When Friends Invite You on an RV Road Trip
*If using a cell phone, hold phone horizontally for better view of photos
Florida is home to 750 springs, most of them emerge north of I-4 due to the proximity of the Florida Aquifer to the surface. The clear water at 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round and the tropical vegetation surrounding most springs create an illusion that one is visiting a tropical island. Lucky for us, our good friends Amy and Nadav, owners of a new Hymer class B RV came for a visit and we decided to travel together and experience central Florida springs.
But first a few words about Amy and Nadav. Both grew up in the same neighborhood in Israel with Smadar. A year after we completed our cross-country adventure, they arrived in the US and travelled across the country ending their explorations in Houston, Texas where we shared an apartment for two years. We got married two days apart and continued to live in the same complex until graduating from college. After college we relocated several times to different places due to work and eventually, they settled in Dallas, Texas and we in Miami, Florida. Following Amy’s life dream and Nadav’s vision of stretching their retirement funds, they bought a Class B Hymer RV and began a new adventure. (picture 1)
We chose Ocala as our hub. Since the Hymer only sleeps 2, we booked our accommodations at the Hilton Ocala and travelled during the day. We experienced cooking, picnicking, dining, and driving in the RV.
The early morning espresso, Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” and surrounding horse farms, set an energizing tone for the rest of the day. Nadav believes that one of his best decisions was to bring onboard the espresso machine. (see video and photo 2-3)
From Ocala we headed into Ocala National Forest, 670 square miles of densely forested area with 18 lakes and natural springs. We reached Silver Glen Springs (not to be confused with Silver Springs) in less than an hour and set off on the 2.5-mile Lake George hiking trail. While the trail is flat and easy, we took our time enjoying the thickness of the Forest, the smell of nature, wildlife and once we reached the end of the trail, the view of the lake. Reading the sign “Bears are active in this area” put us at attention with every sound of moving leaves or branches. We saw two large wild turkeys and squirrels but were told by the rangers that the bears and bobcats are more likely to come out after dark. Among the wildlife residents in the Ocala National forest are white-tailed deer, wild boar, coyote, gray fox, red fox, black bear, bobcats just to name a few (picture 4-5).
Upon return from the hike, we walked over to the recreation area and were awed by the crystal clear, turquoise body of water created by the freshwater springs. The initial cold shock was gone in a few seconds as the body adjusted to the cool water temperature. We used simple swimming goggles and had a good view of the fish and vegetation in the water. No picture, even the most professional one, can do justice to this magnificent site. After the swim, we visited Springs Boil Trail to see the springs bubbling out of the earth (picture 6-7). Paddle boards and canoes are available to rent. There are also ample picnic tables and BBQ pits. Admission to the site is $6 per person. We would have loved to stay and picnic, but we were scheduled to visit Cedar Key on the same day, perhaps a bit tight. However, Amy and Smadar had fun acting as “Flight Attendants” providing food and beverage service to the cockpit crew that included superior hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches, and espresso (picture 8-9). It is worth mentioning that on the opposite side of FL-19 as one exits the recreation area is the beginning of the Yearling Trail. The trail is 5.5-mile long and strolls through the sites where the 1946 MGM movie The Yearling, based on a book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, was filmed.
Cedar Springs impressed us as a calmer version of Key West. It has magnificent sunsets, nice beaches, hiking trails, good restaurants with less traffic and hardly any noise. It is known as Florida’s clam capital and the menus in most restaurants attest to that. Archeological findings in the area suggest human occupation as early as 500BC. In more recent history the area was used as refuge for escaping slaves in the 1820s, military installations during the Indian wars and a major logging port in the years leading to the Civil War. It was incorporated into Cedar Key in 1869. We parked the RV at the entrance to Cedar Key Cemetery and took the 1300 feet wooden boardwalk through the marsh to Fitness Park and walked back through the cemetery. (photo 10) Some of the tombstones date back to the mid 1800s and reflect the era.
A walk through Second Street takes the visitor back to the 1860s. The Island Hotel that was built in 1859 is certainly worth a visit. It was used as a general store until purchased by businessman Simon Feinberg in 1915 who turned it into a hotel. In 1919 after hearing rumors about running a distillery in the attic, Simon visited the hotel and had lunch with the manager. Following lunch, he went to sleep and never woke up. Sightings of his friendly ghost have been reported throughout the years. The front desk agent gave us a tour of the second-floor rooms that look as charming as they probably looked when the hotel opened (picture 13). The restaurant on the ground floor has interesting local and international menu items.
Great spots for sunset watching are along the beach on G Street, C Street Bridge and the restaurants and bars on the south side of Dock Street. (Picture 9)
Back to Ocala, Historic Old Town was a good choice for dinner.(see picture 15) Surprisingly busy for a Saturday night of Thanksgiving Weekend. Plenty of good eateries from casual to fine dining, some with live music. We chose Big Hammock Brewery & Bites due to the availability of outside seating. It was a wise decision. This is an Asian bite-size themed restaurant with a large beer selection. We ordered Gyoza Pot Stickers, Bao Steamed Buns, Pressed Sandwich (all with Vegetarian options} and German Beer Pretzels. The food was perfectly washed down with Oyster City Apalach IPA. We were thankful for great food, efficient and friendly service.
Also, worth mentioning is Silver Springs State Park. Due to season and weather restrictions we were not able to fully experience it. Silver Springs is a short drive from Ocala. It is best known for its glass bottom boats dating back to the 1870s. In recent years it was purchased by the State of Florida, underwent renovation, and merged with the neighboring state park. It felt to us more like a tourist attraction, with paved trails, gardens, and concessions. However, the wooden Ross Allen Board walk overlooking the clear turquoise water of Fort King Waterway that feeds into Silver River provides stunning views (pictures 16-17). I cannot think of a better place to relax, breath deeply, meditate or simply appreciate nature. In our next visit we will spend more time in the southern part of the park experiencing the wilder nature trails.
During our drive we had plenty of time to ask Amy and Nadav’s questions about life on the road and their decision to RV full time.
Q: What led you to the decision to RV full time?
Amy: A lifelong dream that was inspired by close friends of the family who RV’ed full time in 1970’s. it was also the quest to reduce our carbon footprint on the environment.
Nadav: The Love of travel and the minimalistic idea attached to RV life. It also helps stretch the retirement funds.
Q: What have you discovered so far about RV life on the road?
Amy: It is not as difficult as I expected. It is like regular life in sticks and bricks, just simper and smaller.
Nadav: I feel that we live a healthier lifestyle being more active, hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors. We make healthy food choices and feel mentally fulfilled.
Q: What can you tell us about the RV community?
Amy: The community is extremely helpful, supportive, and friendly. Everyone has experiences to share and makes the road less lonely.
Nadav: We feel like members of a tribe with a common denominator. We have Facebook pages to share advise and scheduled events to meet regionally and nationally.
A wonderful quote Amy carries with her from her RV inspiring family:” You don’t have to love the person you are travelling with; you have to really really really LIKE him”.
Important links and contacts
Please be sure to check the websites for details prior to arrival as visit hours and details change frequently within short notice
Join us next time as we discover Florida one backyard at a time
Silver Spring State ParkHilton OcalaBig Hammock Brewery & BitesGlen Silver Springs recreation areaGlen Silver Springs recreation areaGlen Silver Springs recreation area