After Cindy's dentist appointment, we loaded up the camper with our stuff and headed to Costco for some supplies. From there we drove to Mitchell's Landing in the Big Cypress National Preserve (NP) for the night. We were the only campers and with the heat we sat by the Landing tossing a ball into the water to keep Yukon cool (yes, we did check for Gators). After blackening some Salmon for dinner, we retired into the camper just as the Mosquitoes arrived. Our diversion of listening to Podcasts and playing Skip.Bo kept us entertained until bedtime. 

After breaking camp we continued our trek across the Tamiami Trail to Naples where we got gas and connected to highway #75. Our next stop was at Ron and Jan's in Port Charlotte where we talked about our Winter in Florida and what we had planned for the Summer. Off again, we headed for Myakka River State Park (SP) where we had a reservation for the night at the Big Flats Campground. After our walk to the lake we had to hurry back to the camper as we got hit with a deluge of wind and rain. The next morning we walked to the river where Gators and Spoonbills were plentiful. After breakfast and a shower we headed to Tampa for the weekend. 

Amanda never tells the kids we are coming so it is always a surprise when Gram (aka Cindy) helps pick them up at school. While I dog sat that night, Cindy went to the kids soccer practice with a bus-load of children.

On Saturday while Amanda helped organize a school benefit auction, we went to two soccer games at different locations; all the kids are getting better at this game. Yukon loves following the play from the sidelines and stops any out of play balls that come close. While Amanda and Danny went bidding at the school auction, we made pizzas with the kids then watched a Disney movie “Wish” and played War (cards) which kept the kids busy until bedtime. 

Sunday started with Henry attending a birthday party then we spent the rest of the day boating and playing on a beach. The day was warm with low waves on the Gulf of Mexico; everyone had a great day.

So ends our time in Tampa; stay tuned for more adventures from Florida's Panhandle as we keep heading North.

Tidbits:

SPOT: