My 2020 Florida plans included spending some time with my brother who lives in West Palm Beach Gardens; a friend from South Carolina who drove down to Florida; and also a friend who lives in Hollywood, FL.

First stop was Phipps Park in Stuart, FL. where I camped for 6 nights. Roger (from South Carolina) joined me for camping here and we were able to meet up with my brother for various activities. The Park sits on the Okeechobee Waterway which allows watercraft to move from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast without going all the way around the tip of Florida. The waterway is basically a canal across the middle of Florida.

A number of locks are used to facilitate the movement of watercraft.

Right next to Phipps Park is a US Army Corps of Engineers Campground that is associated with the adjacent lock system. The campground has limited camping sites but looks like a great place to stay and also accepts the Senior National Park Pass for camping. The campground name is St. Lucie South Campground.

I tried to catch a ride but no luck:

My brother came to visit as much as possible given his busy schedule.

Roger has a pull behind camper but went with just the back of his pick-up for this trip.

When throwing the trash one night, I came upon this scenario:

I guess with a night of partying, someone was “HEALD”:

After saying goodbye to my brother, Roger and I headed to see our friend Annie in Hollywood, FL. Annie put us up for 4 nights and acted as our tour guide.

View from Annie’s apartment, which sits on the inter-coastal waterway on one side and is 100 yards from the beach on the other. Nice digs!

On the beach boardwalk, our go to bar was the Riptide. Great place and Annie knows one of the musicians who plays a couple nights a week. Always a good time.

One day, we took a water-taxi that goes between Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale on the inter-coastal. A ticket purchase option allows for unlimited on and off along the way, at designated sights. The boat operator points out items of interest. Highly recommend this.

Some pics:

We spent an evening at the Hard Rock Resort and Casino. Quite a colorful and “eye-mazing” set up.

Had a great time with family and friends and hated parting ways. Now, off to Northern Florida for some kayaking.