Winton Woods

Unfortunately we have to move on down the road toward home but man we had a great time here. As we left we knew we would be back. The next stop is Winton Woods Campground in Cincinnati. The day was sunny and 46 degrees. Stopped a few times along the way for fuel. Arrived at the campground and my first impression was very nice but lots of kids. Oh well, it is the weekend and we are only here for one night.

Winton Woods Campground

Campground Office

This campground is owned and operated by the city. They have a number of different sites to choose from including cabins. We chose a back-in with full hook-up.

Our site #3F

 

Rental Cabins

Campground Roads

For a municipal campground it was more than I excepted. All the sites were paved along with the interior roads. The sites were well spaced so it doesn't seem like your on top of one another. Lots of grass between us. The water spigot was a little funky. Couldn't figure it out, had to go ask. As it turns out you have to pull down on the nozzle then turn the water on. It's like a check valve. New to me. They forgot to tell me to stand back, I got soaked. Funky!!! Before supper I thought I would go for a walk. Another wonderful surprise. There's a paved walkway and bridge around the entire lake. It was beautiful and peaceful.

Nice paved path - 1.5 miles long

 

Boat Marina and walkway in background

As you walked along people were fishing, boating, jogging, feeding ducks, and just hanging out. There were plenty of places to stop and just take it all in.

View of campground from bridge

Another wonderful park we can use for a stopover. Not a real destination park but if you had business in the area it would be fantastic.

Clingman's Dome

Being the last day in Pigeon Forge we were undecided on what to do. It was a warm beautiful day and not a cloud in the sky. I did not want to spent it inside. So I went to the front office and ask the staff for suggestions. Instantly they said Clingmans Dome. Of course I said Clingons who being a Star Trek fan. With a little explanation from the staff on the name and how to get there away we go, Clingmans Dome it is. The drive up was breathe taking lots of switchbacks and drop offs but worth it. The flowers were just starting to bloom in the lower elevations but as we got higher they disappeared and it got significantly cooler.


 Further narrative coming soon, for now please enjoy the view

There are several stops along New Found Gap Road (US 441)one being Chimney Tops.


The two peaks are called Chimney Tops

With an elevation of 4,800 ft the double capstone was formed centuries ago through natural weathering exposing the bedrock on top. The Cherokee name for Chimney Tops is "forked antler" referencing it's likeness to deer antlers. The bare rock offers scant soil for plants to grow. Therefore only shallow rooted scrubs and trees such as rhododendron, red spruce, and eastern hemlock will thrive. A steep rocky and rugged 2 mile trail leads to Chimney Tops giving a panoramic view of the Sugarland Valley. People have lost their lives climbing this trail. Maybe that is why the trail was closed and taped off when we arrived.



The numerous dead trees we saw along the road and at Clingmans Dome are eastern hemlock. A tiny non-native insect called hemlock wooly adelgids is the cause of this destruction. The adelgids feed at the base of the hemlock needles cutting off nutrient supply starving the tree. Millions have been lost.

Creekside RV Park

Creekside RV Park narrative coming soon, but for now enjoy the scenery.

Harvest Moon RV Park

Harvest Moon RV Park narrative come, but for now enjoy the scenery.

 

Lee's Country Campground

As we lock the doors in Bonita Springs we can't help but reminisce about the wonderful winter we've had, the different places we've seen, and the fantastic people we've met. Some we will see again others who knows. I've come to realize a long time ago the world is a small place.

Hooked-up and ready to go

The weather is fantastic just like every day in Bonita. It's 8 in the morning and already 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Dressed in our normal Bonita attire shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops, away we go. It didn't take long before the temperature changed. We only got to the top of Fort Myers when the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped. By the time we stopped for fuel about 250 miles north the temperature was 51 degrees and raining. Oh how I want the sunshine already. We went from having the air conditioning on to having the heat on. As we pulled into the campground for the night Susan and I flipped to see who was going to get out of the nice warm vehicle to register. I lost sh...!!! I'm sure the owners thought I was a little crazy walking in wearing shorts,
a t-shirt and flip-flops. It was only 50 degrees BUT it was sunny.

Lee's Country Campground

Registration Office

We were escorted to our site by a very nice owner. Before we set up I ran in and got changed into some warmer clothes. Aw that feels better.

Our site #3

They have a variety of sites in this campground, all on grass or dirt either open or amongst the trees. We opted for a level open site on grass with full hook-ups. Sewer connection was a few dollars more. The sites were fairly close together but for what we wanted it was easy in/out. Plus we didn't have to disconnect.

After supper I went for a walk around the campground to see the sites. It's quite a small place but the owners have done a great job in dressing it up. There's lots of flower gardens and ornaments which are strategically placed.

A small caravan from Mississippi pulled in behind us and were wonderful people to talk to. The park is large enough that we weren't crowded altogether.

Very clean restrooms

I would differently return to this campground as it was very close to the I-75 and easy to find. The one draw back you can't get over the air TV. They have a very nice lounge with a TV if you really needed to watch something.

Boston Marathon Tragedy

Being a former marathoner myself it is with deep sadness I watch this tragedy unfold. I know that I have friends running today so my words to you is be safe.

Little Manatee River State Park

By now you know that we spend two weeks in Bonita Springs and two weeks on the road. Well it's time for our road trip again. Our first stop and only for one night is Little Manatee River State Park which became park of the state park system in 1974. Little Manatee is north of Bradenton off Hwy 301. It is a 2,433 acres state park full of wonderful hiking trails and the beautiful Little Manatee River to paddle on.

Front Entrance

It's not a large state park by Florida State Park standards but it does have 31 sites in total, 27 are considered family campsites and 4 are designated as equesterian. The family sites are sandy with excellent 30/50 amp service and water. Our site #11 was easy in/out and I didn't have to unhook for the one night stay. No sewer hookup but a dump station on the way out.

Site # 11

After we got all set up for the night we decided to explore on our tandem bike. The bike takes a while to get use to plus some good(excellent) communication skills. You can tell it's not a typical Florida winter day by the way Susan is dressed.

  

Little Manatee River

Washrooms

Before we left the following morning I went out birding for a couple of hours. Didn't see much but was able to capture a plumb Gray Catbird singing away.

Gray Catbird