Oh Florida.  We have visited here my whole life, with family in Tampa, Orlando and New Smyrna Beach. We would spend a week in late winter, just before our busy work season and a week after, in late fall. Growing up in the mountains, this is where I learned to love the ocean and surfing. Whether it was dead flat, closing out or lining up,  I would spend my whole time bobbing in the water. I would always go home with a case of “kook rib”, my nipples rubbed raw.  But not this time, I am nursing a separated shoulder from a whitewater paddling injury.We pulled into my Uncle Darryl’s compound late. His place is much like a “mullet”. Nice, unassuming house from the front, but as the gates to the back opened for us to post camp, whoa! Full blown boat yard with all sorts of #freedomvessels. We spent some great quality time catching up and eating good food.  Thanks Lori!  😉  Darryl treated us to a day on the water. We blasted around lake Apopka, each of us in a micro v-hull with outboard engine, a water go-cart of sorts. All of us cheesing hard, like a bunch of kids, having a ball. Chasing my uncles around the lake was an absolute gas.We bombed over to the Atlantic side and set up shop at my Uncle Bob’s compound. Again, great quality time with the family, catching up with loved ones we have not seen in a while. We spent our time playing music , working on motorcycles and eating tasty treats.  Thank you Floridians for the hospitality!  We had a wonderful time!Leaving our appointment in Sanford felt as if a weight was lifted. Our last scheduled affair for the foreseeable future. Full time vagabonds…We stopped by Blue Springs State Park. Oh man, such a beautiful, peaceful spot.  A count of 150+ manatees were hanging out in the crystal spring water. Being there before the crowds made for a truly tranquil experience for all of us.We put Blanca’s four wheel drive to good use and found an incredible camping area in Ocala National Forest. A nice, secluded spot on a clear, small lake. Paradise. Quiet and free to aahh…….just enjoy each moment.

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