Every six months for the last five years, Mark had to return to Boston, Massachusetts. No matter where we found ourselves in the world, this was a priority. In the summers, I’d usually join him, but in the winter time, I’d rather not. I’d stay at a house sit by myself whenever possible. Last year, I ended up joining him in January, because all else failed. I wrote about that in my post “The Desperate House Sitter“. This year, having Maya, we better found a solution for me to remain in Florida!
Usually, we don’t plan where we go, how we get there, or where we stay. We use iOverlander when it’s time to find a place to camp and boondock based on what we find. We rarely stay longer than a night anywhere, mostly because these places – especially on the East Coast of the US – aren’t often comfortable or private. The exception was Osceola National Forest in Florida, where we spent almost a week at the Hog Pen Landing primitive campground mid-January, after a hectic start of the new year.
Last November (flights are cheaper 3+ weeks before departure), we had to figure out where Mark would leave from, somewhere in Florida as that’s where we were headed. Research ensued in regards to where Maya and I could stay comfortably for the five days of his absence in January. We picked Jacksonville. That happened back in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Free camping is far and few between in Florida, but early on, we decided it would be safer for me – a single woman – to stay at an affordable established campground. Campgrounds aplenty in Northern Florida, but affordable? Or available, with all the snowbirds this time of the year?
We came up with two options: the Jacksonville Equestrian Center (JEC), southwest of the city and half an hour drive from the airport and Ocean Pond Campground in Osceola National Forest, about an hour away from JAX. Those are Google map driving times with a normal car. For Zesty, it’s safe to add 30%. Mark and I checked them out in person; both have restrooms, showers, a dump station, and trails to walk Maya. Eventually, I opted for JEC. It was a shorter drive by myself and seemed straightforward. Most important, primitive camping in the grassy field would provide me with enough sunshine to charge our batteries and keep us warm. It was to be the coldest week of the winter while Mark was gone.
Frost in the mornings
Four days before Mark’s departure, I filled out the “RV form” on JEC’s website as requested. By Friday morning, I still had no confirmation or any idea what was going on, after a couple of emails and unanswered phone calls to the center, leaving messages. Before day’s end, I called again and learned I could only stay two nights instead of five. There went that plan! Mark was leaving the following morning… Time for option two after dropping him off at the airport.
The drive back to the forest took about an hour and twenty minutes. As I focused on the road and cars around me and a sad Maya on the dinette seat, I slightly worried about finding a campsite. It was a Saturday of a long weekend. Despite Ocean Pond Campground being first come, first serve, by mid-morning I’d surely be out of luck. But you never know… I remained positive.
Start of the water only hook-ups “loop”
I arrived at Ocean Pond around 10am and circled the three sections (electric + water hook-ups, water only hook-ups, and primitive camping). FULL!! Every. Single. Site. I parked the van and talked to the camp host. “The best thing to do is read the stubs at each post and see when those campers are leaving,” she said. “Whatever happens, I’ll try and help you out for tonight.” My smile hadn’t left my face yet. It was sunny and warm and I “owned” my camper and the next five days.
As I started invading people’s campsites and scrutinizing their tags, chatting about my quest to find a site at this very busy moment, someone pointed out movement indicating departure. Sure enough, the couple and their dog of site 25 were packing up, mumbling something about having had enough. They’d be on their way in half an hour. I continued my walk with Maya and waited in the car, until I saw them drive by. Wave. Thank you!
I backed into the voluminous shaded site with a water spigot and got settled. Then, every time I let Maya out, I scanned the sunnier sites. I’d need electricity from the sun soon! None of those spots would open up before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I’d have to stay put for at least two nights. Loud nights, as my dirt bike neighbors were the most inconsiderate bunch of the campground. “I wonder whether we chased the other campers off with our noise last night,” one of the guys told me that morning. I think the answer might be “yes”. They didn’t seem to consider my reply “As long as you don’t chase me off!”
On Monday morning, the orange cone and picnic table blocking the sunny site across from me had disappeared. Score! I immediately switched sites. I really needed some power. When I contacted the host about my move to this perfect spot, she immediately showed her presence and explained it was an “emergency” forest service site. Her reasoning for the removal of the blockade: someone pulled in at night, camped, and left without paying. “It happens all the time,” she explained.
That’s the spot I wanted – and grabbed for five minutes!
Luckily, another slightly sunnier spot opened up that day and I moved Zesty to her new home, site 33. Finally settled, warmed up, and “charged” for a few hours every remaining day! Never mind the winter jacket and wool hat – peace and bliss prevailed for “me and my girl”…
January 30, 2020 at 17:15
Wow, Liesbet, what an ordeal! I would have been a stressed mess, but it sounds like you handled it very well and were successful in the end. The sun looks nice at least, even if it was cold. Lovely shots of the area! Cold and sunny always works for me this time of year!
January 31, 2020 at 11:26
Hello Terri! For some reason, the few times we actually plan something (especially when it comes to camping or getting jobs), it more often than not goes wrong. I’m convinced it is the universe against us in that particular scenario. But, it makes us revert back to our own schedule, which is to “take it as it comes” and live “day by day”. That seems to work out and keeps anticipation and disappointment in check. 🙂
January 30, 2020 at 17:55
That does sound a little stressful! Good thing you are in a maneuverable vehicle and can switch spots and get around in general. When our son was in his 40-foot RV with the car on a hitch behind them, I was always worried he would not find a place to stay! I think they had to plan ahead more than you for this reason. Hope the weather eventually warmed up wherever you are. It’s been a warm winter until the last few weeks here in Texas, and my guess is you are experiencing the same wherever you are.
January 31, 2020 at 11:33
Hi Lexie!
In this particular situation, I didn’t have a back-up plan in regards to camping, as this Ocean Pond Campground was my back-up. Haha. Luckily, it worked out… Something always does, I’ve heard, but it’s hard to count on that.
And, yes, people with bigger rigs (we met a few of those campers during the Amazon job) NEED to plan ahead as they can’t just pull up anywhere – like us with a van – and park. Free places to stay for the night are often along narrow and/or dirt roads as well, with little wiggle room. Having a van – despite being tall – gives us a lot of flexibility when it comes to And, we can usually do it for free as opposed to the going rate in RV parks (same price for any size rig) of $40 to $60 a night!!
Here in Northern Florida, I think the temps have been similar to yours in Texas – beautiful start of the new year and then a week of frost and freezing nights and now a bit better again, in the sixties, with next week – finally – lower seventies. I can’t wait to get warm and have sun of our solar panels! It’s been a very grey winter so far.
January 31, 2020 at 16:20
Sorry about your lack of sun! We’ve been chillier and grayer this last week and a half, but it’s been pretty sunny here all winter so far. I’ll send some your way!
February 2, 2020 at 18:51
It worked, Lexie! Full sun today. Thank you so much. 🙂
January 30, 2020 at 17:58
Glad you finally found a sunny spot. I guess Florida would be really busy right now,
January 31, 2020 at 11:34
We try to avoid the busy areas in Florida, Alex, and have been successful so far by staying in the northern part of the state and avoiding RV parks. 🙂 That being said, the established campgrounds everywhere (as opposed to primitive camping, which we usually use) are full during the weekends.
January 30, 2020 at 18:21
Considering Florida is the “Sunshine State” you’d think it would be easier to find a sunny spot. Diligence pays off…Zesty looks nice and toasty! Thanks for sharing, Liesbet.
January 31, 2020 at 11:40
Hi Jill!
When I first heard and learned about Florida, I’m pretty sure it was called “Sunny Florida”. I’m now thinking it should be – if not so already – “Sunny California” as the skies surely are bluer there during the winter than here. Northern Florida has been extremely cloudy and gray. If it wasn’t for needing the sun to charge our batteries (and me preferring to take photos with blue skies), we wouldn’t care so much. 🙂
The thing with living in a metal box (Zesty) is that it gets hot quickly when it’s parked in the sun and freezing cold as quickly when there is no sun. We don’t have insulation in the van (for condensation reasons). We do have a good heater, but try to use it sparingly as it gobbles up diesel and electricity.
January 31, 2020 at 19:06
“The thing with living in a metal box.” LOL! 🙂 That cracked me up, Liesbet. Stay warm!
February 2, 2020 at 18:52
One more cold night and then we are welcoming a warm week. Thanks, Jill!
January 30, 2020 at 19:14
Wow, you kept your cool there. And your perseverance paid off. Glad you finally got a good spot.
January 31, 2020 at 11:44
Thanks! For some reason, I always feel empowered and positive when I’m traveling by myself. More about that in an upcoming post. 🙂
January 30, 2020 at 19:32
I give my hat off to you for having a dog in a motorhome during winter time. Those camping spots where everything is just right are rare and oh so welcome when living fulltime on the “road”. Enjoy those sunny days Liesbet.
January 31, 2020 at 11:53
You know it, Suz, about those perfect camping spots being very hard to find. Especially, like us, if you’re not willing to spend a lot of money. 🙂
Having a dog during winter time doesn’t bother us too much (it is much warmer in Northern Florida than it was in Kentucky), but the rain is what can make this dog-human partnership frustrating, dirty, and annoying. Luckily, despite the constant grey skies here, we haven’t had much rain yet. We’re hoping to finally enjoy some sunny days next week.
January 31, 2020 at 10:03
Your secret: “But you never know… I remained positive.” I had a front-row seat at your excursion into Florida this month. It almost sounds like a put-down to say you are brave because you are way, way beyond that. Never giving up is the KEY.
So now, Mark is back and you are hanging out in St. Augustine. Yes, I know how to check your coordinates! 😀
January 31, 2020 at 12:02
Hi Marian!
Your comment makes me think about the word “brave”… I guess, in a way, we are quite gutsy in the sense that we often take “calculated risks” with our decisions, route, and approach to life, but mostly because we rarely plan. Yet, so often, when we do plan and then usually things don’t work out, I can’t believe how this could be the way most people go about their trips, travels, and vacations. For them, these planned occasions mostly do work out, which is great, as they have less flexibility than us. Plans (and having them work out) just don’t seem to belong to us. 🙂
And, you’re right, I’m not one to give up easy. That would be admitting defeat and – for some reason – that word is not a part of my dictionary. Haha.
We actually just left St. Augustine and your comment made me update our most current location. I’ll send you a personal note soon. Have a great weekend!
January 31, 2020 at 20:30
Wow, ‘Adaptable’ is your middle name! I’m a homebody and I love peace and privacy , so a noisy public campground where I have to constantly be on the lookout for a new site sounds like my worst nightmare. If I was cold on top of that, I’d be one unhappy camper. We used to camp a lot (in a tent) and I love being outdoors, but we quit camping when the campgrounds became more crowded and noisy than hotels (and almost as expensive). Kudos to you for your positive attitude! 🙂
February 2, 2020 at 19:56
Hi Diane!
And that’s one of the reasons we rarely ever stay in campgrounds: we love our peace and privacy as well. Last year, we never stayed in one, but this year is starting out with some money spent on these established campgrounds, but for good reasons: being by myself in the free places we usually stay might not be as safe and this place was quite comfortable, and affordable. 🙂
Now, we’re back on track with our free camping in nature. Which is not as easy to do in Florida as it is out west. Also, we need enough sun to keep our batteries charged. This was not such a big issue in the desert either. Yes, a camping lifestyle has a lot of challenges and sometimes, I could really use a comfortable home with all the amenities to be able to work and write without obstructions!
February 1, 2020 at 03:39
Not all sunshine, Liesbet! And miserable when you’re dependent on it. Glad it worked out in the end 🙂 🙂
February 2, 2020 at 19:57
Yep, it did work out in the end. Now, we are back to struggling with finding enough sun to charge the batteries. Don’t believe the fairytales about “sunny Florida”. Not in winter, anyway. 🙂
February 1, 2020 at 08:58
Whew, this sounds stressful. I’m glad you were finally able to get settled into reasonable site.
February 2, 2020 at 19:59
Hi Sheryl! We keep on realizing that this alternative lifestyle would be so much easier if we didn’t have to rely on electricity and internet to work! But, the alternative – living in a convenient house to work from – would be way too pricey… And, less interesting. 🙂
February 1, 2020 at 12:24
It can be so stressful finding a camping spot in normal conditions so I know you must have been on edge not knowing where you would be able to be safe at night!
Love National Forests but the sunniness factor is always a problem for us too. Most people want to be in the shade but not us.
I hope you and Maya had some good bonding time. It looks likes she had fun in the pictures.
February 2, 2020 at 20:07
It was a bit tricky and stressful to drive to this campground, expecting it to be full. But, interestingly enough, when I’m on my own, I’m just more positive for some reason. And, there is less stress and frustration involved when things don’t work out. 🙂
Maya and I had an amazing time. She actually was OK without Mark, surprisingly. But, since he’s been back, the attachment and infatuation with him have returned. Haha.
I think we are looking for sun now and the next couple of months, but at some point we will have to hunt for shade, as summer arrives. And, hopefully, have sun around us for the solar panels.
February 1, 2020 at 18:17
I’m glad everything worked out well for you! We had a lovely January and February is starting out nicely too. And, as you saw, the sunsets have been spectacular! So, just saying, you could always head west if Florida gets too cold and/or buggy 🙂
February 2, 2020 at 20:12
Hi Janis! “Sunny California” is a correct statement. Even in the winter. Unlike “Sunny Florida” (or at least, Northern Florida). We have tested this now!
Seriously, since we have been here (January 1st), I think one day a week usually offers blue skies. The rest have been grey. But, maybe this will improve as winter progresses. We can’t really complain about the temperatures – even in the northern regions of the state – as we’ve had most days in the lower sixties. Last year we didn’t get above mid-fifties the entire winter and spring in Southern Arizona. If only you weren’t so far away!
February 2, 2020 at 21:26
I love the name, Liesbet “Hog Pen Landing.” It conjures up all sorts of inaccurate images. The actual photos are beautiful. You are right, to consider a safe spot to camp as a single woman. A safe spot is important even for a couple. Frost on a lawn chair is not a good thing when you are camping. Darn on the loud nights. Usually, campers are pretty considerate people. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Peace and bliss is a good ending to this story. I am still curious as to what is considered an emergency for the forest service site? We will likely never know.
February 6, 2020 at 09:16
Hi Erica!
According to the camp host of this Ocean Pond Campground, the five “reserved” sites with cones – all staring at me empty, inviting, and sunny! – are for Forest Rangers. They had water and electric and campers are never allowed to park in them, something I didn’t realize at first. My guess is that they hold these sites for when there are forest fires in the area, so the ones in charge have a guaranteed place to camp, as the sites in this campground are first come, first serve and could fill up “uncontrolled” due to the absence of a reservation system.
(I did charge my laptop at the outlet a couple of times. Shhhhh…)
As I mentioned before, we rarely stay in established, pay campgrounds. Yes, they are more convenient, but they usually have less privacy and are much busier than where we normally camp for free.
February 3, 2020 at 19:42
Good for you Liesbet for persevering. Determination pays off. 🙂
February 6, 2020 at 09:17
I better believe you in that one, as I’m determined about quite a few things in life! 🙂 Have a fantastic vacation, my friend!
February 5, 2020 at 00:41
Frost in Florida! I never would have thought. That did not sound like a pleasant experience, but I’m glad it turned out okay in the end.
Inconsiderate neighbours are the worst. At least you can escape yours. 🙂
February 6, 2020 at 09:24
Amen to escaping the neighbors, JH! Except in that particular situation as I snagged the last campsite. We often are aware about our freedom and flexibility when it comes to places or situations – or people – we don’t like. 🙂
I think so far 2020 has brought about a week of freezing temperatures at night in Northern Florida. I know, that’s nothing compared to Manitoba. We are doing OK on and with the colder nights and days, but struggle more with the almost constant cloud cover, as we rely on our solar panels for power when sitting still for a few days.
February 9, 2020 at 15:58
Metal box spot on. My grown daughter was doing some field work in S Texasbafter grad school, supervising student workers. Tired of their complaints about the heat….she told them they are living in uninsulated metal boxes, so adjust your expectations.
February 9, 2020 at 18:18
Oh, expectations are never good. 🙂 But, finding the perfect weather to live in a metal box proves to be quite difficult as well. We are still trying and are starting to do OK for the most part…
February 26, 2020 at 14:08
We debated whether to buy a solar charger or a generator for our camper. The solar panel would be a more environmentally choice, but would it work here in B.C. where all of our campsites are shaded by tall trees? This summer, camping with out daughter’s family, we discovered the answer. Their solar panel was not able to charge their little trailer because of the shade (although they’d picked the sunniest campsite). They ended up borrowing our new purchased Honda generator.
Jude
February 26, 2020 at 18:50
It’s great that you had that experience; it proved you made the right decision. Those small Honda generators are great. We had one on our sailboat as well. Even though we also had power from wind and solar. Yet, there were times – after many cloudy, windless days in a row that the Honda came in handy! We never used it to run things off, just to charge our boat batteries.
Now, we have small two solar panels – which can usually keep up, except when I’m on my computer eight hours a day. The other draw is our fridge.
Our solar panels are moveable ones, so we could potentially park in the shade and have the panels in the sun. First, we need more than cloudy days. Second, it’s tricky to be parked in the shade and have the panels in the sun. So, we end up parking in the Floridian sun these days, which will be OK until another month or so. 🙂