Paddling - Canoes and Kayaks

Healthy and Affordable Family Fun - More

Paddling can be relaxing or exhilarating, and everything in-between. It can be a peaceful slow jaunt on still water, or a frantic battle against the rapids. When we decided to begin our canoeing adventure, we opted for the slower-paced version. This we did for several reasons. When we began researching this activity, the children were 6, 6, 7, and 10, Rebecca and I were both pushing 50, and the challenge of carrying enough watercraft to fit us all on a Jeep Wrangler narrowed our choices considerably.
 

Ultimately, we decided to ask Santa for two 15' canoes capable of accommodating three people each. I figured out that two canoes could be nested with very little modification allowing them to be carried with a minimal footprint. On Christmas Morning 2010, Santa delivered. Now, getting canoes for Christmas might seem a bit odd. It is, after all, pretty cold in the winter, even in our neck of the southern woods. In fact, for the first time in my life, there was snow on the ground on that Christmas morning. Needless to say, we didn't run right out and get in the pond. We waited a couple of days for that.
 

With regards to carrying the canoes on our Jeep, I began my research well in advance. I found a watercraft rack manufactured by Warrior Products which was really nothing more than a luggage/light rack without the basket. It served its purpose but proved to be a bear to install correctly. Once the rack was attached to the Jeep, I discovered how difficult it was to load the two nested canoes by myself. I usually have some help, but I prefer to know I can do it solo if I have to. I solved the loading dilemma by installing a Cabela's canoe loader and rack. This ingenious device made it much simpler and safer to load the canoes, plus it added significant support to the rear portion of the canoe rack.
 

So, with the transportation issue resolved and two new canoes, paddles, and life jackets, we did what any eager family would do, we headed south. Our christening voyage of the Minnow and Manatee (yes, we name everything we own) was in the 70+ degree waters of Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National forest. We couldn't have asked for a better first experience. We were able to see and touch manatee while paddling around the peaceful waters. Bonus? No one was eaten by a gator!

We have since taken the canoes on several trips and have enjoyed them immensely. We even tried a little of that "moving water" canoeing at Cedar Creek Park, but we think we prefer the slower pace of still or slow-flowing water. If you are considering a way for your family to experience some water-based fun without breaking the bank, consider canoes or kayaks. If you aren't sure, visit a state park or outfitters and rent one to try on for size. Just remember your gear!

Live Oak Landing - A Different Side of Florida

Live Oak Landing is located in Freeport, Florida, on Black Creek, just off the Choctawhatchee Bay. It's not the Florida you expect. It's a little darker, a little less commercial, a little more native, a little wilder. Live Oak Landing is a fish camp and a luxury RV resort in one. This makes for an interesting mix.

The Richardson Tribe is not big on RV parks. We appreciate the larger, more natural sites of state parks. Live Oak Landing is a hybrid of the two. Natural surroundings with the luxuries of a plush resort. The creek and bay offer great boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The resort offers large pull through sites and a clubhouse with teak furnishings, a massive gas grill, and big screen TV.

In addition to the clubhouse amenities, Live Oak Landing provides a variety of other family entertainment options. A selection of indoor and outdoor games are available like Horseshoes and Bocce Ball. If you want to go canoeing, on a boating tour, or on a fishing expedition, Live Oak Landing knows just the skipper to serve your needs.

Fishing is a popular and productive pastime here at Live Oak Landing. With a boat ramp, docks, and a very nice creek side pavilion, the options are almost limitless. During our stay at Live Oak Landing, the manager arranged for canoes, paddles, and life jackets for the entire Richardson Tribe. From the park's banks, one can paddle out to Jolly Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay, or up Black Creek just like the Native Americans did centuries before.

If your interests lean more toward beaches, shops, miniature golf (and regular golf), go karts, and water parks, they're all just down the road. San Destin, Destin, Fort Walton, Seaside, Seagrove, Grayton Beach, and Panama City Beach are all just a short drive away. 

 

As I mentioned before, this is a brand new RV park. The concrete pads have barely solidified. How it evolves in the coming years depends a lot on the clientele the park attracts. The big-rig friendly sites and cottages (for sale) make it a great retirement park. Access to deep water lends itself to sportsmen. Families wanting an alternative Florida experience may influence the park's direction.

As a family of six, I must admit, staying at Live Oak Landing was like visiting a "friend with a perfect house" and no children. It's almost TOO NICE for kids. The bath house and restrooms were spotless. The grounds are lavishly landscaped and meticulously maintained. Visitors are expected to keep a tidy campsite, which can prove a challenge for a family of six with bikes, chairs, and fishing poles. I hope the park continues to maintain high standards, because it's nice to visit a a place that seems to care.

On the negative, it was unusually hot while we were visiting (June). It would have been a big plus to have had a pool, fountains, or misting stations to provide some cooling. The kids spent a good deal of time in the large screened pavilion with ceiling fans and a large screen TV. 

Rebecca and I spent the evenings by the fire overlooking Black Creek. It was beautiful and relaxing. The smoke helped keep the yellow flies at bay. You see, one of the prices you pay for staying in such a tropical place is bugs. There are bugs. Deal with it.
 

In summary, We really like Live Oak Landing. It's not your typical RV resort. Click here for lots of pictures and a more thorough review of Live Oak Landing.