Gearing up for FL

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by Dennis Adams, Jan 9, 2018.

  1. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    It's about time to depart east TN for a few weeks and head south To FL where we can get outside and warm up.
    I'm not a big Fan of FL having lived on the Gulf Coast side (near Tarpon Spprings) for 22 years. (Other than the fishing and boating) Too many rats in the cage/overcrowded and lots of idiots.
    We have been away for a dozen years and haven't spent a great deal of time on the east coast. We have some quality time available so we thought we would do FL this winter instead of the longer haul to AZ.

    The first week is Fort Clinch near Jacksonville and St Augustine Anastasia State Parks. Next is three days in a private Park south of St Augustine, then 4 days at Faver-Dyke SP. Two days are open proceeding south and then spending 11 days in Key West. By then I should need some time drying out at the Betty Ford Clinic. Duval faced on **** street.

    We then proceed north with a couple days open. One night at Tomoka SP, then two weeks at Gamble Rogers SP, near Daytona Beach. My Brother in Law lives nearby so we will get some rubber boating time in and some fishing.

    Early March will be spent at Henderson Beach State Park near Destin in the Panhandle.
    By then it should be Spring in east TN.

    Taking our 10.5 foot Achilles inflatable boat and motor. Great fun boating in the Keys and Atlantic ICW
    Bar hop boating, fishing and exploring.

    About 2500 miles round trip in seven week. Should be a good time.
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2018
  2. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Routes being weather dependent.
     
  3. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Some previous Hypalon boat shots.
     
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  4. Swampdog

    Swampdog Member

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    Sounds like a well planned trip, enjoy and have a safe trip...

    You might want to avoid the bars with "rainbow flags" while in Key West especially when ****faced on Duval Street!
     
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  5. ASH

    ASH Member

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    Man that sounds good. I wish I could take off for 7 weeks. I took off about a year a while back and I am still catching back up lol.
     
  6. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    Well if you come down I-75 give me a holler.
     
  7. IW17

    IW17 Member

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    And the beautiful woman outside with callused hands:eek:
     
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  8. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Snagged two great State Park sites in the Keys going south.
    Florida uses Reserve America for on line reservations as do many states.
    It's not easy this late in the game to get campsites for a small RV in the Keys in February.
    Every day, sometimes 3-4 times a day I would go online and see if anything had opened up.
    I was looking for two nights at two SP which is easier than finding a block of days in the Keys.
    First I found a site at Bahia Honda SP, 2/3 of the way down and only recently reopened since Hurricane Irma.
    3 days later I secured a spot at the elusive Pennekamp Reef SP in the northern Keys.

    Next small project. Finding a way to transport two 7 foot fishing rods.
    Think I'll just wrap them in garbage bags and strap them to the ladder.
    Use one SS tie to keep folks honest.
     
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  9. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Florida Keys in general.
    Parts of the Keys got pretty beat up by Hurricane Irma.
     
  10. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    I haven't been to Pennykamp since I was a kid.
    As to the fishing poles, can't you just lay them on the bed?
     
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  11. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    It's about time to get out of east TN. Snowing today. Second time this winter.
    Boat and support gear on the hitch carrier. Rods strapped to ladder for the trip.

    Goal day one. Savannah, Ga.
     
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  12. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    I have done much of that drive myself !!! I loved it down in The Keys !!
     
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  13. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Rolling.
     
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  14. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    What route you taking? I-75 or I-95?
     
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  15. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    75 to 16 to 95. Likely stay near Metter, GA Saturday night.
    Fort Clinch SP for a couple days.
    Then St Augustine area.
    If you're in the zone let me know. I'll buy you a bourbon.
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2018
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  16. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    plumbing tubing , one end cap, one threaded cap. tons of room inside for the rods. Secure (easy to thread a cable lock thru holes drilled in the removable cap.

     
  17. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    I'm off I-75 around Gainesville/Ocala FL area
     
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  18. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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  19. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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  20. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Walk through history. Fort Clinch visit. 20180122_115623.jpg 20180122_112718.jpg 20180122_114315.jpg
     

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