Goodbye Summer - Hello Autumn - Planning for the Winter
Is it really Labor Day weekend already?!
It feels like just yesterday I was pulling the van into this campground in northwest Illinois.
I've been here since mid-April, helping my Aunt who lives in town. It's been a busy few months - but it always is when I'm here.
With autumn approaching...
My thoughts are turning toward my annual migration south.
I’ll be here for about two more months... give or take a week or so.
The campground officially closes on the last Sunday in October.
If the weather holds and I'm not freezing my booty off, I’ll spend some time at nearby Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park before I head out. It's a great spot... even though they turn the water off from November 1 to May 1.
Heading south for winter...
My trip south is a ritual I look forward to every year.
I take my time, moseying down the road, spending a few weeks at different State Parks, enjoying nature, and soaking up some down time after a busy summer.
My winter destination is a campground in sunny south Florida where I have a reservation from early December until I decide to leave sometime in March or April - when the heat and humidity ramp up and the mutant mosquitoes and other critters become more annoying.
Why I spend winter in Florida...
Before 2016, I would have never considered spending a winter in Florida. I always thought it was too hot and humid and I certainly wasn't a fan of the critters. But that year, my daughter (Nikki) moved there to be with her boyfriend - a life-long Floridian.
If Nikki hadn't moved to Florida I never would have gone there.
Lessons learned…
I don't have air conditioning in the van but I discovered I'm surprisingly good at handling the south Florida winter weather.
I also learned that if you learn about and respect the local wildlife you can coexist more safely and less fearfully.
I used to be more concerned about gators but the mosquitoes are worse! One evening, I only opened the door for a split second and woke up being able to play connect the dots on my arms, legs, and other areas. I guess sleeping in your birthday suit isn't always a good thing 🙄
And now…
What started as a family visit has become a winter tradition I wouldn't trade for anything.
I’ll certainly have some adventures to share but until then…
Have a fun Labor Day weekend!
Connie 🍂