Little Manatee River State Park

The 2 Chicas were headed south of Tampa to the Little Manatee River State Park, a quaint little park that allows for equestrian camping and easy living. 

Chica 2 emphasizes that it is really a little place on the prairie kind of location.  In her big momma voice, "You in the boondocks now baby."

Unlike the larger Hillsborough River State Park, there is no concession area, so purchase wood for a fire at the Ranger Station and bring just about everything else with you.

Of course, there is a Wal-Mart about five miles away so again, don’t worry, be happy!

There’s an area for fishing, hiking, horse riding trails BYOH (bring your own horse), and solitude.  The site was very sandy, so be prepared with the right kind of stakes.

There really isn’t a lot to do here but camp so bring things to keep you and the kids busy. The kids really enjoyed riding their bikes and throwing the frisbee in front of the camp area.

A little tip, don’t camp here in the summer in a tent.  Our tent held up like a charm, but the daily thunder and lightning storms were scary! 

At one point, Chica 1 thought she was Noah and Chica 2 and her crew were the rest of the family on the ark.  2 Chicas felt like it rained 40 days and 40 nights!

Obviously Chica 2 did everything right in terms of water proofing the tent, and she did a wonderful job of staking the tent against the winds, but we were trembling with the thought we would blow or wash away. Someone left our cake out in the rain, but it was still ok in the morning....

On a more positive note, we had a visit from “Timothy the Turtle” (a gopher tortoise) who was somewhat perplexed that we had set up camp on one of his frequented routes. 

We moved a rope out of the way so that he could pass and off he went on his journey.  What a joy to see this protected animal in his natural habitat!!   

Chica 2 took the kids fishing at the little dock area and they got to witness a giant sturgeon slumbering down the river. 

The 2 Chicas didn't think sturgeon were found this far south, but what a fun thing for the kids to see.

Chica 1 reminded Chica 2 to wear covered shoes while exploring the wilderness, but in true beach bum fashion, Chica 2 wore flip flops. 

After two dozen red ant stings, she decided that maybe just this once, Chica 1 was right.

After a final night of whining and applying a soothing, cooling lotion to Chica 2, the 2 Chicas tore down the camp and tore up the road to the next adventure!

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Hillsborough River State Park

This place is quite a little jewel and you can enjoy a number of activities to include camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, biking and canoeing. You can rent some of these items from the concession. 

Chica 2 has enjoyed having a few picnics here with family members, and they particularly enjoy bringing other games with them such as horseshoes, ladder ball, and washer toss. 

The 2 Chicas decided to strike out on our first canoeing trip.  We rented two canoes from the concession area, removed them from the rack by the launch area, and started down the river. 

It only took about 10 minutes for us to get relatively comfortable with the correct direction to paddle.

As we were slowly cruising along, Chica 2, out slightly ahead of Chica 1, became convinced that we were going to crash into a submerged log.

Pretending to save the day, she reached over with her paddle and pushed the front of the canoe. This spun Chica 1’s canoe around into some low lying trees. 

It looked like something out of a situation comedy.  As one of the tree branches slapped Chica 1 across the face, her $500, transition, no line bi-focal designer glasses few off into the bottom of the Hillsborough River, probably to become dental floss or perhaps roughage for one of the local resident alligators. 

Chica 1, bruised and temporarily blinded, finally steadied the canoe, and looked for the perpetrator of this crime.  Needless to say, the canoeing trip was over as Chica 1 had trouble focusing on anything that did not involve harming Chica 2.

Chica 2 was apologetic, but had a glint of laughter in her eyes, and she seemed to be trying really hard to hold it together. Shortest canoeing trip ever!

The park area also contains a small rapids, a swimming pool, the Spirit of the Woods Restaurant and Gift Shop, playground and a suspension bridge. 

The park rangers provide tours of Ft. Foster on certain days. Check their website for more information. 

The 2 Chicas love to walk the trails in this park, pause and look at the river and reflect on life.  River Rapids Trail is only a little over a mile and the Florida Trail is a little over 3 miles long.  

We know we live blessed lives and really enjoy the little things that make living worthwhile!! p.s., create your own memories....

TRY TAMPA

If you are looking for outdoor activities, the West Coast of Florida is a hidden jewel.  There are miles of trails, innumerable parks, and if you visit during the summer, just sitting outside is the best free full body sauna! But Chica 1 has always maintained water is the real deal in this area.  Go for a cruise around the bay and enjoy the buffet.   Fish off of one of the local piers, admire the balustrades down Bayshore Boulevard, or sit on the banks of the river with a cane pole and try your hand at some old fashioned fishing. Chica 2 hasn't had the best luck fishing locally because she hasn't visited any water sources that has someone available to actually place the fish on your hook.  This is nothing like Chica 2's visits to the guaranteed to catch a fish trout farms, but she continues to look for that kind of local photo opportunity. Tampa is the main city in the greater Bay area; it has a laid back city atmosphere with the most beautiful water views.  No matter the water source be it lake, river, bay or the Gulf of Mexico, you will find many different vistas to appreciate.  Sunset at Davis Island Yacht Basin Follow Chica 2's can't miss advice - head to the beach, grab a drink, watch the sunset, and have an entertaining conversation with the locals and not so locals and the sober and not so sober.  Chica 2 really has it going on!  Bayshore Boulevard – 2 Chicas go all the way Take a walk or drive along Bayshore Boulevard not far from downtown.  It is the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, and semi-circles a part of the bay from downtown to just past Gandy Boulevard.  While driving down this famous street (Bayshore), look at the million dollar homes that reflect a slower paced time period and contrast them with the newer replacement homes! Which do you prefer?  Chica 2 always likes the modern glass exposed homes. She she really does love exposure without disclosure. Huh?  Differences are what make the world go round….Don’t miss the occasional art in the median and try not to peer through the private windows. Chica 2 - where'd you go?  Because of the beauty of the area, it is frequented by fitness forward people. So should you become hungry watching all of this exercise and exertion, stop by the Colonnade Restaurant for some really good seafood.  Ask for a view of the bay, continue watching the passersby,  and tell them 2 Chicas sent you! Finish off your meal with a slice of Key Lime Pie and perhaps after eating such great food, you should join the very same walkers you've been watching.   After a short stroll, continue south on Bayshore to the next destination. Ballast Point Park – 2 Chicas Peep the Pier Continue down Bayshore, cross Gandy Boulevard, and merge into the left lane.  Make a left on Interbay Boulevard and take the brick street around to the Ballast Point Park and Pier.  Go out on the pier and watch the locals fish or do a little fishing yourself.   You may get lucky and catch a shark or be unlucky and catch a stingray! Chica 1 has had both experiences, so it really is all about perspective… Either way, you’ll meet some really nice people and soak in the atmosphere.  Look up occasionally, you’ll see airplanes and jet fighters taking off and landing at the local air force base.  There’s nothing like one of the jets going out for practice maneuvers!  The air craft carrier is so huge, you'll think there is some kind of alien attack underway. As you enjoy your surroundings, marvel at how you have made your way all the way from downtown. Doesn’t downtown look small and so far away? Chica 2 always comments that the downtown looks really small even when you are downtown.  Be nice Chica 2. Continue spanning the bay, see those two “mountains” in the distance? Well, flat central Florida doesn’t have mountains!  What you are looking at is the aftermath of phosphate mining; enough said. While still at the pier, you can pop in A Taste of Boston ice cream, seafood restaurant, and bait and tackle shop for a little bit of this and a whole lot of that!  Tell them 2 Chicas sent you to pick up an ice cream cool down. After you leave the park, turn right and return to the light at Bayshore and Interbay. Straight in front of you will be Chubby’s Pizza and Subs.  They have good cheesesteak sandwiches so dig in and don’t forget to tell them 2 Chicas told you about the great tastes!  Davis Islands – 2 Chicas do it Island Style On your drive back down Gandy, if you get close to downtown, take a little time to follow the signs to Davis Islands. While on Bayshore, peek over to Davis Island a little ways across the water.  Check out the large grey fortress like home of Yankees superstar Derek Jeter. Once on the island, check out the unique architecture. Visit one of the little eateries on the main strip – Davis Blvd in Davis Island Village. For more hoity toity dining, check out 220 East; they have a solid menu.   For casual dining, Estella’s Mexican has a great salad and very good tacos; don’t forget to tell them 2 Chicas said hello.  Walk down to Farrells on the Island for dessert and be sure to stick your head into Serendipity Accents and Gifts to peek at their variety of unusual gifts.  After exiting Farrell's one hot day, Chica 1 was admiring a striking cockatoo sitting proudly on his owner's shoulder.  The owner said he was very friendly, and Chica 1 spoke to him in such a nurturing voice, the cockatoo fell in love!  The owner seemed a little jealous trying to lure his birdy back, but Chica 1 has all she can handle with one bird brain in the group!  Tee hee hee.... After you browse through Serendipity, hop back in the car and drive around the block headed east to the water.  Park on Channel Drive and watch the people jog, bike, and fish, and look at the boats go by as each cool bite of ice cream reminds you of how wonderful and simple life can be if you just slow down enough to enjoy! This is a good place to catch the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.  The displays are hilarious and the boaters are very accommodating to the spectators.  There is good  fun for the kids - let them vote on the best decorated boat.  Chica 2 says the boaters are really the ones having the most fun....last call for alcohol - enough said. Drive all the way down this little street (southeast) and look at the huge home facing the little airport landing area.  This home was rebuilt after a plane crashed into it and was featured on Extreme Makeover. If you have time, continue south onto Davis Blvd., go around the roundabout keeping your eyes on the airport, the street changes from Davis Blvd. to Severn Ave. Head past the airport to the little park area.  Davis Island Yacht Basin There is also a little park area for the dogs. Often the sailboats at the Davis Island’s Yacht Club go out and create quite a spectacle in the bay.  If they aren’t out, there are a number of curiosities so just enjoy the show. LIKE us on Facebook: -http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/2chicastrunktravels/174274289308912