Fall 2024 Road Trip: Buckle Up!

 


Well, it's time for another road trip adventure! My trusty car, now a seasoned 9-year-old with over 100,000 miles on the clock, needs a little TLC before we hit the open road. A new A/C compressor and some fresh belts and hoses are on the to-do list, but it's a necessary investment for a worry-free journey.

Reunion and Relatives

We'll kick off our trip by revisiting familiar territory. First stop: Kansas City for another high school reunion. We’re having them every year now. It's always fun to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. After the reunion, we'll head to Missouri to catch up with some relatives.

Colorado and Arizona Bound

Once we've fulfilled our family obligations, it's time to embark on the real adventure. Colorado and Arizona are calling our names! We're excited to explore the stunning landscapes and experience the unique culture of these states.

First Stop: Ross Prairie State Forest

Before we head west, we'll make a quick stop at Ross Prairie State Forest near Dunnellon, Florida. I visited this campground last year and was impressed by its peaceful atmosphere and convenient amenities. With 14 campsites equipped with water and electricity, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge before our long journey.

The campground is also close to the Cross Florida Greenway, a 110-mile linear park that was once intended to be the Cross Florida Barge Canal. It's a fascinating piece of history, and I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting road trip!


Popular posts from this blog

Florida RV Adventure: Owls, Friendly Campers, and Deep Ravines

Image
Have you ever played "I Spy" while exploring a new place? This trip, I challenged you to find an owl in a picture – keep your eyes peeled as you read! This adventure took me to Keystone Heights, Florida, a charming town nestled about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. Since it's a long drive from my home, I broke it up with a stop at Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Hobe Sound. This relaxing break allowed me to enjoy the scenery and ease into vacation mode. After setting up camp, we were greeted by our friendly neighbors, Gary, Lynn, and their dog, Major. Let's just say Niki was happy Major stayed inside their RV – his bark had a powerful presence! Gary and Lynn, seasoned campers themselves, were gearing up for a summer adventure as campground hosts in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Day two brought an early start as we hit the road for Keystone Heights. The strong winds posed no problems for our trusty tow vehicle and trailer. However, about 100 miles in, we encountere...
Read more

A story about Niki and the Easter Bunny

Image
  Niki, a small white dog that is a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, tilted her head curiously at the sight of a basket overflowing with colorful eggs. In it sat a plump bunny with soft fur the color of cotton candy. It was the Easter Bunny! Niki had never met the Easter Bunny before, but she had heard stories about him from the other dogs in the neighborhood. They said he hopped around the world each year, hiding eggs for children to find. Niki wagged her tail excitedly and trotted over to the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny smiled and pulled a bright pink egg out of his basket. "Hello, Niki," the Easter Bunny said in a friendly voice. "I've heard a lot about you from the other dogs. They tell me you're a very good girl." Niki barked happily. She loved getting compliments on how good of a girl she was. "I'm here to hide some Easter eggs in your neighborhood," the Easter Bunny continued. "Would you like to help me?" Niki's tail wagged even fa...
Read more

A Tail-Wagging Day at Magnolia Park

Image
A Tail-Wagging Day at Magnolia Park: Exploring with Niki! Hey folks, Steve here from WheelsWithSteve.com! Today, before I left the campground I grabbed my trusty canine companion Niki (a ball of white fluff always up for an adventure!), and headed to the scenic Magnolia Park near Apopka, Florida. Let me tell you, this park is a gem! Towering live oaks, some of the oldest I've ever seen, cast dappled sunlight on our path as we explored. Niki, with her nose glued to the ground, was busy sniffing out all the exciting new smells the park had to offer. It's amazing how much joy a simple walk in nature can bring to a pup! As we wandered deeper into the park, the sound of laughter and chatter reached our ears. Curiosity piqued, we followed the joyful noise and stumbled upon the group campground area. Here's where things got interesting... ...As we approached the source of the laughter, a booming voice rang out, "Would you like a Gatorade Zero?" Parched from our explorati...
Read more