Fort DeSoto, FL

I am on the road solo this week. It is the first time I have launched a trip and set up at a campground by myself. 

Note to Barbara: I miss you!

Barbara is off with a friend cruising the Danube on a Christmas River Cruise. She and her friend Joanne did this two years ago and had such a good time they are off again. Husbands were invited, of course, but freezing temps and non-stop shopping kept the guys safe and warm at home.

The last time the ladies headed to Europe Curt Anderson joined me and we took the RV to Flagler Beach for a week. We did not escape the cold, though. A cold front blasted through and brought cold weather and high winds. This year I have come to Fort DeSoto in St. Petersburg, FL, and the weather is terrific. I have a waterfront site, although it is not oceanfront. This is on the gulf coast remember. My site looks out on Bunces Pass and Mullet Key Bayou. 

If you have not been to Ft DeSoto you should make it a 'must stop' if motoring through Florida. There are at least six miles of highly rated beach, two fishing piers, the fort of course, boat ramps, kayak rentals, and miles of bike and walking paths. There is a nice large picnic area and lots of picnic pavilions, too, so even if you are not camping there’s plenty to do.

These reservations were made well before we adopted Nia, our Golden Retriever. This area of the campground does not allow pets. We were faced with canceling and losing the full payment. Well, not lose exactly. We would have a credit to use later, but with Nia’s aversion to other dogs we would not be able to use the credit without disturbing her by being in the pet camping area where everyone has a dog. Well, Kathy and Jay Murphy came to our rescue. Kathy is another foster in the Golden Retriever Rescue organization like Barbara. She watched over Nia when we were in California a few months ago, and since she did not have another foster at the moment she volunteered to help out. This is particularly nice of them since the have just sold their house and are in the process of getting ready to move. The last time Nia was with them she pulled her hair out. (Nia, that is, not Kathy.) To avert a recurrence Kathy made Nia sleep in the “Cone of Shame”. If you have seen the movie “Up” you will understand this reference. Hopefully, Nia will behave and not have to wear it all week.

Curt plans to join me Sunday and plans to get some fishing in during the week by kayak. I got out for a long walk today and have sore feet, so my exercise is most likely going to be by kayak as well so this will work out. 

Did not start track until return. Actually 4Mi.

Just made it home for sunset, isn't life grand!

I will start reconing the waterways in the morning.