Crystal River, FL
This trip is different from past trips in that I am
hauling the motorcycle in the back of a
Forest River All American Sport fifth
wheel which I will use as base camp while exploring the Crystal River area.
In addition to the bike, there is just enough room for my ATV
which I hope to add to future adventures out west.
2001 Ford F-250 Power Stroke & Forest River All
American Sport |
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I took two days to drive down I-95 stopping
at the
Savannah KOA campground the first night and then on to the
Encore Superpark in Crystal River. The Savannah KOA is conveniently located off
the interstate and most of its sites are under pine trees. The Encore
Superpark has an internet special where you can stay for one month for $99.00
plus electricity and it has most of the amenities you would want.
Encore Superpark, Crystal River, FL |
Encore Superpark, Crystal River, FL |
Florida Lovebugs
(you hit 'em two at a time) |
Fort Island Gulf Beach
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I rode up the coast stopping at Cedar Key for
lunch and gathering literature/information on snorkeling & boating in the area.
Whenever possible, I would take one of the three digit backroads. Most
were straight as an arrow with virtually no traffic.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (~10 miles south of
Crystal River) is a must visit for anyone in the area. Lots of exotic
wildlife located in a beautiful park. I'll let the photos do the
talking...
I rode the back roads up to north of Dunnellon and then
east to the
Ocala National Forest. The highlights of the day were the
magnificent horse farms with gated entrances, black wooden fences, and old
growth trees filled with Spanish Moss. There were curves, hills, and tree
canopied highways. It was great setting the cruise control and then riding
for miles with little traffic and stops.
The population of Crystal River and surrounding areas
appears to have tripled this weekend - it must be popular with the locals.
I rode down to Weeki Wachee, Pine Island, Bayport, and Aripeka - there
were boaters everywhere. Between the fresh water rivers, the brackish
bays, and the salt water ocean, there is something for everyone.
Bayport |
Port Hotel & Marina, Crystal River |
Today, I rented a Jon boat and toured the Crystal River
bay and canals. Although I saw a lot Manatee signs, I did not see any of
the beasts themselves.
How the other half lives |
How I live |
I met a fellow Gold Winger, Gary Collins, who was on his
way back to Abilene, TX as part of a three week vacation to Key West. We
rode up to Cedar Key for lunch and then on to
Manatee Springs State Park.
The temperature which had been in the 92-94 degree range for the past week
dropped to the high 80's which made for a much more pleasant afternoon of biking.
Gary Collins
2001 Gold Wing |
Manatee Springs State Park
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Manatee Springs State Park |
Suwannee River & Manatee
Springs |
Gary and I returned to Manatee Springs to snorkel and
kayak. The water temperature was in the mid-70's which made it a bit brisk
to enter but very comfortable once you were in and active. The water was
crystal clear and you could easily see the bottom at twenty seven feet. We
saw lots of fish and turtles and one very nasty looking four foot snake.
Kayaking out to the Suwannee River was surprisingly relaxing and peaceful.
I did manage a remarkable display of how to turn over and then upright your
kayak - the manatees are still laughing!
Obviously, a highly trained Navy Seal |
One of our diving companions
(we couldn't find an alligator to dive with) |
Returned to NC the same way I came down. No major
problems.
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