Our big western trip got off to a great start with a stay at Ochlockonee State Park near Sopchoppy Florida. Our new 25 foot rig fit in just perfectly in campsite #5. We love the state park experience.

One of our favorite things about staying in a state park is the wildlife. Just taking easy walks on trails in the park and campground we saw lots of birds, several deer unafraid of humans and the amazing white squirrels. It is thought that these squirrels are descended from those brought to America by gypsies banished from Spain by King Charles in 1499. The European mammals bred with native American squirrels. Eventually they were brought to a fishing camp on the Ochlockonee River in the 1950s. From there they spread throughout the area.

Near the park is the small town of Sopchoppy. While pretty sleepy today it still has a restored train depot with historic displays. The depot dates from the 1890s when the CT&G Railroad platted the town. The Myron Hodge river park nearby has a nice rv park and boat ramp.

Just a short drive from the park is the Gulf Coast and Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve. This is a very successful aquaculture farm supplying delicious oysters.

Our stay at the park did not go as scheduled when our motorhome slide-out failed to retract the morning of our departure. Our Good Sam Roadside Assistance was unable to help us so we found a mobile RV mechanic ourselves and he got us on the road. Then we found a factory authorized repair center for our slide-out in Panama City. While driving there a giant black bear burst out of the forest and loped across the road right in front of us. Sorry no pics, we just enjoyed the surprise. We took advantage of the time while getting an estimate to have an incredible lunch at a local landmark, Hunt’s Oyster Bar.

It will take 2 weeks to get parts so we just headed back home to start our trip again when the repair can be completed. Such is life bounding down the road in a “motor” home. Our “Little Wing” RV should then be good to go for the next big adventure.