Woo hoo for Vaughn the Adventure Van!!
I’m beside myself with excitement and to celebrate I have already taken him out for his first campout at Myakka River State Park here in Florida. I haven’t started outfitting him with my proper bed and storage yet, but for just grabbing gear form my parents’ house so far I think we’re doing pretty well!
First my friend Baila (who was actually my neighbor and hike buddy on O’ahu who recently relocated to the east coast too!) and I decided to go on a relatively local adventure around town…
then we hopped on down to Warm Mineral Springs in North Port for a rejuvenating dip. Not too bad being able to swim outside in December!
We were so grateful to find such a peaceful and gorgeous camping spot just before sunset.
This park was extra cool because it features an elevated canopy walk 26 feet tall so visitors can experience all the unique air plants and local birds at eye level. Such an enlightening experience!
The trees were absolutely teaming with aerophytes! And after that fun catwalk, you get to climb up a 74 foot wooden tower to literally look down upon the trees as far as the eye can see in this super flat Florida landscape.
I mean, WOW!
One of the neatest plants on the journey so far…
On our way out we got to see about a dozen big fat happy gators sunning on the bank too. Fun to see from a distance, but they appeared around 8 feet long so I think we’ll stick to the roads for now:)
12.11.2019