The Alaska border is 4,370 miles from St. Petersburg, FL (via the Alaska Canada (Alcan) Highway). That’s a lot of miles. And, we , we are not going straight there. We are taking a few side trips on our way up and returning via Utah to visit the Mighty 5 National Parks. It should be a fun (and busy) travel season!
Dave and I were going to button up our St. Petersburg townhouse and leave on Friday, April 12th, but there is old sailing superstition not to leave for a voyage on a Friday. Although we are not superstitious people, if something happened on our trip and we left on Friday, well…let’s just say I didn’t want to risk it. So, Thursday it will be. Our initial Friday stop was only 3 hours away, so guess where we stayed? Yep…in St. Petersburg. We found a Harvest Host (businesses that host overnight RV’ers) just 4 miles from our storage unit. After loading up Mini-T (our smaller travel trailer we purchased for his trip) and getting needed haircuts, we made the long (20 minute) trip to St. Petersburg Distillery. They make Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Whisky in copper pot stills, do tastings and tours, and have a cute outside “Spirit Garden” to hang out. They make delicious craft cocktails. Several of our St. Pete friends stopped by to wish as well. We are off!
Of course, Murphy already found sticks to chew. He is so happy we are camping again.
Our next stop was High Springs, FL near Gainesville at O’Leno State Park, to check on our 5th wheel which is in storage nearby. Dave wanted to ensure she was in a location which was a bit inland as this is suppose to be a very active hurricane season. She is looking good. I sure do miss the room we had in her but the flexibility we will have towing a smaller trailer should be advantageous as we head to Alaska.
O’Leno State Park was created in 1934 and is the site of a river sink. The Santa Fe river flows south and heads underground in the park. Pretty cool. Cave divers have explored its underground caves until it pops up 3 miles away. This area is a mecca for scuba cave divers with loads of natural springs to explore.
The next overnight was at Ride Baby Farm, just an hour north, which we enjoyed stopping at last year. The farm rescues horses among other animals and it is fun to feed them. The donkey visited us the most along with the rescue dogs. Dave commented on how peaceful it is on the 12-acre farm.
Today (Sunday) we are off to Brunswick, GA to visit St. Pete friends who recently sold their catamaran after 5 sailing seasons in the Bahamas and bought a house. We cannot wait to catch up with them.
Thanks so much for signing up for our weekly blogs and we will catch up next Sunday.
A bit claustrophobic in Mini-T Brenda, So happy to be on the road again Dave, and Did Mom tell you how much I love camping Murphy.
Awesome. Safe travels. Is your cousin still in the area.
I’ll call your mother later today. I know she talks to you on Sundays
I look forward to keeping up with this year’s adventure!
Wow! That looks like a proper start to the odyssey!
I love the Ride Baby Farm crew.
I’ll bet Murphy hasn’t complained about the smaller quarters 😉
Question for Dave: Do you expect better mileage (MPG) with the smaller trailer? How much?
Have fun, & Bon Voyage!
BON VOYAGE DAVE , BRENDA AND MURPHY.
I’ll be with you vicariously on this trip and enjoying every moment! Take care, stay safe and ENJOY!
Reta Flavin
Have a wonderful time! Were looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Safe travels! Thanks for taking us along!!❤️❤️
Sorry we missed your send off.. Safe travels & big hugs..
Bon Voyage!
From Castelfranc 🍷
– Chris & Roger
Wish it worked out to meet up while we stayed at another nearby rescue farm—Kokomo Farm. Lots of roosters that crow all day , hens, dogs & horses.
I look forward to traveling with you through your blog! Safe travels.
Safe travels, my wandering friends! Enjoy the adventure and thanks for taking us along.
Helen and Greg were in Mankato, MN for a shake down cruise. I was able to meet up with them after not seeing them since Costa Rica. It was a special reunion. Helen gave me your blog information, so now I can follow your adventure too. I’m looking forward to meeting you in New Ulm!
Hi Susan. Thanks for following along! Looking forward to meeting you as well in New Ulm.