Leaving Ocala National Forest (NF), we disconnected the trailer in front of Amanda and Danny's house in Tampa then unloaded the Antler (from the same Moose as last year) plus a couple of Moose jaws. On our first night we went to Henry's Boy Scout “Rain Gutter Regatta” which was a hoot; see the video. The following night we babysat – homemade pizza followed by a movie were the diversions until way past their bedtimes. The next day we were entertained with Henry's soccer game where he played a good game in goal but for a losing cause. On the way home, we stopped at a snazzy hotel to utilise their Oystercatcher boardwalk which gives a great view of the bay.

On Sunday, we went for an afternoon boat ride in Tampa Bay near Saint Petersburg; a recent hurricane rearranged the sand islands in the bay but it is a great place for the kids and Yukon who inadvertently drank too much saltwater chasing sticks. Although a hot day, wind from the gulf had a great cooling effect, which made everyone feel comfortable (even me wearing a Jean Jacket). As an aside, Danny has become a great small boat “Captain.”

With the kids off school for the week, we all went to Harper's mini-tournament at the Ed Radice soccer fields where they played two boys teams. Unfortunately, Harper injured a muscle near her knee in the first game – we are hoping that she bounces back before her future scheduled games.

From Tampa we headed towards Miami to share Big Bird festivities – Amanda and Danny with their three kids arrived the following day. Shari baked nonstop making various pies and vegetables in advance of Danny taking over the kitchen to cook the thirty-two pound bird. Everything came together well and outside dining for sixteen people next to the pool was wonderful. Spent the next three nights utilising turkey leftovers for dinners – all delicious.

After eating so well, it is time to see the great outdoors again before we return for Xmas. Stay tuned for more adventures from South Florida.

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