November 3
to December 31, 2019
We spent 8
days at Ocean Pond, a campground in the Osceola National Forest. The campground does not accept
reservations. It has to two loops: one
with water but no power and one with water and power.
When we arrived there were no powered sites
available but we were lucky enough to snap a site on the non-powered loop.
The
following morning, Monte drove the powered loop and when he saw a camper
packing up he parked nearby and was able to grab the site as soon as the camper
departed.
The
campground is lovely and as a bonus only we enjoyed a discount with our Senior
National Parks pass.
While we
were at the campground we mostly relaxed.
It was cold enough every day for a campfire.
We did take a drive to nearby Olustee Battlefield.
The park
commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle, which took place
in February, 1864 when more than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery troops
fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee.
The battle
ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville
until the war’s end 14 months later.
The
battlefield became the state’s first historic site.
In the small
Visitor Center we watched a short video depicting a reenactment.
A yearly
reenactment occurs in February with period costumed actors.
We would
have loved to stay longer at Ocean Pond Campground but we had reservations
beginning on the 12th at the campground at Salt Springs Recreation
Area in the Ocala National Forest.
We realized
when we arrived at the campground that reservations would not have been
necessary as there were several sites available.
On our
second day at the campground we decided to take a ride around the loop when we
were pleasantly surprised to discover two fellow work camping couples that we
spend the winter with at Lake Manatee State Park were camping at Salt Springs.
We enjoyed
their company for a few campfires and a dinner out at Bass Champions
Restaurant.
During out
stay at Salt Springs we took hikes, made a grocery run to Wal-Mart and walked
down to the springs.
When we
arrived back at Lake Manatee State Park on November 22, we began a whirlwind of
activity including enjoying Thanksgiving at Manasota Beach, an early surprise
anniversary party for my parents, doctor appointment and of course work
assignments.
Mom and Dad early surprise Anniversary party
My daughter Renee and twin granddaughters
During
December we attended several parties, enjoyed a visit from my daughter and
granddaughters who live in Arizona, hosted a family get together at Lake
Manatee State Park and Monte had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand.
My
sister-in-law gifted me with a beautiful quilt for Christmas.
On New Year’s
Eve we attended a potluck at our volunteer village where we stayed up to ring
in the New Year.
