The two RV Gypsies parked
their RV at the Thousand Trails Campground in Wauchula, Florida so that
they could kayak the Peace River. It was 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
had cabins, a boat ramp, tent sites, a nice pool, small hot tub &
small recreation room. Wi-Fi only at the recreation room by the office,
NOT at sites. No washing cars/RVs. Only back-in sites. Check out time
was 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. If you go there now, there is a link back
to here.
Scroll down for photos during this 2014 visit, kayaking the Peace
River and more. |
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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. |
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The two RV Gypsies explored Paynes Creek
Historic State Park located on Lake Branch Road one-half mile southeast
of Bowling Green, Florida, 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 was not 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. |
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 During
the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians prompted
authorities to establish a trading post in Florida's interior, away
from settlements. Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed
by renegade Indians that summer. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built
nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control
the Seminoles. The Seminoles never attacked the fort, but the Army was
nearly defeated by mosquitoes.
On November 21, 1978, it was added to the U.S. National Register of
Historic Places, under the title of Payne's Creek Massacre-Fort
Chokonikla Site (also known as "site of Chokonikla blockhouse
and bridge" or "Military cemetery").
Today, nature enthusiasts and hikers can enjoy walking along trails
through the park's natural areas. Paynes Creek and the adjoining Peace
River provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. A museum
at the visitor center depicts the lives of Florida's Seminole Indians
and pioneers during the 19th century. The visitor center is open 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Located one-half mile southeast
of Bowling Green on Lake Branch Road. |
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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 were there since swimming is not allowed due
to alligators. Surely nobody stands there to fish, and it is not suitable
to launch a canoe or kayak there.
Oh yeah - it was put there just so Karen Duquette could take a few photos,
of course. |
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 The
two RV Gypsies went inside the Visitor Center at Paynes Creek Historic
State Park, and Karen Duquette decided to aim the big cannon at Lee.
Duquette What a brave soul Lee was, he stuck his hand inside the cannon
that was aimed at him. Duh!
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 The
two RV Gypsies took a kayak trip on the Peace River by renting a kayak
at 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 on this date. 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.
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Below: Three turtles on a log. |
No alligators were seen,
but Lee did see a snake. |
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Below: Later, the two RV Gypsies hiked Fern
Garden Trail and the Richard Lieber Memorial Trail in Highlands Hammock
State Park in Sebring, Florida. |
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Below: There were lots of
mosquitoes on Fern Garden Trail, but the two RV Gypsies had sprayed
themselves and did not get bit. However, due to the heat and the mosquitoes,
it was not a pleasant hike.
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. |
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