I last left you with an overview of the Venice area, which we thoroughly enjoyed and were sorry to leave, but on March 1st, that’s just what we did.
We meandered toward the Panhandle, but not before stopping off in Central Florida to break up the long, 10 hour drive. We stayed at a state park called Rainbow Springs, located about 30 miles outside Ocala. This was our first time staying at a state park and we didn’t know quite what to expect other than reading good reviews.
As are most Florida state parks, the site was spacious but unlike many state parks, we had full hookups. (For those of you unfamiliar with that term, basically when you park your rv you ‘hook-up’ to water, electric and sewer. Many state parks do not have sewer hook ups, which means depending on how long you stay, you may have to disconnect everything during your stay and use the dump station at the park/resort, then hook up all over again. So the moral of the story is, leave your laxatives at home).
Rainbow Springs is well known for its waterfalls and its unique blue/green water. The water really is this color (no editing) and it stays fairly warm all year round.
Of course, wherever there is water in Florida, there’s alligators.
True story: A man who used to be a police officer told me he got a call to report to a neighborhood and when he got there a woman was without one arm and an alligator had it in its mouth. He then swallowed it (they swallow their food whole). The alligator was shot and was then opened up, her arm was retrieved and reattached. No lie.
We took a looooonnnng kayak trip down the river near the campground and I was able to get some neat wildlife pics, but this next one is my favorite. It almost looks photoshopped, doesn’t it? The heron doesn’t even look real, and it certainly looks a lot bigger than it should in comparison to the house.
The houses along the river are relatively modest for the most part, but very much in demand and pricey. Although it’s great to be on the river, rumor has it during the summer when it’s crowded with kayakers people routinely stop and think nothing of walking on other people’s property and even asking to use their bathroom.
That’s why some people put up ‘no trespassing’ signs. I guess there’s a down side to everything.
I got this shot just as he caught himself a fish.
Nearly every day this bird seemed to be fascinated with our car side view mirror, and we had the bird poop to prove it.
You might have seen this if you follow me on IG or FB. Cute, cute, cute!
We stayed in Rainbow Springs for five days, which was more than enough time. Two days before we were to leave, our car had transmission problems.
AGAIN.
If you recall, we had to have it fixed shortly after arriving in Naples in early January, but it’s not really an issue that can be permanently fixed (we were just hoping it wouldn’t konk out on us until after we got home).
We couldn’t drive anywhere for the last two days in Rainbow Springs. It’s pretty isolated and there was no where to service it so we towed it to the panhandle where we once again had to slooooowly drive it to the dealer located about 20 miles away. We were driving so slow with our emergency lights on a cop stopped us. Ugh!
We once again got it ‘fixed’ and started exploring the area. We were staying at Topsail state park which we really liked, located just a five minute bike ride to the beach and about 15 minutes east of Destin, but one of our favorite towns is called Seaside, which looks like something out of a picture book.
I will have lots more to show you next time, but here’s the ADORABLE post office.
But back to Topsail.
I was thrilled to find a place that serves beignets that are every bit as good as the ones served at the famous Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. They’re made to order and served so hot you have to wait a bit to devour eat them.
Soooooo good!
After we left the Topsail area, we headed just an hour east and settled in at Emerald Coast RV Resort in Panama City Beach. This was the view from our site.
We stayed here for one week, so there was plenty of time to explore nearby towns. One day we came across this shop that reminded me of Miss Mustard Seed. 😉
I bought a cute top while I was there, but that was it. At more than $600, Betty Boop was staying right where she was.
Panama City is a bit commercial, but they had some fun things to see like this upside down building.
And of course, there is always the beach…
In other news…
Spring is taking her time to arrive, but it’s resurrection is indeed happening. Today I noticed our forsythia beginning to bloom and the daffodils rearing their lovely heads. We’ve released our outdoor furniture from the confines of the shed, and a new umbrella for our outdoor dining table arrived from Amazon. Our next project is having some stone steps installed (and no, we are NOT doing it ourselves this time).
We are preparing for our Singapore/Cambodia trip, getting the proper vaccines, arranging a tour guide for Cambodia, and trying to fit everything we need to bring for the full three weeks in carry ons. Should be interesting 😉
Some people wonder why we would want to go to Cambodia, but it’s actually a wonderful destination filled with history, beautiful temples (Tomb Raider was filmed there) and tons of culture. This is just one of many temples we hope to experience.
We have also connected with a lemon law attorney who is confident we have a case against the manufacturer of our car, so that will be nice to get that resolved once and for all.
Lately I’ve been spending a TON of time putting the ‘featured images’ on each of my posts. That’s almost 500 folks! While going through all my old posts I realized there’s a lot of stuff most of you have no clue exist, so it’s time to fix that. Instead of worrying about blogging while we’re away, I’m going to do a couple of themed round up posts that I think you might enjoy reading, but not until I do one more Florida post.
Oh, and depending on when you’re reading this I may be hangin’ with Deb aka Mountain Mama! Squeal!!!
Emily says
Hi Doreen, the color of the water in Rainbow Springs is really beautiful. Usually the gulf water is this color, guess that’s why they call it the emerald coast. The wildlife is amazing, glad you were watching out for gators, yikes! Sorry about your car trouble, I’m sure that was a bummer but I see you didn’t let it spoil your trip. So happy you found Seaside, can’t wait to see those pics. When I do I’m going to want a trip there:) and Panama City. I love my trips there. Wow, you really are headed on an adventure on your next trip. That will be one I know I’ll never go on so I’ll look forward to your posts about Cambodia and Singapore…………I love to travel but I always enjoy coming home, bet you do too………..
Vickie says
I would love to take our kayaks down the river at Rainbow Springs! It looks like paradise to me….except for the alligators. You’ve had quite a few adventures and more on the horizon. Have fun meeting up with fellow blogger, Deb!!
Cecilia says
How annoying about the car, hope you will get that resolved! Wow, Rainbow Springs is beautiful! Great shot of the heron too! Glad to hear Spring is finally showing up in your part of the world…I don’t think I’d like having to wait so long for it. Your trip sounds fabulous…can’t wait to see pictures. Enjoy your time with Deb!
Cindi says
I’m loving Rainbows Springs too!
I can’t believe the water looks like that.
Magical.
Looks like a fabulous time!
Looking forward to more photos!
XOXOXO
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh what a beautiful place. The color of that water is amazing! And the photos you were able to get on that kayak trip are breathtaking. But that gator story…YIKES!! 😛
Looks like everything else was pretty wonderful (rotten car aside) – shopping, beignets, beaches, exploring – perfection!!
So happy to hear Spring is finally showing up for you too!! Loving it here too. 😉 Can’t wait to dig in the dirt.
Sounds like an absolutely gorgeous and amazing trip ahead!! Have a great weekend dearest Doreen!! xoxo
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That blue green water in the first shot is absolutely amazing!! What a lovely place. Your upcoming trip sounds exciting! 🙂
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Those pictures are all amazing!
tammy j says
are you sure you’re not a professional photographer?
and a travel writer? LOL!
seriously. very beautiful post!
the alligator thing everywhere there leaves me a little cold.
but otherwise… it’s an enchanting land for sure.
thank you for taking us along! XOXO♥
Feral Turtle says
I would love to live on that river….although I would have to build an outhouse for those annoying tourists. Yikes, after I read this my arm felt a bit twingy…lol Gorgeous photos!
Vera says
Dear Doreen,
So many incrediable photos but there are two I will comment on. Your capture of the Heron in flight is unbelievably cool and that up side down building in Panama City is a whimsy lovers delight. I am going to google that building and learn more about it. Oh my the water’s color is magnificent as well as the waterfalls of Rainbow Springs are. Yuck to the true atory of the Alligator and the attached arm. Thank God they could save the arm and now I wonder if she has full range of motion after reattaching. Best of luck with your lemon law attorney, sure hope he is successful. Last week John drove over a screw and he took the car to the dealer to find out we have tire protection in the warranty and they put on a new tire free of charge. Pretty cool huh? Well Doreen I am enjoying your travel shares so please keep sharing.
xoxo,
Vera
Julie says
Hello Doreen, I enjoyed your post today and learning a little bit about Florida. It sounds like you had a great time. I sure would be scared or the alligators. You are quite the traveling lady and another trip? I can’t wait to see your photos from Singapore and Cambodia! Take care.
Julie xo
Vashti Q says
Rainbow Springs is gorgeous. I love the pictures. I’ll have to plan a trip there very soon. I’m sorry you had car trouble.
Cambodia is a very cool place to visit. It’s on my ‘Bucket List’. 😀 xx
Kim says
I love touring Florida with you and those bird pictures are outstanding. Wow. ps- say hi to Deb!
sandy says
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your posts. I am a fairly new reader. I found you via Cozy Little House. ‘Looking forward to your Cambodia pictures!
AnnMarie says
This was a very entertaining post, like a good read you can’t put down, filled with lovely pictures! I would have to think about whether or not I’d want my arm back after it was in an alligators stomach!! 🙂
Valerie says
OK I haven’t been to Florida in years and would love to go back. The water in the pic. is so beautiful. I don’t even know what to say about the woman’s arm. Yikes. I’m so following along with you and I’m about to go back and read about Naples.
kelly says
I really enjoyed seeing your pics from Rainbow Springs. I’ve never been there. The water really is beautiful. I can’t believe that story about the alligator. That’s really something! Like something out of a horror movie. I’m glad it had a good ending though. Your heron pics are beautiful. You’re getting so good with your camera. I will live vicariously through you with all of your travels. I don’t travel that much. Going to Cambodia sounds exciting!
Amy says
You have me wanting to book a flight to Florida, and experience all of the places you’ve been! The wildlife photos are AMAZING, Doreen! I can’t wait to hear all about your get-together with Mountain Mama!
Jemma says
I so enjoyed this scenic jaunt with you:) You did get some amazing photos and honestly that Heron in flight is super fantastic.
I gasped at the tale of the gator, that is just creepy and scary, you must always be very careful when you are in that neck of the woods.
The ocean looks wonderful and oh the beignets:) love, love.
Did you say you are going to see Deb-our Deb! wow!!!
Big hugs to you both,
xo
Jemma
susan says
Great pictures, Doreen. The wild life is magnificent though I must say, I’m not a big fan of alligators myself.
The shot of the beignets had my mouth watering – they look absolutely delicious.
Cambodia – wow, that sounds wonderful and verrry exciting. I’m sure you’re really looking forward to that.
Have a ball!
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your pictures always captivate me. They are really unique and wonderful. And I think what makes them special is that you always show the heart of each picture. Is that YOU on the beach, so lovely? Oh, Betty Boop is delightful, isn’t she? The girls actually tasted these beignets in New Orleans, and said they were amazing. Powdered sugar everywhere! And lastly, what an awesome picture of the Heron.
Have a nice and restful weekend, Doreen. I really enjoyed browsing through your pics today. 🙂
~Sheri
kim says
Doreen
You really got some really super wildlife shots! All of your shots of Florida make me want to visit. Now that my sis has a place there it’s a possibility.
I really look forward to seeing your Cambodia trip photos when you get back. It looks like there will be many exciting places to visit!
Take care-Kim
Debbie - MountainMama says
Just catching up n this post now, Doreen – your photography is just gorgeous!! And you make me want to go to these lovely places with your beautiful descriptions…what a fun way to see the country, traveling around in BAM!! Someday….
The whole alligator thing scares the bejeezus out of me, though – I’ll stick with my bears, thank you very much!!
Loved visiting with you last week…You’re even more gorgeous in person than I could have imagined!! Xo