Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest

Carolyn-It has been a while since I have recorded anything on my blog(I am doing well to keep my written diary updated!!). So since we are in a very primitive camp area (no water, electricity or dump station) at Lake Okeechobee I have some time to play "catch up" on my blog.
Sandy and and I decided to camp on as much of our property (and yours too) that we all own-The National Forest and Parks.
Feb. 10-11 After Salt Springs we headed down to Juniper Springs in Ocala National Forest. Another national campground with no electricity or on site water but very nice and had bathhouses with nice toilets and showers. As we walked over to check these out, we saw bear scat next to bathhouse (guess they did not make it!). When we went back to set up campsite, we had visitors-2 wild tom turkeys and 6 hens just strolling around our campsite. They visited us about 3-4 times a day. Too bad not turkey season-they would have made a nice dinner! Later in the afternoon went on hike on boardwalk through the woods and swamp with botany info plaques along the way and a bridge with large bubbling springs underneath. Then to the area that the CCC built for the springs. This program created by Roosevelt in 30's was amazing. Check it out. Back to rv for wine time and dinner. Our rv has a monitor panel that lets you know levels of fresh water, black and grey water, battery level. We have decided that something else should be added to this monitor- level of wine in the "wine cave".You do not want this to be empty because so far there have been no places at our CGs to buy wine! Next morning as we were lying on our stomachs looking out our rv back window we looked at each other and said this feels like we are in back of covered wagon looking out back. However, reality hit-I did have my own rv bathroom and fresh coffee brewing on the gas stove! Hiked 12 miles on the Florida Trail (1400 miles through fl).  A lady we met at springs invited us to come over that night for campfire. When we arrived there were about 15 men and women 80 and over sitting around fire talking. They told us they had been there for 5 mos. During the day together they forage for wood and other supplies and assist each other with repairs of rvs or whatever anyone needs assistance with. That is what I call quality assisted living. They were so happy and independent. Most were 87-90 years old. I say lets do that!!!
Chelsea-Well, all has been going great except I have to be on a 6 ft. leash at all campgrounds-state, national, private (don't they know that most dogs behave better than humans), but I am getting used to it. Also, dogs are not allowed on some trails. I do love being with my family all the time-riding between them in the rv and hanging out at campsite meeting new people (who always pet me and give me treats). I have also enjoyed eating my meals outside lying down on my bed-sort of like the ancient Romans. However, I did get put in time out in the rv for chasing the turkeys. I could not help myself they just walked right up to me.They sure did look tasty. Just wait until turkey season. Must go and recline for my next meal. What a life!!