For those who might not know, Lake Kissimmee State Park is located in Central Florida. The nearest town is Lake Wales, but that is irrelevant. The park is really in the center of nowhere behind thousands of acres of orange groves. The area has an “old Florida” feel to it and is the perfect place to relax.
Helen and I came to relax for four days and spend some time with my sister LeAnne and her husband, Marty. We made this trip last year (pre-COVID) and had a delightful time sitting under the massive Live Oaks, draped in Spanish Moss. Eager to repeat the experience, we arrived on a Monday and were greeted by Marty and a couple of his friends from Melbourne, Florida. Marty’s friends purchased an RV recently and wanted to check out the lifestyle before their first trip.
Our campsite was spacious and shaded with enough vegetation between the sites to allow for plenty of privacy. We unhooked and settled in. The weather was the best we experienced to date—short sleeve and shorts weather. Perfect attire for Happy Hour!
While seated beside the trailer, I heard movement behind me and turned to a second greeting committee visiting our campsite. At least six deer walked tentatively to within ten feet of us and continued to nibble away at the grass and leaves under their hooves. One doe, the largest of the group, stood staring at us. I knew better than to feed this bunch, but I picked up a peanut shell off the ground and held it out in front of me. The doe slowly walked forward to sniff the surface and stood there long enough for Helen or Marty to take the picture at top of the page (I can’t remember who). She rejected my offering, but the entire herd hung around for several hours before retreating to my sister’s campsite, where they spent the night.
On another day, the deer came up behind me as I worked at my easel and remained for quite some time. I think they were critiquing my artwork. Altogether, the deer never wandered far from us and obviously had been fed by previous campers. On our visit in 2020, readers may remember that we had large turkeys stop by to chat (link above).
The remainder of our stay was less exciting but fun nonetheless. We rode bicycles almost every day and did a modest amount of hiking through the park. We climbed to the top of an observation tower to get a view of Lake Kissimmee in the distance but chose not to make the walk. On our return to the campground, we paused to watch a Limpkin dig through the soft mud along the creek bank. He was searching for apple snails, his primary food source. The Limpkin was a busy fellow and constantly shoved his curved bill into the abyss. Helen collected a handful of snail shells that this handsome fellow had emptied.
We ate well ourselves during this stop. Helen and I prepared a meal of Seafood Gumbo before we left home. Resisting temptation throughout this trip, we carried it in our freezer to share with LeAnn and Marty. Gumbo is one of my favorite meals, and this one turned out well.
Marty reciprocated largely. On our last night in Kissimmee, he seared some marinated Ahi Tuna that was delicious. Under the light of the moon, we feasted on a casual meal of tuna, a good salad, and a savory wine. I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.
The days passed quickly at Lake Kissimmee, but don’t they all when you’re relaxed and having fun? We’re Easin’ Along to Jacksonville—please join us there. Retirement is a great gig!
I feel relaxed just reading this post. Love the wildlife even though they don’t appear so wild. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a few days.
Good morning, Ingrid,
You’re up early! We weren’t very active, but occasionally we all need a stop like this. Sitting under the shade of those huge Live Oaks in shirt sleeve weather was wonderful. Great to hear from you. Hope all is well! Joe
Joe, when I was growing up, Sunday afternoons were for ‘visiting.’ There was never a planned activity, just lots of adult conversation while we kids ran around outside. The way I see it you and Helen ‘went visiting’ in Kissimmee for 4 days. Good for you! Glad you finally found warmer temps.
Suzanne,
“Visiting” is a tradition in the south. We usually drove to my grandmother’s home in a small town an hour away for dinner (her name for the noon meal). No TV, we just amused ourselves playing in the fields and woods. Kinda like out trip to Kissimmee…Thanks for checking in. Have a great week! Joe
Hi, Joe – I can feel the relaxation from here! Great photos. I especially like the one of the Limpkin. That would be a great shot for the February 20 edition of #SundayStills — just sayin’!
Hi, Donna,
When we left Kissimmee, I said that I felt so loose, you could pour me in a jar! P. S. You might see my Limpkin again–just sayin’. Have a great week! Joe
Joe, “having fun is the best thing to have.” It sure looks like your first trip of the new year has been terrific.
As usual, I look forward to traveling with you!
Hello, Dynamo,
Most of this trip has been an excellent experience. The last few days have been a bit rainy, but we’re Easin’ Along just fine. Great to hear from you. Stay in touch! Joe
Sorry the turkeys haven’t showed up.
Joe,
Agree! I missed those big fellas!
You are having a grand time in a beautiful area. I love being retired, for 11 years now. I am way over on the other coast in California.
Good morning, Terra,
Welcome to Easin’ Along! Although Florida is crowded in the winter, we have learned how to navigate through it and find a place to park our fifth-wheel. Having access to military campgrounds helps a lot. There are many fun things to do and see in Northern Florida and along the Coast of Georgia and South Carolina. and we will visit several of them over the next few weeks. Please join us. We plan to be on the California coast in June. Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by! Joe
My hubby would love sitting with you as you both enjoyed your cigars! Maybe one day! Lake Kissemmee looks so beautiful (and warm)..I remember warm. Those deer a very tame but around my dogs they might get nervous! Seafood gumbo and ahi tuna sound amazing. Thanks for sharing your warmth with me today as I gaze out the RV window at the snow!
Dear Terri,
Warm is good. I would love to see some snow, but it can wait until we get back to Tennessee, then I would love a big one! I smoked cigars for about twenty years while building houses and loved them. I still have a full humidor, but rarely get into it. My brother-in-law handed me one at Lake Kissimmee that was awesome. Probably won’t get back into it on a regular basis, but an occasional fine cigar is a treat. Maybe Hans and I can fire one up at Coeur d’Alene. Here’s hoping for progress on the home front. Have a great week! Joe
That photo of you smoking the cigar is priceless! 🙂
Looks like you and Helen had a wonderfully relaxing time at Lake Kissimmee. I’d love to see your paintings! What medium do you work in?
Good morning, Laurel,
That cigar tasted much better than my expression indicated. The photographer caught me off-guard. Lake Kissimmee was very good to us and we had perfect weather with no bugs…only deer. I am learning to paint with acrylics. If something comes out worthy of sharing, I will post it. Painting is the most relaxing endeavor I’ve ever experienced. Have y’all reached a travel plan yet? Have a great week! Joe