Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and more popular parks in Florida with reservations hard to get unless made 11 months and a day ahead. We never know what we are doing tomorrow but lucked out by finding a 4 night cancellation in Old Prairie CG. A few sites down, we met fellow Roadtrekers, Mike & Judy, newly retired on a 9 month journey in their 210 Popular from British Columbia. Over the next several days, we shared many organizational, space saving, mechanical and electrical ideas that I know expanded our “to do list” and probably theirs as well. I hope our paths cross again.
With 58 square miles, there are many paved and dirt roads for hiking and biking at Myakka and the habitat is varied with wetlands, prairies and pine woods. The prairies are being aggressively restored through prescribed burns and many areas along the road had just been burned about 2 days before our arrival. During this visit, we got 2 of the 30 permits issued daily to go out into the wilderness preserve and hiked along w/Mike & Judy to Deep Hole, a sink hole that is about 130’ deep and attracts many alligators and birds. The park was in the process of preparing for a burn in that area by grinding down the scrub with heavy machinery that will be burned in the next several months depending on water level and humidity. A bit loud but interesting process to watch.
I was able to spend two early mornings biking down to the dam behind the concession area to photograph, one really foggy and the second bright sun with very different results.
Moving up about 14 miles, we spent a night with long time friends, Chris & Diane, at their home outside of Sarasota. Lots of catching up, a hike at Celery Fields (Audubon property), delicious meal and of course extraordinary selections in wine. Nina really enjoyed dog friends Onee & Sage. A wonderful stay - many thanks!
