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 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 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. 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 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 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. 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 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 decided to aim the big cannon at Lee. 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. 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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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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There were lots of mosquitos on Fern Garden Trail, but the two RV Gypsies had sprayed themselves and did not get bit. However, due to the heat and the mosquitos, 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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