, these last few weeks. Maybe we were just unlucky those winters we picked that approach. Not only are there less bugs, but the skies are clear for our solar panels and the landscape is so much more inspiring than Florida.
That being said, we are a bit bummed for not being able to explore this state. Then, we could have “checked” it off our list. :-). Oh well. The cold spells didn’t bug us as much as the current heat and humidity, since we knew it would be temporarily in January, while now, it’s only getting hotter…
Enjoy your daily walks in the sunshine!
March 25, 2020 at 17:14
Clearwater Beach was a regular stomping ground for me when I worked in the Airline Industry. Such a pretty beach. This virus has certainly turned travel plans upside down for many. Stay safe and healthy!
March 26, 2020 at 13:41
Yes, I think us, full-time travelers, are impacted a lot by this virus, as we have nowhere to go, really. Especially the people living on the road or house and pet sitting. Most of our sailing friends have been able to find a gorgeous anchorage to stay put and they have room to stock up for months. We will figure it out… More boondocking spots to be found out west, though. 🙂
Clearwater Beach ended up being the only beach we saw on the west coast. Nice, white, and powdery, but we didn’t even walk on it, as no dogs were allowed. It appeared a tad touristy as well.
March 25, 2020 at 18:02
I read this post with great interest as I was a first-hand witness to a bit of your Florida experience. Thanks too for the link, Liesbet. Well, I don’t think I’ll ever think alligators are cute. Of course, you are kidding. One of them nearly grabbed our young son in west Florida years ago.
You seem to be getting your exercise hiking and biking, a wonderful thing during these challenging (very weird) days. Stay safe – and cool, if you can. ((( )))
March 26, 2020 at 13:49
Hi Marian!
I’m still hoping to write a blog post about all the friends we met in Florida, one of these weeks. Surely the highlight of our time here. I have topics “lined up” for at least ten blogs. But, I don’t want to post more than once a week – too time-consuming. 🙂 You’re so much better keeping your blog posts accurate!
Sorry to hear the alligator story in regards to your son. Scary! They seem to be used to people walking and biking by in the Everglades, but of course vigilance, respect, and distance is important.
We usually take Maya for an hour-Long walk, first thing in the morning. That’s all we can handle in the heat and humidity these days. In the afternoon, she’s been able to swim in a river or lake so far. Without AC, we won’t be able to last much longer in Florida… We will see how it goes!
March 25, 2020 at 18:42
Hi, Liesbet – I love reading about your travels whichever way they turn out. They always keep me in suspense.
I especially loved your closing line. Thank you and Mark for being a part of our lives as well!
March 26, 2020 at 13:52
Hi Donna! I’m glad I can keep you entertained in these challenging times. As you might have gathered, with us, life is always an adventures. These days with a little more uncertainty and a little less options to stay (and no sightseeing) than usual! Thanks for following along, through thick and thin! 🙂
March 25, 2020 at 19:04
It’s a shame you didn’t get into our neck of the woods, close with Dunedin.
March 26, 2020 at 13:55
Hi Susie!
Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment!
Where is your neck of the woods? Clearwater area? We are really bummed that we didn’t get to explore much of Florida at all these last three months, especially the west coast. Luckily, we managed to spend an afternoon in Dunedin – a great little city! We loved the vibe and our time there, but were meeting friends the following day, so had to keep moving. 🙁
March 25, 2020 at 19:15
Yes, it can get cold in Florida in the winter. When were sailing to Mexico I shaved part of my head and then we got stuck in Key West for a couple of months – it turned really cold and my poor head was freezing! And of course we had no heat on the boat. We had the worse time ever in Key West.
I hate it you didn’t get to the Dali museum! I love the west coast of Florida – so much more interesting than the East.
Did you know that Greg grew up in Jupiter?
Your alligator pictures are great!
And now I want to go spend an afternoon in a brew pub – but of course that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
I hope you find a good place to camp and relax soon.
March 26, 2020 at 14:03
Hi Duwan!
Have you been to the Dali Museum? We are pretty bummed that we didn’t get to spend any time (apart from two days or so near the Clearwater area) along the west coast as that was going to be our “main destination”. You’ll have to fill us in on all that we missed.
Funny about your head. We actually gave all three of us a haircut in the last couple of weeks. It helps! The cold spells weren’t too annoying in January, as we knew it would be temporarily. This heat, we think, will last or get worse. And, we can’t deal with (close to) ninety degrees. That’s what happened when passing through the Canadian cities last summer. No good memories from that!
We did not know Greg grew up in Jupiter. Seemed like a nice area, especially the beach. I thought he was from the west coast.
On the road again today. We will see what we find!
March 25, 2020 at 19:25
Always fun to read about your travels. Stay safe. Things are not the same.
March 26, 2020 at 14:05
Hi Steven! I’m so sorry you had to cut your current travels in Asia and the Middle East short and I hope that extended trip will be postponed and not cancelled. Us travelers have to reconsider everything these days! Stay safe and healthy up in Colorado as well!
March 25, 2020 at 19:58
I always enjoy your adventures and photos of where you have been, Liesbet! I know firsthand how weird weather impacts best laid plans. 2020 has started out so crazy, but you seem to have handled it in stride, with patience, endurance and adventurous spirits. Add extra safety and caution to the mix and you will have more tales to tell in your next memoir! 🙂
March 26, 2020 at 14:08
Haha, I like your approach and thinking, Terri. I do have material for many memoirs, but I’m not sure I’m up for the time, effort, energy, and dedication that goes in each one fo them. Although, if I’m going to be prevented from traveling, my second biggest passion, writing, will get more attention again. 🙂
March 25, 2020 at 19:58
I think you covered some great areas in Florida, Liesbet. As someone who went to Ft. Lauderdale during my spring break in college…I don’t think you missed much.Thanks as always for sharing your travels with us. I always leave feeling as though I took a trip. Loved the photos! Be safe!
March 26, 2020 at 14:12
Thanks for the compliments about the post and the photos, Jill. Spring break is such a novelty to me. We had breaks from school, but it wasn’t an exodus to certain areas.
I’ll have to dig out those old photo albums in Belgium to recount the sites I visited in Florida in 2003-2004 (I do think we stopped in Ft. Lauderdale), as this time all we seem to have done is sit in campgrounds, drive, and socialize. All this has its charms and advantages as well, of course. And, we could wear shorts and t-shirts most of the time! 🙂
March 25, 2020 at 22:48
I’m glad you feel safe where you are. Hope those gators are the scariest things you see in the near future! You’re right that you’re more used to being in close quarters and less certainty than others, but I’m sure there are still new stressors for you, too. Stay safe and healthy!
March 26, 2020 at 14:17
Thanks, Lexie! Haha, yes, if these gators are the scariest things (I don’t think they’re scary at all, except in regards to walking Maya off leash or have her swim in gator-infested areas, which we – of course – try to avoid), we have nothing to worry about! 🙂
We certainly would be elsewhere right now, and in a more comfortable campground, if it wasn’t for the virus. As I write this, we are heading elsewhere, as the smoke of prescribed forest fires was too overwhelming and the bugs too bad where we were. Stay tuned!
March 26, 2020 at 03:45
At least you had plenty of good moments before it all went haywire. Great photos. Stay safe and happy.
March 26, 2020 at 14:19
Thanks, Trace! We will do our best about the safety and the happiness. All we want right now is a comfortable place to sit still for a while. Hoping to find it today! 🙂
March 26, 2020 at 07:31
Hiding in the woods is a good idea. Outside of groceries, you shouldn’t need to venture out.
Impressive shots of the osprey. And way closer to a wild gator than I’d want to be!
March 26, 2020 at 14:21
I LOVE wildlife, Alex. It is the highlight of any trip or adventure I’ve ever been on. 🙂 Of course, we need to treat the animals with respect and care. You’re right that we only need to return to civilization for groceries. And, to deal with our tanks – emptying and filling – but that doesn’t require human interaction. Just extra hand washing. 🙂
March 26, 2020 at 19:54
Wow, the wild life looks wild! Great photos. I hope you are able to ride this out somewhere safe and comfortable.
March 26, 2020 at 21:30
Nope. So far, we haven’t found a comfortable place yet. Hot, humid, buggy, smokey. And, the better camping alternatives (in Florida) are closed. 🙁 We are leaving the state tomorrow and heading north.
March 27, 2020 at 03:20
So sorry, Liesbet, hope you find somewhere x
March 28, 2020 at 16:37
We might have found a camping spot for at least a few days, this afternoon, Anabel. Time will tell! Two other options we checked out had closed down and it took us an hour extra today to find drinking water for our tank.
March 28, 2020 at 16:56
🙁
March 29, 2020 at 12:16
One of my husband’s dreams when in his 20’s and early 30’s was to live on a boat. Instead, he got married! I love seeing how life could have been.
April 1, 2020 at 14:47
Interesting tidbit about your husband! Yes, seeing how life could have been is enlightening – as long as there are no regrets! Thanks for your visit and for following me, Jacqui!
March 29, 2020 at 12:20
I sure hope that works out. Really, what could be safer than complete isolation? Florida is having some increased problems with COVID so stay safe. Am following your blog to be sure you continue your excursions healthy!
April 1, 2020 at 14:50
We have found a camping spot in the wilderness, Jacqui. Hopefully, we can stay a little while since, as you point out, with rarely a soul around, it’s quite safe and definitely peaceful!
Until recently, nothing was taken seriously in Florida, except for stockpiling! We have left that state. Update to follow today. 🙂
March 29, 2020 at 17:16
What a difficult situation you’re in! I hope you’re able to find a safe place to settle for a while.
April 1, 2020 at 14:50
Hi Diane! Thank you for the hoping. I think we have found a safe place. At least for a little while… 🙂
March 29, 2020 at 22:24
Ah the Everglades. Miami was the first place that I lived in America and the Everglades was a memorable place we visited soon after arrival. Love the photos of two things in particular: One, the gorgeous bright blue beach shots and two, Maya. She always steals the show!! In second place, the Arnhinga and Heron shots! Fabulous.
Glad you are both safe and away from those gnats ~ nasty little mean insects that can drive you crazy.
Peta
April 1, 2020 at 14:55
I had no idea you lived in Miami in a prior life, Peta. That sounds fascinating! I see where and how you got used to warm (hot) climates. 🙂
While the gnats – and mosquitoes – are still driving us crazy on warm (shorts) days, we are quite happy to have landed somewhere for a little while. Now, there is only one impediment to our “comfort and happiness”: bugs. The temperature has been fine and the smoke and noise as well. And, yes, Maya does steal the show. One day, I will enlighten you about some of her less desirable personality traits. But for now, she can remain cute and perfect. 🙂
March 30, 2020 at 17:00
Liesbet I have been reading through the comments and hope that now you have found a location to stay at. Sending best wishes to you and Mark and hoping you are both well.
Stunning photos too, Hopefully some taken with a telephoto lens! Yikes.
April 1, 2020 at 14:57
No telephoto lens – it would be nice to have a camera with that one day, maybe when I take up photography as a hobby. 🙂
Thank you for the wishes, Sue, and, yes, I think we have found a nice place to sit still for a little while, if they let us stay over the “maximum allowed duration”, since this is an unprecedented situation.
March 30, 2020 at 18:42
At least you’re out in fresh air, lol. Stay put somewhere, and and take cover! Stay safe! 🙂
April 1, 2020 at 14:59
Thanks, Debby. And, yes, after this cold front passes through (hurrah for less mosquitoes), it should be pleasant enough to spend a lot of time outdoors. Hoping to stay put and take cover – from bugs and viruses!
April 2, 2020 at 15:35
You sure make Florida look delicious in your photos, Liesbet. I have several friends who live in different FL areas (St. Augustine, Clearwater, one now in Venice) and they seem to love living in this state. But I wonder if I could take that heat/humidity in the summer. in the winter, I wish I lived there. I also visited the Everglades in one trip, and Key West in another. So different from the Northeast. I’m glad you found a spot for now. I’m with you – dislike bugs and high humidity. By the way, did you get to the Dali Museum? Such an amazing spot, and a good friend works there. Stay safe and happy! xo
April 4, 2020 at 17:47
Hi Pam,
Having friends in Florida is the best of both worlds, if you can go visit them once in a while, ideally in the winter time. I have a few friends who live in that state as well and it was a highlight to meet up. We wouldn’t be able to last there during the summer either and even this year, spring skipped, so our last weeks were very hot and humid as well. 🙁 And buggy! Very different from the Northeast, like you said.
Unfortunately, I didn’t go to the Dali Museum. It was on the agenda for our return journey along the west coast of Florida, but by then COVID-19 and the heat had us rush north. The museum was closed by then and busy places were to be avoided. My plan was to stop by on a Thursday evening as it would be the only affordable time to go. Hopefully, another time!?
April 5, 2020 at 11:03
Yes, another time for the Dali. And when you go, let me know and I’ll let you know my friend’s name so you can meet her if she’s working at the Dali then.
April 5, 2020 at 14:05
Sounds good, Pam! Thanks for the offer and connection. It might be a while before we ever go to St. Pete’s, now that we skipped it (twice) on this trip. But, you never know. Maybe there will be an irresistible house sit one day. I’ve always wanted to check out that Dali Museum!
April 2, 2020 at 20:32
The close up of the alligators on the path freaks me out until I saw you standing next to one and realized he was probably too small to eat you. Maya is getting cuter every day. She looks like she belongs on a sailboat!. Happy Belated to Mark. He looks handsome as ever. I think you have every right to complain but didn’t think you were doing so here at all …just telling the story.
April 4, 2020 at 18:18
Oh, Maya can be cute. But also stubborn and a trouble maker. She is adventurous and loves climbing on things, like hammocks, cable carts, and sailboats. Yes, she’d make a good boat dog! 🙂
If everyone thinks I’m in the company of handsome creatures, I better believe it. Haha. While I’m always telling our story, I sometimes get tired of it, especially when negativity is involved. Trying times for all of us, I guess. Wishing you love and joy on the water and I hope new plans for you both will be forged and implemented soon.
April 17, 2020 at 12:36
How cool that, in spite of everything, you had a chance to visit the Everglades. Great photos of the wildlife there! I’ve never been to Florida, and haven’t spent much time in the southeastern USA at all. The only place where I’ve seen an alligator in the wild was in New Orleans once. I didn’t get too close as I was told they can move quite quickly.
Jude
April 17, 2020 at 16:42
Hi Jude! Yes, we squeezed in a two-hour bike excursion in the Northern Everglades. I had good memories and experiences there, watching the alligators when exploring Florida extensively in 2003. Because of COVID’s beginning stages, it was very quiet and we had all the wildlife to ourselves. 🙂 The gators are quite used to tourists there. I’d never seen any outside of Florida before, but we spotted a few skittish ones in South Carolina as well, when camped at that nature reserve for two weeks.