January 29, 2025

San Marino RV Park (January 3 - 7)

This was our first time staying at a 55+ community. While it was clean, quiet and people were friendly, it didn't have all the organized get togethers like we expected. Jim really enjoyed the 4 mile run to the beaches of Naples though.  Naples is definitely a more upscale community.  We got together for dinner with Jim's Uncle - Tom Mueller and it was great catching up with him. 

Encore Tranquility Lakes RV Resort, Cape Coral, FL (Jan 7 - 14)

We spent a week in a brand new big RV park with 502 RV sites with a 90 acre man made lake in the middle.  In fact we were the first campers ever to back into the space they assigned us. All the amenities were very nice, clean and new. They had a full time Activities Director that put together a new event each day including: ice cream social, pickle ball pro lessons, taco night, along with line dancing and yoga classes. The 10 pickleball courts were top notch. Unfortunately it was cold the first 5 days with highs only in the mid 60's. The RV park was constantly windy, which is not fun for outdoor activities. However we took advantage of the two mile paved loop around the lake for running and bike riding.  Dana even braved the wind on two days for a chilly water workout in the pool.

Peace River RV Park , Wauchula FL (January 14 - 19)

Inland from the Gulf Coast, this community is more economically challenged.  The campground was okay in general and nothing we'd return to in the future. We've learned our lesson to stay near the coast if we return to Florida next winter. The temperatures were only the 60's all week.  Another lesson learned is to stay well south in December/January for warmth where it was in the 70's and low 80's. 

We did do a day trip to Tampa to go the largest RV Show in the US. Pretty crazy to see such a large show with every brand and almost every model. Lots of interest booths with other related RV outfitting gear. Went into a $3M motor coach.  Wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be.  We are still very happy with our Grand Design Solitude 310 GK model. 

Orlando RV Park, Clermont, FL (January 19 - 26)

We headed into the storm and unbelievable cold not experienced in Florida in decades. It made for a tough week in Orlando. The campground was massive with over 1,000 RV sites. They must get 50-75 RV's arriving and departing each day.  Upon arrival, we joined a 1 hour line to get in and finding our campsite. Not fun setting up in the rain. That same day we headed to the airport to pick up Dana's sister Kelly. Their plan was to enjoy a week in the warm sun together and go to Disney World venues. Unfortunately they only got 1 day in at Animal Kingdom.  They had a blast but it was a bit cold.

Some very strange, loud and tall (maybe 3 feet) birds walking around the campground. Had to use the heated water hose for the first time so the water wouldn't freeze to the RV. Broke out the heavy winter jackets for the first time when taking the dog out for her morning business. Spent a lot of time in the RV playing games with Kelly this week. 

Tallahassee, FL (January 26 - 29)

Stopped off at the capital for a few days.  Jim's childhood best friend (Chris Corum) from 3rd - 7th grade lives here and we had a fantastic visit. He gave us a tour of the city and we hung out, talked and went to lunch. Seems like a cool town and Florida State campus is nice.  Very good guy and great catching up. Still small amounts of snow on the ground which Chris never experienced in his 30 years in Tallahassee.

Found a nice pond with walking path at the library across the street from our campground.  

Our time in Florida since mid-November has come to an end. Heading out for Alabama today. Lesson learned - if we do Florida next winter, we'll definitely stay south toward Miami and the Key's longer next time to stay warm.