If last week’s adventures were like an episode of MTV’s “Spring Break,” then this week is a cross between “Little House on the Prairie” and “Swamp People.” Northern Florida is quite the different environment!
We said goodbye to white sand beaches on Saturday and headed north on I-75 to Mayo, Florida, which is where Tony’s parents have their motorhome parked. I found for us a VRBO cabin about 10 minutes away from their campground; we’re a good hour north of Gainesville and a solid 10 years away from any kind of civilization. To put it another way, if Florida had an Upper Peninsula, this would be the place!
Our Red Bird Cabin, though, looks like something straight out of a picture book. The wide front porch spans the width of the cabin, with its wooden rocking chairs and not one but two porch swings. We’re surrounded by trees and nature, live oaks, wildflowers and, yes, about a zillion mosquitoes. But there’s a lovely screen room where I’ve been spending most of my time, completely bug-free.
Tony’s parents came over to visit Saturday evening and picked us up for church on Sunday morning. We did a quick Walmart run before heading over to their campground. Their RV park and our cabin are both on the Suwanee River (yes, the one the song is about) and the area is beautiful—lush and green. Such a contrast to the tropical Gulf shore, which is less than an hour away! We got to meet their neighbors and campground friends—some of whom they knew from last year. It’s a very fun crew and I can see why Ray and Barb love it here.
The weather has cooled down a bit and we’ve had a couple of quiet, lazy days. With limited cell service and spotty Internet, I’ve actually really enjoyed just sitting on the front porch, relaxing and reading. This morning we woke up to the sound of rain on a tin roof (heavenly) but the sun is peeking out now.
I think the girls and I are going to run to town to get a few things for Easter. Our plan is to stay here at the cabin until Wednesday morning, then do one night in the motorhome with Ray and Barb. On Thursday morning, Tony and I will take off and drive over to St. Augustine for a night, followed by a night in Savannah, while the girls spend some time with their grandparents. We will all meet up Saturday in Beaufort, South Carolina, to see Zac and Tammy’s new home and spend Easter with them. Impossible to believe that it is almost April, or that a full year has passed since last Easter, when we had to watch Mass on YouTube.
It was fascinating to talk with Ray and Barb’s campground friends—some of whom live full-time on the road. I don’t know whether motorhome living would suit our lifestyle, but it’s certainly something to consider one day. For this trip, I’m relieved that Tony and I didn’t spend more than five minutes talking about buying an RV; we would have killed each other. Or, as the girls say, the lemonade tour would have turned sour in a hurry!
Wishing safe travels to all of you who are taking a spring break vacation and sending warm, sunny thoughts to all of you in colder climates! As for us, we are slowwwwwly making our way north. Can’t believe we’ll be home in about a month; so looking forward to seeing many of you again. Happy Easter!