Is It 2016 Already?

I'm moving slowly this year with my travel just beginning on January 20th.  Actually, I'm amazed that I've only been in Florida for about a week as I have been abundantly packing in seasonal job hunting, cycling by the beach, much chat with strangers, and homestead protection activities. 

My first stop, Savannas Recreation Area -- 550 acres of preserve with freshwater marshes full of wildlife -- gators, frogs and an amazing number of sandhill cranes, egrets, coots, and birds I can't identify. The camp sites are small but there's been very few neighbors, friendly staff, hot showers & wifi, too for $17/night. I had originally booked just 4 nights and now I'm hooked on this spot for ten. Savannas looks and feels like Florida before the cement trucks arrived. 

As has been the case this past year, people continue to surprise me. My first morning out of the tent, my neighbors greeted me with a cup of coffee. We chatted a bit and  they left too soon, but I hope to see Julie and Jean-Marc again in Quebec Province this summer.  

The greatest surprise has been the weather challenge. In just a week, I've had my coldest night camping in the past year (yes, in Florida), winds of up to 40 mph, and 2 days of monsoon rains. The homestead has survived but this morning my tent was filled with small water puddles. Again, thanks to my new neighbor John, I have a cot to sleep on tonight so I don't float away. 

Human kindness extends from there to laundry dry & fold by Wayne, pre-departure coffee with John, and a lovely gift from Jacques. I'm  not sure why I'm ever leaving here.  Tomorrow, the sun is coming out and the temps are warm! After a good tent mopping, I'll be pedaling by the seaside. Next up, Tampa later this weekend.