Our final stop was Bill and Lisa's new place in Live Oak. Arriving in the middle of the afternoon, after a pleasant drive from the campground. You may recall we visited there in late winter when they were in the midst of moving in, or I should say Bill was there because Lisa was still working in Naples. I was anxious to see the changes now that Lisa has retired and they are mostly settled. For the last 25+ years they have had acreage, so while looking to move to North Florida, these 10 acres fit the bill.
I'll admit I was a wee bit anxious about staying in our friend's home, thinking perhaps we would camp in their yard, however, they rarely go anywhere and have not been in any close groups, so putting my fears aside, we brought our bags inside and then began touring the property on their electric golf cart. There was a lot to see, but the highlight for me was what I am dubbing their avenue of trees, specifically Live Oaks.
One of the previous owners had all sorts of schemes between horses, an oak nurser,y and so many more I can only think of one and that is a big one. He had an Ostrich farm! What he did with them I have no clue. That said, Bill and Lisa are still finding blown eggs, at last count, nearly 150. As such, they are now gifting their guests with one as a souvenir.
And that is how we came to have one for ourselves, placing it amongst some of our our other treasures.
While still unclear how people use them for crafts, apparently that is a thing because
I found them on Amazon for sale. As we were heading into the area with the oak trees in pots, Lisa pulled up short in order not to run into this guy! Yikes!!
In some of the pastures there were really neat wildflowers growing,
as well as along the fence lines.
They have just added on a large screen room with a wonderful firepit on the adjoining patio. There is even a pond for fishing and wildlife, not to mention birds as well.
Speaking of birds, Lisa takes her feeding seriously, including hummingbirds, one of which I saw within minutes of arriving
Plenty of room for front yard camping!
Following a spectacular sunset,
we enjoyed fellowship around a roaring fire. I will admit that sleeping in a real bed was not necessarily unwelcome, nor the morning shower! Following breakfast, Bill hooked up their boat to his pickup while Lisa and I rode together to launch the boat on the Suwannee River for a cruise. Although the sky was overcast, it remained dry as we cruised for a good long while. Maybe ten miles or so?
The riverbank runs from rocky, with visible tree roots,
as well as houses set high above the river.
As we rode along there was ample evidence of how high the river can rise during heavy rains, leaving marks on the few bridges we saw. Woo hoo...a little bit of sunshine.
Many, many years ago, Bruce and Jonathan, along with some other men from our church, canoe camped along the Suwannee, using the many natural bluffs for their campsites, not unlike these folks.
With beautiful scenery, mild temperatures and fantastic company, the Suwannee river cruise was so special and a way to really appreciate the real Florida that most folks who visit our state rarely see.
Taking our leave, after promises to return soon, we made our way to the nearby interstate highway, encountering rain nearly the entire 155 miles home. Oh yeah, traffic, and plenty of it! Seemingly there are lots of other folks who shared our desire to get away, if only for seven days.
Now, to plan another trip soon.
your friend,
Gail
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