Peace-ful Campsite

Beautiful day on the river today!  We paddled upstream several miles (we think about 5) and had to get out a few times to cross shallow sandy areas.  The weather was perfect and we were occasionally graced with a tail wind.  Our paddling muscles got a nice workout going against the current.  We even practices portaging! (carrying our canoe and gear)

L-R; Jack, Ruan, and Jon during portage

We had lunch and an afternoon break in nice shady spots as we tried to decide where to stop for the night.  We thought we might make it up to the bridge (7 miles from put in) but we didn't get that far.  The rains came in and we selected a spot that already had an established fire ring and a log for seating. The rain turned from little spatters to big fat drops and we huddled under a hickory tree until it passed. 

Mike caught a nice snook and a big tilapia from the bank of our campsite.  We fished strictly for fun; catch and release.  We set up camp, relaxed, and made dinner.  What a great day.   There are a few rumbles of thunder but the cloud cover is keeping the heat at bay.  

Jonathan says he seems to ask himself these questions whenever he goes camping; (1) What did I just swallow?  (2) What is that in my sock?  (3) What did I do with my sunscreen/bug repellant? and (4) Where is my headlamp?  We have seen lots of deer, wild turkey, hawks, herons, a kingfisher, a snake shed and plenty of armored catfish.  All the people we passed getting out this far in the wilderness said "Wow!  You all sure are traveling light!"  Compared to their coolers, cases of water, condo tents, and piles of gear on the shoreline, it's no wonder they did not come this far upriver.  I am glad we are traveling light.  It makes life simpler.  Home tonight is where I staked it; on the bank of the Peace River, overlooking some beautiful old Florida with great friends.