The two RV Gypsies stopped in Wauchula, Florida
to kayak the Peace River
June 26-29, 2014

The two RV Gypsies parked AWO at the Thousand Trails Campground in Wauchula, Florida so that they could kayak the Peace River. It is a nice campground with paved roads and plenty of 50-amp full-service sites, with adequate space between sites. But only a few TV channels and very low water pressure. The campground has cabins, a boat ramp, tent sites, a nice pool, small hot tub & small rec room. Wi-Fi only at the rec room by the office, NOT at sites.  No washing cars/RVs.  Only back-in sites. Check out is noon for RVs. This is the second time that the two RV Gypsies have been at this campground. In 2013 they went to Solomon's Castle, Bok Tower Gardens, and Spook Hill while at this campground. Scroll down for photos during this 2014 visit, kayaking the Peace River and more.

Wauchula is a city located in Hardee County, Florida, United States. Wauchula has been called the "Cucumber Capital of the World", although citrus has become a more important agricultural crop over the past few decades.

The two RV Gypsies explored Paynes Creek Park in Bowling Green, Florida - located on the site where Fort Chokonikla (1849) once stood. After paying the $3 entry fee, the two RV Gypsies took a short walk on the Peace River Trail. No alligators were seen. It was a hot day - about 93 degrees, so this was the only trail that the two RV Gypsies explored. There isn't much at this park, just a few hiking trails, and the Visitor Center, a small picnic area, a small playground, and a monument honoring Fort Chokonikla.

The two RV Gypsies noticed that the water level was high enough to creep up onto several of the steps.  They also wondered why the steps are there since swimming is not allowed due to alligators. Surely nobody stands there to fish, and it isn't suitable to launch a canoe or kayak there. Oh yeah - it was put there so Karen could take a few photos.

The two RV Gypsies went inside the Visitor Center at Paynes Creek Historic State Park, and Karen decided to aim the big cannon at Lee. What a brave soul Lee is, he sticks his hand inside the cannon that is aimed at him.

The two RV Gypsies took a kayak trip on the Peace River through Peace River Adventures. They were picked up at Thousand Trails campground and driven to the ramp where they launched the rented kayak. Half a day cost $45 for a 2-person kayak. Single kayaks were $45 each, so the two RV Gypsies decided on the 2-person kayak. It was a nice, peaceful, quite trip and the two RV Gypsies were the only people on this portion of the Peace River. Maybe because it was a very hot day.

Three turtles on a log.

No alligators were seen, but Lee did see a snake.

The two RV Gypsies hiked Fern Garden Trail and the Richard Lieber Memorial Trail in Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida. There were lots of mosquitos, but the two RV Gypsies had sprayed themselves and did not get bit. Due to the heat and the mosquitos, these were not pleasant hikes. The tree below is the 1,000 year old Live Oak that is referred to as the "oldest living thing in the Hammock" according to the park's history books. Parts of the tree has been reinforced, as seen in the photo below on the right which is part of the tree laying flat on the ground.

Broward County - (2 pages)

Florida Keys (2 pages)

boating at Everglades National Park

Englewood (on the west coast)

St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach & more

Wauchula & Kayaking the Peace River

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Wekiva River, alligators and turtles in Apopka

Then the two RV Gypsies will continue driving north, but destinations are unknown at this time. So Please check back. In the meantime, use the buttons at the top of this page to see photos of travel in previous years.