EXPLORING THE TREASURE COAST & BEYOND

Riverroaminwiththetillerys.com

Making Memories Exploring & Glamping

By Anna Valencia Tillery

Memorial Weekend 2023 in Florida’s Northwest Region

The springs in Florida’s northwestern region, along the big bend before entering the panhandle, are a glimpse of what Florida was with just the right number of modern conveniences. Over Memorial weekend 2023, the happy campers we are, capitalized on the long weekend and ventured far from home. Excited for the two full days on the waterways, we opted to take the highways to make better time. It might have worked too had the travel cover for our pontoon not have shredded while on the turnpike!

Regardless, we arrived with an hour to spare before nightfall to the River Run Campground. Though the office was closed, the sign told us to simply find a spot and check in the following morning. So, we did. Though this place was not a campground for as much as it was a camping trailer permanent park, many clearly parked for several years if not longer. Still, a spot or two were accessible. Important to note, there was a second half of the park with small cabins designed for those kayaking down the Ichetucknee River. These units were rented as Air BNB’s which seemed cute enough. Breaking news, there are many private boat ramps in that area of Florida. Most belonging to members of sprawling properties with an HOA overlay, these water access points require a key for entry and exit; none of which we had. Luckily, another friendly fellow saw our setup and suggested heading up the street and around the bend for a $5 pay to launch ramp attached to Sandy’s Point Motel & Campground. Thank heavens for this find!

River #60 the Santa Fe! With its nearly clear water lapping up on the shore of either side with the high amount of boat traffic, it was obvious many springs fed into this river. Shallow white sand banks lined the river’s edge, along with large boulders and fallen tree trunks; a favorite sunning spot for the young turtles and gators that lived there. Houses also were prevalent to the northern side of the rive. We have always said we enjoy the patriotism found on the river and the Santa Fe held true for that busy Memorial weekend with nearly every home proudly waving an American flag in honor of the fallen and deployed.

To the east then southeast, the Santa Fe River is quite long and even disappearing underground! That is a main attraction at O’Leno State Park our family saw years back. It then reappears and carries on for many more miles until it dwindles into a creek. For lunch that first full day on the water, we enjoyed Italian sliders and chips with fresh watermelon. Eventually, we even found a nice beach area perfect for Seger to run and play fetch.

Day two was incredible and we arrived much earlier to Sandy’s Point this time. Once in the water with our nonworking depth finder and dented prop, we went straight for the Ichetucknee, just a 20-minute cruise on the Santa Fe. We were one of the first boats in the spring fed river accomplishing river #61 ya’ll! The water here was crystal clear with tinges of blue and green from the rocks below. There was only about 30 feet or so boats could occupy, north was dedicated to the tubers from the state park headwaters. Though it did not take long for more boaters to arrive so dad figured it best to head out while we could as the current was strong. Once out of our 61st river, we stopped at a tiki pole staked shore for some Seger playtime and lunch. Then, we took the Santa Fe west for the day to see what sights awaited us. Another cool looking rv park/ campground Ellie’s was found and multiple cypress tree forests in the water; so stunning! Though, shortly after the awe-inspiring cypress trees, we noticed the watercolor changing to that murky-ness that most of Florida’s freshwater offers. That is where the intersection of the Santa Fe and Suwannee meet. Our 3rd river of the trip, it is a river we enjoy as its full of sandy sections for sunning and such.

With plans of taking the backroads home to avoid the Memorial Day chaos on the turnpike we witnessed headed to our destination, mom found a path leading us right to our favorite pizza chain Jets. 2.5 hours later, we had hot fresh pizza to enjoy while also seeing dozens of watermelon farms and charming towns. Once on SR60 it was another 2.5 hours home and what a welcome site it was. Another great trip worth doing again for all you fellow glamping, river roamers; safe travels!