As we enter the Fall season, our family has a new tradition this year of gearing up to go pop-up camping. The cooler air, coupled with the reality we haven’t taken enough vacation days and need to use them before end of year, gets us motivated to explore and enjoy a Florida Fall.

Our inaugural Fall camping trip took us to Westgate River Ranch – out in the sticks of Florida in East Polk County. You drive, for what seems an eternity, off I-95 inland across flats of sod farms and cow pastures. It is rare in Florida to travel across terrain that isn’t littered with fast food chains or housing developments – we were getting well into the sticks. The resort was a little oasis, complete with a small swimming pool, a large camping area, an amazing BBQ joint, and one hell of a Saturday night rodeo. Evie got to pet animals, cheer on the bucking broncos at the rodeo, and play in the large field next to our campsite. I strapped her in on the back of my bike and we rode for miles checking out the scenery. She even picked out an orange cowboy hat at the general store! Chad fished a bit and even contemplated a go at trap and skeet. We enjoyed the experience and will definitely go back. Next time, we will stay in the main RV area and not the general camping area. The general camping area is right next to the trap and skeet range and the bathrooms were gross. The rodeo experience alone is worth making the trip out to River Ranch, it was one of the most authentically American events I have ever experienced. Evelyn, Chad and I had a ball. I left the experience having thoroughly enjoyed myself, but also feeling thankful to live in America.

Our second trip of the season led us to Jetty Park. Uncle Brian invited us along. Unlike River Ranch, it was, without a doubt, one of the toughest weekends on record. Anyone who has experienced a toddler knows that sometimes, they are just…. NOT NICE. Evie decided this was her weekend to bundle up all the frustration one toddler could possess, and she unleashed it on us a good portion of the weekend. At one point, I begged Chad to take us home! I was so tired and was at a loss of how to make the situation any better. Moms and dads alike know these toddler days, and we just happened to experience them in the middle of a campground in a pop-up camper. Sigh.

Within a few days after the trip, Ev was back to her usual happy demeanor. We are thankful 🙂

More posts to come, including Evelyn’s first trip to Magic Kingdom and our annual camping event – Campapalooza!