July 19-20, 2014

Little Manatee River SP

Wimauma, FL

Saturday-

We left the park by 7AM to pick up Monte’s grandson who was going to spend the weekend with us.

On our way out of the park we spotted some deer.

 

 

We hadn’t seen Timmy for a few months and were amazed how much he had grown.

Back home, after breakfast, we were ready to start the adventure.

We put on long sleeved shirts and sprayed on mosquito repellant 

Most of the trails were pretty wet 

 

I was sitting in the middle and still managed to get mud splashed on my feet

 

I drove the club car and followed Monte and Timmy down to the area where we would end our canoe ride.  Monte had attached the trailer on the mule so that we would only have to paddle one way. 

There is a chain across the road leading down to the area where we wanted to leave the trailer so Monte had to get out to unlock it.  When he got out, he stepped on an ant hill-ouch!

Once the trailer was parked Monte and Timmy got in the club car with me and we drove over to the canoe launch. 

The current was very fast.  We had trouble controlling the canoe and almost capsized because I had to lean over to one side to avoid hitting an overhanging branch.  But luckily we didn't tip.

 

A trip that usually takes an hour took us only half hour because of the swift current.

It was great having the trailer waiting for us

While I got dinner ready, Timmy played a computer game-Monte hooked it up so it played on the TV 

Tacos 

 

Grandpa got into the game action.

After dinner, I suggested going for a ride down to the canoe launch-Timmy didn't want to leave his gaming but I insisted--He moped for a little while until Grandpa convinced him to come down to the water.  

 

Come on-don't be a chicken 

But I don't want to get wet 

Monte splashed Timmy 

 

 

I'm glad I stayed up by the car 

Next was a stop at the playground 

 

 

Belated birthday gifts. 

 

 

Sunday-

After a big waffle breakfast, we just kind of chilled out until it was time to leave to meet up with Monte’s daughter and her two sons, Bobby and Nicholas.

The cousins hadn’t seen each other in a while so we arranged to meet up at a park.  We had some time to kill so we stopped off at the Sunshine Bridge rest area.

 

 

 

Freedom Park

 

 

 

 

 

Mama Coot protecting her babies

She squawked at us because we got too close 

She must have felt threatened because she led her family into the water and swam away.

Timmy and Bobby 

Nicholas 

Bobby brought along nerf guns and the battle was on- 

 

 

The time flew by and it was time to say goodbye 

 

Monte and his daughter Jenny