14 May 2021
Did you know it is possible to cross Florida by boat? We’ve done it via sailboat in the past, but today we are heading across by campervan.
With the propane leak repaired and a good visit with my mom in Largo, we set out for a cross-Florida drive to visit Beth’s family. Our first stop was Tractor Supply in Lakeland to refill the tank where we learned we had lost 2.9 gallons in the leak.
Once we were south and west of Tampa, we started following the Okeechobee Waterway across the state.
By lunchtime we were in Indiantown where we enjoyed a stop at Timer Powers Park. Not much shade, but free parking, a playground and a boat launch were all nicely maintained. There is even an equestrian arena for those who travel with horses.
Five hours after we left the gulf coast had us arriving in Phipp’s County Park where we had reserved site 12. With pandemic touch free check-in we drove right in and were very impressed by a nice shade tree and a really big site. It even had two picnic tables and two power poles–wait a minute–we were straddling sites 1 and 2!
Most of the sites have a direct view for watching boats rise or fall through the Okeechobee Waterway at the St Lucie Locks. This will be our base for a few days while visiting Beth’s family. The first boat we saw was an Island Packet like s/v Intuition! We passed through this lock onboard during our first voyage from FL to NC a long time ago during a hot week in August.
A pleasant path winds below the campsites with benches for watching the passing boats.
Peaking out the back window provided a good view of the waterway at sunset.
For those that don’t have their own camping gear, the county provided a special island equipped with everything needed for an overnight stay.
Platform tents are equipped with cots and cooking supplies.
Although the island looks like it could be in the Florida wilderness, it is actually close to Interstate 95 and the Florida turnpike.
An overhead view courtesy of Google Maps shows the park stretching from the lock to the freeway.
If you bring a boat, there is a free launch under the interstate.
Back at our site, we swung the bikes out of the way for an unobstructed view of the boat traffic.
This trawler would be great for exploring the coast and islands.
The Saint Lucie lock is the first lock between Stuart on the east coast of Florida and Lake Okeechobee. The doors are cracked open here to allow water to escape and lower a trawler to sea level.
Once the gates are open, the trawler proceeds towards Fort Meyers on the gulf coast.
With the lock cleared, three boats headed in for a lift towards Fort Meyers on the gulf coast.
Another great camping option is the US Army Corp of Engineers Campground here at the St Lucie South Lock. With only three tent sites, nine RV sites, and five boat slips it is almost always full.
A visitor’s center alongside the lock was closed during our visit due to covid restrictions.
While visitors weren’t welcomed, this colorful lizard took advantage of the unoccupied parking lot to get some sunshine.
Catching up with fellow Pleasure-Way Lexor owner David Polge was an unexpected treat. We discussed air conditioners and he ended up being one of the last to enroll in the Truma air conditioner testing program before it filled up.
Shared how we test propane pressure and, unfortunately, discovered that their system was lower than it should be. David added regulator replacement to his to-do list.
Click through to this link if you are interested in propane systems.
We thoroughly enjoyed our three days at Phipps Park in May. Since leaving, we learned that they have closed to make “amazing improvements” to their camping sites. Check the park website for updated information and new rates.