Campers enjoy Florida; manatees, a sunset cruise, and the beach!
Day 1
The travel group waved goodbye to Iowa’s chilly clutches and jetted off to soak up Tampa’s toasty vibes of 46 degrees! Touchdown meant a pitstop trifecta: bathrooms, baggage, and a ride that screams luxury—our swanky SUV. With the pedal to the metal (figuratively not literally), we cruised down the highway to our fabulous Airbnb oasis.
Tomorrow, we’re destined for sandy perfection at one of the top beaches in the US—Clearwater Beach here we come!
Day 2
Clearwater Beach was both refreshing and exhilarating for the travel group. As we strolled along the shore, we uncovered a variety of shells, fascinating sea creatures, and even picked up a sea worm. We enjoyed the soft, white sand by building sandcastles, diving into books, or simply napping while listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
After spending half the day at the beach, we shifted gears to shopping. We explored several stores and picked up many beach themed items. Then we headed to Crabby’s Dockside for dinner, where most of the group relished fish tacos while enjoying the bay view.
As evening approached, it was time for a sunset cruise. We glided around the bay and ventured into the Gulf of Mexico. As the sun dipped lower, we were delighted to spot two pods of dolphins. While capturing perfect photos, the campers were captivated by the stunning scenery. Once we returned to shore, we headed to our Airbnb, making a quick stop to snap a picture of Tom Cruise’s condo.
Tomorrow, the group has decided to embark on a road trip to the nearest Buc-ee’s instead of heading to the amusement park.
Day 3
The day began for the travel group with a road trip from Tampa to Daytona. Along the way, we made a stop at a charming Citrus gift shop, where campers picked up jelly, freshly squeezed orange juice, t-shirts, and met some baby alligators.
Our main destination was Buc-ee’s, where we gathered lunch, snacks, clothes, and some a newfound affection for all things Buc-ee’s. We relished our meal at a delightful picnic shelter by the bay.
Afterward, we headed to Blue Springs State Park to see the impressive population of over 850 manatees! The water was stunning, and the manatees were leisurely gliding down the canal. We marveled at their gentle movements, their serene presence a testament to the beauty of nature. The park’s lush surroundings added to the experience, with towering moss filled trees that provided canopies of shade. Feeling inspired by the tranquility of the park, we decided to take a short hike along one of the nature trails. The path went along the Manatee filled canal, It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of our travels, and a perfect way to connect with the natural world.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, we reluctantly made our way back to the car. Blue Springs had been one highlight of our trip so far, a serene sanctuary that left us feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such incredible wildlife up close. We set off back to Tampa stopping for a meal at Cracker Barrel along the way.
Day 4
Today was the last full day in Florida for the travel group. We left the Airbnb and headed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, eager to explore the wonders of marine life and learn more about the inspiring stories of rescued animals. The aquarium, known for its commitment to rehabilitation and conservation, offered a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of its aquatic residents.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who guided us through the various exhibits. Our hearts were touched by the stories of the dolphins Winter and Hope, whose resilience and playful spirits captivated us. We listened in awe as we learned about their incredible adaptations, reminding us of the power of perseverance and kindness.
After the aquarium, we decided to visit the mall and watch a movie at the theater.
While walking into the mall we found a frozen iguana! In Florida, these creatures were dropping from trees due to the unusually cold weather. Thankfully, volunteer Malina bravely stepped in and pick it up!
Afterwards we indulged in some retail therapy, exploring various shops and picking up a few souvenirs. Once shopped out, we made our way to the theater, excited for a cinematic escape. We chose a light-hearted comedy that promised plenty of laughs. Settling into our seats with popcorn and drinks in hand.
With the movie over, we headed to the Airbnb to eat dinner. The evening was filled with laughter, while we reminisced about our journey, each of us sharing our favorite moments.
Final Day
Today was bittersweet for the travel gang as we readied ourselves to leave the Airbnb that now felt like a home and the little piece of Florida that we had gotten the chance to discover. We packed our bags with souvenirs and memories, each item a token of the laughter and adventures we shared. After a final breakfast together, we took a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, soaking in the last bits of the Floridian sunshine and the gentle rustle of palm trees that we had come to love.
The drive to the airport was filled with a mix of chatter and silence, as we reflected on the incredible journey. As the plane ascended, we watched Florida fade into the distance, but the warmth of our trip stayed with us, a reminder of the joy in exploring new places and the bonds formed along the way. We knew that while this trip had come to an end, the stories and laughter would live on, sparking a smile whenever we recalled our unforgettable time in Tampa.
