Our trip to Crystal River and exploring the Nature Coast of Florida was better than we ever imagined! We live in Tampa, so the RV drive was an easy hour-long drive, but it felt like we drove right into old Florida. By the time we pulled into our campsite at The Cove Campground, both Kevin and I were grinning ear to ear with excitement for what was to come that week. We’re always excited for an episode shoot, because it means adventure, meeting all kinds of wonderful people, and getting to know a community better. Shortly after setting up camp, Kemper Willcut, The Cove’s owner came by to greet us and fill us in on the history of the campground and restaurant. "What a hidden gem he’s got on his hands!! You just can’t beat walking a few footsteps over to the pub for dinner and then back to your RV" said Kevin. He was right, we were quickly spoiled by the hospitality!
Our first venture out was to Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours where we met Steve and Dave (our pilots for the day). We loaded up 2 airboats (me and Kevin in one and the crew in the other) and set out for some fast fun! These guys love to ride, and it shows. We explored the Withlacoochee River, spotted alligators and turtles sunning themselves, watched herons and egrets fly out of the way, and even spotted a bald eagle flying above . . . it was a wonderful way to spend the morning, under the old oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Again, transported back to old Florida. The adventures weren’t done after the airboat ride though, because we brought our bikes and good thing we did! We rode down to the Withlacoochee Trail in Inverness, down to Liberty Park, and around Henderson Lake. It’s a great way to see the area and an awesome way to work up an appetite. We ended our day back at The Cove Pub for some of their famous wings with “Debbie’s Sauce.” Don’t ask me, just try em!
Next up, we were moving on to
Tillis Hill Recreation Area
in the Withlacoochee State Forest. We drove up to meet Ranger Tracy Pollard
and her staff of Rangers, talk about hospitality! Each shared with us their
specialty and contribution to the team, and each of them made us feel right
at home. We learned more about the Equestrian Campground from Tracy, and
then headed on our way to get saddled up and ride at the
Rymar Ranch. There we
met Annie and Debbie, our guides, as well as our handsome horses, Luke and
Oscar. The ranch takes riders on a guided tour back through the
Withlacoochee State Forest where you feel like you’re the only ones on the
planet. It's quiet, serene, and absolutely good for the soul! Back to the RV
at Tillis Hill for some homemade dinner and a quiet night under the
stars.
Last day discovering Crystal River . . . we spent learning more about the wildlife at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where we met Ranger Kate Spratt. Ranger Kate share with us the great work they do there at the Park, what we could see while we were there visiting, and some of her favorites. We spent the day just strolling around, looking at all the indigenous animals that have been brought in due to injury or illness, and to be rehabilitated back into the wild. It was really neat to see all of the animals we could see out in the wild, learn a little more about them, their habitats, and why some of them were there. It was a great way to end our week.
Watch the full episode of "Crystal River" below:
