Lake Louisa State Park–Friday to Wednesday–January 18 to 23, 2013

This was our first visit to Lake Louisa State Park.  It is very different from other Florida State Parks we have visited.  Lots of wide open spaces and it is hilly!?!?!  The State Park covers 4500 acres and the campground is located between Dixie Lake and Hammond Lake, 3 miles from the entrance.

 

 

(click on any photo to enlarge)

 

There are 3 campground loops. The sites were nice but very few trees.  If you like a place that is real quiet and away from it all—you might enjoy this campground. 

 

 

We liked it and would come here again if we plan to be in the area.

 

 

Lake Louisa is the largest of all the lakes in the state park. 

 It is about 3 miles from the campground.

 

We spent a couple days hiking and biking. 

 

Early Morning Sunrise over Dixie Lake.

 

There are many hiking trails.  Most are designed for horseback riders. 

So they have a base of soft sand—not so great for walking. 

 

There were a few places where the trails were more natural.

 

 

 

On our arrival, we saw a Bald Eagle.  However, after that we never saw it again. It was surprising how little wildlife we saw in such a large park.  We did see Red Shoulder Hawks and Osprey quite often.  Of course, there are vultures and the evidence of Wild Boar everywhere:o((

  

 

 

We got our bikes out one calm morning.  The winds were really strong while we were here.  Combine the strong winds with the hills and that’s a little more than we were willing to take on.  When the winds are calm, this is a wonderful park to ride.  Lots of paved roads and beautiful scenery.  The hills are just enough to add a little challenge.  Another plus for bikers, is Lake Louisa SP is located near several rail to trails.  If we were here longer or come again, we will be checking them out!!

 

(click on any photo to enlarge)

 

   

 

One afternoon, we managed to get the tire covers made from the material we bought at Beasley Manufacturing.  The project was actually a lot simpler than I anticipated:o))  First we measured and then measured again!!!  Each cover needed to be 43” high.  However their width were different.  So first, Nancy cut 4 strips 43” high.  Then Nancy trimmed the width of each piece for each wheel. 

 

 

The best thing about this fabric is it doesn’t fray…so NO sewing!!! 

 

Once we had the four covers cut to the correct size, we just had to attach the suction cups.

We placed 3 across the top and 2 on each side.  We used an ice pick to poke a hole 1 1/4 inch from the top and side on each top corner.  Inserted the pin and then pressed the suction cup onto the pin.  After the two top corner suction cups were attached, we poked another hole halfway across the top and 1 1/4 inch down from the top edge to attach the third suction cup.  Once the top three were attached, we put the cover on the motorhome before we attached the two side suction cups.

In order to be sure the side suction cups were in the correct place, I stuck the cup where I wanted it on the motorhome and then used the ice pick to punch the hole in the correct spot. 

 

 

 

All the suction cups are in place!!

 

 

Just one finishing touch….  paint the white caps BLACK!!

 

 

 

Start to finish, the entire project took less than two hours :o))

 

 

 

On our last day, we drove to Showcase of Citrus just down the street from the State Park.  Nancy has always wanted to pick an orange from a tree.  Well, she got to do just that.  We had a great couple hours picking citrus—Pink Grapefruit, Valencia Oranges, Red Naval Oranges, Spring Naval Oranges, Honey Tangerines, Meyer Lemons, Key Limes and Kumquats!!! 

   

 

 

All in all we picked 1 1/4 bushels…  should be enough;o))

 

We’ve enjoyed our stay at Lake Louisa State Park,

but it is time to move on to our next adventure.

 

I think it could be a “Magical” one :o))