Away We Go - Destination Florida
                                                                                                          Chapter 3

            Initial trips should be shakedown cruises.  Don't try to do it all on your first trip.  A good resort campground, not too far away, will let you get used to your rig with the security of being close to home should any major problem develop. If an RV is purchased from a dealer under a 30 day warranty; make at least 3 trips to campsites near that dealer within that time; and use all the rigs systems to check everything.  A good way to get started is to join a RV club in your area.  You will gather many helpful hints on everything involving camping from making repairs to microwave cooking and campfire recipes.   Since we live in Largo, Florida most of our shakedown trips were in the State of Florida.
            Our first trip was a weekend trip to Ocala National Forest.  We stayed at Juniper Springs.  We learned many things on just that short weekend.  If you walk off the paths in Florida you and your pet can get ticks and fleas.  Tigger had 2 ticks on him and I had 4!  Doris used Adams Flea and Tick spray to get them off us.  We carry a nice pair of tweezers so it was just a matter of spraying, waiting until they backed out and then grabbing the ticks with the tweezers.  Since then we have headed to the northwestern United States with a stop here and there along the way. 
                                                      
                             The Springs                                  Staying on trail                      Our 1st Campsite

            Just east of Tampa at McIntosh Rd. near exit 9 on Interstate 4 is a resort campground called Green Acres Travel Park.  The campground (located on US 92, is just South of the Travel Park) has a lot of shade trees and  full hookup facilities. We always like to choose a campsite with a tree we can attach Tigger's pulley line to so he has room to move around outside.   This comes in very handy
                                                                             
                                                    Tigger on line at Green Acres Travel Park
in the mornings when you haven't dressed yourself yet.   If there aren't any trees on the site, I run the pulley between the rack on the top of the rig to a corkscrew steel stake designed for holding dog lines.  These can be purchased at any pet shop.  We never leave Tigger completely alone on his pulley.   We may stop to see a few of the neighbors but we always have him in our sight.    The campground is located within 40 minutes of downtown Tampa and within 1 hour from Clearwater Beach.  The main route to the Clearwater Beach, (Courtney Campbell Causeway), has areas where dogs can run and play in the water.  Green Acres Travel Park also has plenty of room to let your pets run and exercise.  They also have clean facilities, a swimming pool, and meeting rooms.
                When Tigger can't come with us sightseeing, we leave him in the RV with a dog biscuit, which usually keeps him occupied while we are gone.  We also give him a "on guard" command that tells him to stay alert.  After he finishes his biscuit, he jumps behind the driver's seat and watches us leave.  We know that he will bark loudly if anyone comes too close to the RV. On hot days we always leave the air conditioner on and the fan vent open.  This may not be very economical, but if the air conditioner stopped for any reason, hot air would leave through the fan vent.   Tigger is part Rhodesian-Ridgeback, and part Greyhound.  Besides being a pretty dog, he has a ridge of hair that measures about 6 inches that stands straight up along his back, even when he is calm.  When angry, the ridge of hair runs all the way back to his tail and gives a very threatening appearance. 

                                                                                    

            Take it slow, don't let anyone rush you!  The first thing to do on entering a campground is to select a site, take it slow and think about the direction you'll want to park in or how you will back your rig into the site you want.  It may not be as easy as it sounds.  When you give my wife a choice of sites it's even harder.  She makes me drive once around the park.
             When you approach a site that has full hookups, the determining position of your rig on the site will be the length of your sewer hose and the position of the sewer tap.  Usually the water hose (I carry 2) is long enough and the electric line (extra-heavy duty extension) is adequate to reach the connections.  If it's a "pull-through" site, where you enter from one direction and continue in the same direction when you leave, you simply pull straight in until your sewer valve is in close proximity to the tap.  RV magazines continuously print articles on how to back up a rig.  All agree that having a guide to help you is the best and safest way.  Make sure your guide is in full view of your mirror when he or she stands to the side and not directly behind the RV where you can't see him or her.  My wife stands where she can see herself in the mirror and knows that then I can see her too!  Also have an agreed upon system of hand signals for stop, left, right, forward, etc.  While you can roll your windows down to hear your guide's voice wind direction or noises from passing motorists, children, or thunder can make it difficult for you to hear.
                        On back up just turn hand over and push away for forward.
                                   Clearance can also mean back-up straight.
                                                         

                                                                                       
                                               This worker is standing where he can see the mirror
                                                      and the driver can see him in the mirror too!

            Most sites in resort campgrounds have sites that are level, but always check the "bubbles" on front-to-back and side-to-side indicators.  If you don't have leveling bubbles, you can get them at any RV supply store.  The most important reason to be level is to keep the refrigerator working properly and efficiently.  Many rigs have automatic hydraulic levelers.  I carry two 3" thick boards and a small hand shovel.   If you are using boards, remember you have to lift the side you want the bubble to go towards.  If most of the bubble is in the center or at the 0-1" mark that's about as good as it gets.  You should stay between 0 and 2" to be level.     Many campgrounds under the management of the National Forest Service, Corps of Army Engineers, and State Parks do not have sewer connections.  Holding tanks are dumped as you leave at a "dump site".  Since you don't have to back in close to a sewer connection, you can position the RV on the site for better shade or to have your door close to the grill.  Just remember to follow any restrictions on parking such as "Park on Road Surface Only" or "Park Next To Cement Pads Only".  Most campgrounds allow for a little latitude in positioning on the campsite.  The steps in setting up and breaking down camp are all the same, yet each site will present slightly different challenges. 
             One destination we particularly liked for weekends is Mar-Good Resort in Goodland, Florida.  Goodland is a small fishing village just southwest of Marco Island and on the northern end of The 10,000 Islands.  It's residents are mostly fisherman or townspeople that cater to tourists.  Mar-Good is not only a RV campground, but mostly a cottage resort having less than 30 hookup sites.  The sites are relatively small and are located very close to the cottages.  They are also within a few minutes (walking) of a sheltered cove, which provides mooring for about, 50 small boats.  Mar-Good Resort, with its rear bar on the water overlooking the cove, has boat docks, a restaurant, grocery store and a WWII movie theater converted into a dance hall.  The owners Sandy and Elhannon, have never been known to turn away a guest.  Even if it means parking your rig along the street, next to their store, and running electric and water from a nearby cottage.  To take a trip to Mar-Good Resort, take I-75 south to Exit 15.  Turn south on Route 951 to US 41 south.  Then take State Road 92 southwest to Goodland.  After you cross the bridge over the intracoastal Waterway you will make two left turns (almost a U-turn).   A few more minutes through the mangroves and you'll be at Mar-Good Resort.

MAR-GOOD RV PARK COTTAGES & MARINA property was purchased by Collier County Spring, 2005 and is presently being transformed into a County Park. The Park will offer kayak/canoe launches, playground, picnic areas, walking paths and pavilions. The large building built during WWII will be converted into a museum.  We are waiting to
hear if another RV area will be opened in this area.  

Elhannon and Sandy in their              Dancehall

On Pontoon boat near           Goodland, Florida

First Dolphin"dog"        Tigger sees

             Laid back and quiet, except for Saturday nights, you have arrived in Old Florida!  Goodland has a post office, a fish packing plant, marina, restaurants, lounges, motels and cottages.   You can walk around the whole town in less than a hour and never be more than 100 yards from the water.  We like to rent a flat deck pontoon boat and take Tigger out to the cays and sandy beaches.  He likes to swim and play in the water.  It's not hard to find a private little island just for yourself.  Tigger really enjoys the dolphins when they swim and jump next to the boat.  He must think, the dolphin's a strange breed of dogs coming to play with him.  Birdwatchers will find an abundance of sea birds along with ospreys, owls and an occasional eagle or two.  There are plenty of quiet roads to walk the dog and a few "town" dogs that run loose.   They are pretty friendly and are not a problem as long as you control your dog.   They are mostly looking for a playful romp.  Through our many walks, Tigger has learned the names of other animals.  When I walk with him I constantly point out animals and call them by name.  He knows and can distinguish between a cat, puppy, big bird (egrets and cranes), birdies, (baa) sheep, (moo) cows, and horses.  We call all other dogs, "puppy", regardless of their size or age.  Tigger loves to run and chase rabbits and squirrels (though he never comes close to catching one), however, I caution about walking a dog unleashed in Florida.  Along with the rabbits and squirrels, we also have alligators that live in the lakes and they have, on occasion, made a meal out of a domesticated pet.  Evenings in Goodland can be quiet or as lively as you choose.  Sit around the dock by the marina or go to the dance hall or one of the many restaurants in town.  Stan's usually has entertainment (Stan himself) on either Friday or Saturday night.  Don't bother to dress up as nobody will be impressed.  Automotive services, banking, malls and churches are only about ½ hour west on US 92 in Marco Island.
                                                                                                 Stan
             A convenient campground in the center of Florida near Orlando is always a must for visitors.  For us it is just a short trip and, in an area that is overrun with tourism, there is one campground, Tropical Palms, we favor whenever we go to Orlando.  Tropical Palms can be easily reached from I-4 by using exit 25A.  Drive southeast on US 192 about one mile to Holiday Trail and turn right.  The campground is well maintained and has a swimming pool, outdoor cafe, gift shop, restaurant, cottages, and full facilities.   While not inexpensive for a campground, the price is well worth it for the convenient location to Orlando attractions and the friendly atmosphere at the park.   In fact, you can walk from the campground to an entertainment and shopping area called Old Town.  Old Town has quaint stores, novelty shops, rides and restaurants.   On some nights (mostly weekends) a parade of classic cars are driven  through the streets of Old Town.  Tropical Palms is also a good home base for trips to the Kennedy Space Center on the East Coast and the gulf beaches on the west coast of Florida.   Pets are not allowed in Orlando attractions, but most do provide a kennel service if you desire. We prefer running our air conditioner for 4 hours and letting Tigger be comfortable in his own rig.  Being close to the attractions is important so you can get back quickly after a long day to give your dog plenty of exercise and attention.            
                                                                           
                                                                                                      

                                                                                  
                                                                                             Cottages at Tropical Palms     
                                                                  
                                                                                       Excellent Campground
                                                                         
                                                                                           

                                                                      
                    Ferris Wheel at Entrance                          Merry Go Round                           Main Street in OldTown 

            Lake Oklawaha RV Resort is not on the way from anywhere and it is not on the way to anywhere, although it is only 45 minutes from I-75 in the Ocala National Forest.  It is a destination in itself if you want a day or two of quiet relaxation.  This out-of-the-way campground overlooks a large lake (Rodman Reservoir) and has all the hookups and features (swimming pool, showers, clubroom, etc.) as a resort at a very reasonable price.  Lake Oklawaha RV Resort has about 500 campsites and is said to have the best bass fishing around.  We discovered this campground as guests of a RV club that held a pig roast and fun meeting at the campground.  Lake Oklawaha RV Resort is probably one of the best locations for group meetings because it has both the room and a nice, quiet location.  You can choose to stay away from the busy areas and pick a campsite up on the bluff or near the woods.  To get there take I-75 to exit #72.  Then take CR 318 east to Highway 441 and turn south (right) to CR 316 and turn east (left), following 316 through Ft. McCoy and Eureka.  When you cross the High Bridge over the Oklawaha River on 316, take the first left at the sign and drive approximately 11 miles to the RV Park.  Watch out for the little jog to the right and next turn to the left which 316 makes after you pass US 301.  It may not be marked and looks like the road stops, but go right and take the next left and you are back on it. 

                                                                                                    
                                                             Click on map to enlarge

                                                                              
                                                                                                 Swimming in pool

             When traveling with another camper, don't ever try to "convoy", as it is difficult enough to drive one vehicle in traffic, much less two.  On one trip we started out with friends who would be traveling through two states with us.  A CB radio came is handy and helped us keep in touch on the road.  We determined meeting places for lunch and "doggie breaks" before we left and our campsites were already lined up.   Our first stop on that trip was a campground managed by the Army Corps of Engineers on Lake Seminole in Georgia just across the Florida border.  It is a little hard to find, but it is just off Woodruff Dam from US 90 in Chattahoochee, Florida.  You travel one mile north toward the dam into the park area and past administration buildings to the campground.  This is a lakeside campground with electric and water hookups, but no sewer connections.  There is a dump station on the way out that is well-designed and easy to use.  The campsites are large and separated from each other with grills and fireplaces.  Rolling hills are great fun for dogs with plenty of room for Frisbee, frolicking and playing.  Watch out for ants at this campground.  It is a good idea to spray your tires and connections with a mixture that will discourage ants from crawling up your lines and into your RV.  Shower facilities are well maintained and there is a boat launch at the lake.  We have spent many nice evenings with friends at Lake Seminole and Tigger especially likes climbing the hills and watching the geese that frequent the lake during migration.
            Heading into Georgia we found a nice campsite off US 29 near La Grange at West Point Lake, it is managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers.  Called R.Schaeffer Heard Campground, the campground has good facilities with electricity and water hookups.  Our campsite, #28, overlooked the lake and we had a nice breeze coming off the water.
                                                                                           
            Near Flovilla on US 23 you will find Indian Springs State Park.  They have electric and water hookups.   The campground also has very nice shower and laundry facilities.  There is a dump station on site, too.  The park is mostly open-woods with a lot of grass. It is just perfect for Tigger to run in. 
             We also stopped at Hard Labor Creek State Park, which is just north of Rutledge off I-20 at exit #49.   The campground is in good shape and we ended up spending a weekend there.  We saw at least 6 deer and Tigger was able to get close to a few of them before they bolted into the woods.  We kept him on a long leash, of course. We also spray Tigger with Tick and Flea Spray daily before he leaves the RV, when we are in a campground.    The campsites have electric and water hookups along with excellent facilities.  We enjoyed looking around the small town of Rutledge and having breakfast at the local cafe.    
            Our friends decided to head out West and we headed into Alabama before turning our sights to the Northwest.   Oak Mountain State Park is just below Birmingham in Pelham, Alabama.  The campsites are wooded and well maintained.  In Coleman, North of Birmingham, the Benedictine Order of Monks, have a grotto of miniature shrines on 3 ½ acres of gardens.   The shrines are replicas from Rome, Lourdes, etc.  A monk devoted his entire life to creating the shrines.  They don't mind you taking your dog on a leash while you walk and admire the detail on the shrines.  It was here that we noticed our "house" battery was too weak to start the generator.  We found that by starting the RV engine, we could start the generator and it would continue to run even when we turned the RV engine off, (a useful hint until you get a replacement battery).  
                                                                                       


             In Mississippi we camped at a delightful campsite in the Chewalla Lake Recreational Area, part of Holly Springs National Forest.  The campground is peaceful, quiet, beautifully wooded and well cared for.  The camps have nice picnic tables and grills.  The lake has a boat launch, an overlook platform, and a swimming area (not for dogs).  There was so much room that is was possible to let Tigger run and play "Frisbee" without him interfering with other campers.  We were on Chewalla Lake on a very quiet day and we were able to select our own site.  When you are able to do this it is always a good idea to drive around the campground before deciding on one.  Wind direction and campfire site should be considered.  Lakeside and riverside sites usually provide nice breezes from the water.  From this area of the country we usually beeline it to our favorite place, the Great Northwest, but we have a few other places we want to tell you about first.
                                                                 

                                                
                                                                                       
                                                                                                     
                      


 

 Way Down Upon the Swannee River
                                                                                           
                   

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