Lake Arbuckle , Frostproof, Fl                                                    January 2006

                 On a “Wing and a Prayer” we left for Lake Arbuckle, a small lakeside county-operated campground in Frostproof, Florida.  With only three RV’s attending,  we felt this was the perfect time to take a chance since they do not take reservations. Two RVs arrived on Monday and were able to get a site secured for the Tuesday arrival.  Lake Arbuckle provides great fishing and a look at wildlife that some of us rarely see.  Oak and Cypress trees hanging with moss flanking every view,  birds chirping, critters crawling (a few that we could do without) and alligators swimming freely in the lake.   We all enjoyed the animals and what nature provided in this rustic but beautiful setting.

 Billy & Gail along with Ralph & Barbara arrived on Monday.  Temperatures were in the sixties and cooler weather was predicted for the week.  The guys brought a stash of wood (thanks to the hurricanes) which provided a roaring fire. Good planning guys!

 Billy and I were busy setting up our site when the Wilson’s surprised us with a new  TCT’s attendance board.  Each member will place their name on the board as they arrive.  Thanks Ralph and Barbara - the board looks great!  

 Camping on Lake Arbuckle added new activity to our campouts.  The Barnes’ and Wilson’s brought along their inflatable boats so that everyone could take advantage of fishing in the beautiful lake.  Ralph and Barbara Wilson christened their inflatable boat at this campout.  We took turns fishing in the boat while the others tried their luck from the bank.  We fished and fished but they were not biting.   We hope to have better luck next time.

 Tuesday the Metz’s arrived and was able to pull next to us.  Lucky!  We had a roaring fire going when they arrived.   We visited for a while but we could tell that Ann was itching to get in the boat and fish.  So off they went. It was up to her now to bring home dinner.  NO LUCK!  It was not the campout to have a fish fry.

 Since we didn’t catch our dinner we decided to go into Lake Wales and eat at Woody’s Bar B Q and of course visit Wal*Mart.  Later around the campfire Billy entertained us with scary tales that were (almost) believable.  He had everyone going for a while and then we all laughed about being tricked.  Just like little kids we listened very intently to the story teller.

 Wednesday we bundled up and walked the park enjoying the outstanding weather and returned to the wonderful campfire.  Some fished from the boat and others again from the bank.  George played with his newly purchased telephone and computer.  Thursday we were up at daybreak to fish but fish were still outsmarting us.  We brought in a whopping total of four fish.  It was enough for some fried fish along with our grilled Redfish supplied by Barnes’.  Nothing like what nature provides.  I guess that’s the one thing I enjoy the most about my RV.  It provides me the opportunity for adventure and to to enjoy Mother Nature at her best.  And so ends our campout at Lake Arbuckle.

 TCT plans to camp at Peace River in Arcadia on February 20-22.  Please notify Ralph Wilson with your plans to attend and if you plan to arrive early or stay late.  Time will run out for Ralph to make changes in the number of spaces available.  Peace River does require a deposit and cancellations must be made several days ahead. 

 Plans for Peace River include: 

We plan on a roaring campfire; toasting marshmallows; music provided by Barbara Wilson on her keyboard, eating out at a nearby restaurant; homemade ice cream, a canoe trip down Peace River and looking for shark’s teeth in the river.

 We are also looking forward to visiting with John & Marlyn Fisher.

 Until next month…Gail