
2 minute read
TRAVEL COLUMN
Firstly, it is away from most large tourist areas and central to both coasts. The bigger cities, Tampa and St. Petersburg are about an hour and a half east of us. Orlando is a little closer
Secondly, the park has classes for residents that are not typically found in these types of communities, woodworking, metal shop and stained glass. Of course all other typical activities are also here. I have enjoyed art class, playing cards and completed a stain glass project. All very enjoyable. Next up is aqua fit and bocce ball Roy is going to try the metal working class, as it mostly involves cars
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The people in this park are very friendly. We have met several people, including a group from Ontario. Roy even grew up in the same area of Kitchener as one guy. Definitely a small world. Yesterday, a friend of Roy’s who has wintered in Florida for 18 years arrived at the site beside us for a week. This should be fun!
Everyone here comments on the cold weather they are having. Definitely needed a sweater for a day or two. Also, I almost had to put socks on one day! Generally, the temperature has been in the high teens and low twenties. We’ve had sunbathing days and torrential rain for 6 hours one day. One day they are called for gale force winds. Everyone battened down the hatches that day!
Staying away from the typical tourist areas is certainly a different kind of Florida experience. It’s living in the country Very little to no traffic until you hit a major city on the coast. Medium sized towns are about 45 minutes away, so also a bit of a drive. We’ve discovered some very nice eateries here, Catfish Country being top of the list so far! As the name implies they have a lot of different seafood, but also dishes for landlubbers like me and the best coleslaw I’ve ever had!
After three weeks of mostly rain and we’re finally drying out. The upside of all that rain is getting to know people in our park and enjoying the inside events that are offered here. We really lucked out with the random selection of Pioneer Creek RV Resort park.
Residents of the park are very good at suggesting things to do in the area. First off, seeing manatees, second seeing alligators! Listening to the recommendations of locals is a great piece of advice
Seeing manatees was on my “definite” list this time around. In the Gulf, Florida manatees can be found west through to coastal Louisiana and are occasionally sighted as far west as Texas. Prior to winter’s coldest months, manatees migrate to warm water habitats in Florida. These warmwater sites include artesian springs and power plant discharge canals. Florida is at the northern end of the manatee’s winter range and these warm-water habitats play an important role in their survival during the winter months.
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