MetalDad

I'm waiting for page 2.

Curt, great meeting you this week. The Pirates-themed popup looked amazing. I hope 2013 is a great year for you and your service!

Day Three continued:

Music: Stones, all day

Drink: Nothing, just some empty cans!

Smell: Fresh sea air and old German Autos

At this point, I had just run up to the top of the fort by way of this long stairway.

I had to get this picture as part of this TR. For a little trip back in time.

Ya’ see Timmy, several years ago, MetalDad plied his skills as a full-on tantrum throwing lead singer of a metal band, back in my MetalHopeI’mNotADadYet days.

We took a photo on these very steps a mere 25 years ago.

MetalDad and the boys at Ft. DeSoto circa 1987… We’ll call this Hairway To Steven.

Good days back then. Traveling around the south, kicking ass. Full of ideas and ideals...capricious youth!

From way up here, there’s a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.

See? No Oil!

Either the lookout, or a gun turret!

The roof of the actual fort has sand and vegetation to fulfill its clandestine nature.

As a result of wind erosion, there is a mesh screen over the ground to keep it intact.

It looks weird, but it works. Here…

As we made our way toward the other side of the fort, the ramp was blocked off.

And, I’m not a rule breaker! So I would never hop the Bob’s Barricade and amble down the zig-zag path down to the bottom. And, how’d my sister get down there so quick?

The reason it was closed was a giant crack that zig-zagged the whole length of the walkway.

It literally looked like it was falling off the side of the slope.

Poor engineering whoever laid the concrete.

Back on our bikes, we headed down the path towards the north beach.

By this point I’m really starting to feel the effects of a cheap bike seat.

My old comfy seat was destroyed by polar bears, so I have a hand-me-down kid’s seat.

A new one’s on the list, but for now, I pretty much had to finish this ride whilst standing.

We got to the parking lot of the North Beach and Holy Farfegnugen!

The VWs!

And a freaking zillion of them!

None of them recognized me in my clothes, so, whew!

We came upon this guy that had a pretty cool vintage camper that he was getting ready to restore.

We chatted with him for a bit.

This is a 1948 Spartan Mansion. So cool…

More VW’s. Some were restored, and some were blank canvas ready to roar back to life.

Time to head back. To my right, the Gulf of Mexico, to my left the entrance to Tampa Bay.

My nephew and daughters.

Old Glory from the other direction!

We got back to the CG, and of course after all that exercise, had to get an ice cream.

On the back porch of the store, I peered over the railing to see a hammerhead shark swimming in the shallows.

Only in Florida!

Joe Fishbreath had a cast net, and pulled him in.

That kid kept yelling “Kill it! Kill it!”

That’s how Dahmer started Dad!

The goils enjoying some Edy’s!

From there, we pedaled back to the camper to check on the rest of the gang, get freshened up, and prepare for the evening’s activities.

BTW, I just read in the local paper about the Tampa Bay Lightning Staff camping out here this week. Their only complaint was "nosy raccoons!"

MD,

I don't know how you should take this, but I don't see nothing wrong with those cool capris! :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy

Thanks. I appeciate the support. I would have thought the purple ff shirt would have drawn everyone off the pants, but no... Buncha sickos around here!

The only thing I've seen funnier than meggings or jeggings occured on my last business trip to NYC. I saw a football-build, at least 6' 5" male African American walking down the street wearing a lime green leotard and matching tutu. I kept telling myself he was on Broadway. Or off Broadway. Or off-off Broadway.

Yikes. Lime Green, double Yikes!

Finally got to sit down and read!! Awesome report so far!!!!

Thanks. I've been enjoying yours as well!

geez……I take a couple of weeks off and you slap down a 5 pager!! Funny, I thought of you tonight while picking up beer at Publix, Magic Hat is on sale dude!!

hopefully I will have time to read it this weekend…….life is nuts right now…….

although I may just sacrifice some sleep to find out what all this talk about TCD in mom jeans is all about!!

Cool! I was wondering if you'd eventually be around! Did you pick up some Hat while it was on sale?

We went to Fort Desota on our way back from Disney in September. I really liked the park and enjoyed taken Maggie to the dog beach. We do not have a dog beach close by and she loves the water.

How cool. We didn't get to go to the dog beach. My truck was 2 cars deep and set-up as the washing-up area.

We're in 12/29 to 1/3. No parks. We'll be in partial hook. Going to Piano Bob on the first night!

Yes, but you'd need jeggings, the anti-mom jeans!

Nice looking family ya got there MD!

I always try to protect myself from enemas too.

BTW, are those grey capri sweatpants you're wearing? :clint:

Very Nice. Thanks! I wouldn't expect that from you, all things considered. The truth of the matter is that I'm not a tall dude at 5'7"

:rofl2:

I think they are!

And MD is busting me for wearing Mom jeans?

TCD

You labeled them Mom Jeans! Just using the vernacular! Those shorts are fashionably sheared sweatpants, embroidered with a USF Bulls logo.

They are my favorite camping pants, and you'll see them in most of my TR's. What do you expect from a dude that wears a 29" length?

But, they are comfortable, as I'm sure you're mom jeans are!

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/mom-jeans/229048/

:rofl2: They are mancapris.

Nice!

We had a blast playing in the Fort part too. Did you go to the house that has all the memorabilia? That was pretty cool to read about the history of the Fort. We spent a lot of time at this section. Course we also managed to amble on over to the little snack stand for some ice cream :D

We've hit that snack bar often! Missed the museum, gotta go when it's just the wife and kids.

What a fun report! Fort DeSoto looks like a really great CG. It reminds me a little of Hunting Island, SC.

I love your sound system. Little Tykes lasts forever. We are also Dr Thunder drinkers. Viva Store Brands!

As great as this TR is so far, this nearly killed me....

Funniest TR moment EVAHHH! :lmao1: :heart:

Cool! Thanks. That's big company considering the TR's on the site. It was a lot funnier after it happened. You never really savor the moment whilst it occurs!

Looks good from here MD

Thanks!

I'm loving the report! How hard is it to book for non FL folks?

No, it's easy. You can book six months in advance online. We just get an extra month as a county resident. For instance, you can book up until June online. I can call or go in person and book July before it's available online, which would be next month.

Great pix. Keep them coming

Thanks, next installment has some interesting pix.

That was weird. All the photos posted sideways. Hopefully you see them correct now!

Great. I gotta fix those photos!

Day Three:

Music: Stones, all day

Drink: Nothing, just some empty cans!

Smell: Fresh sea air and old German Autos

Whence upon a time when I was a wee MetalBrat, I camped at this very same campground.

I was a young ‘en, and a guest at the tent of the Big Sister that is our guest on this very trip.

Even then, our family’s greatest joy was to be parked in a circle around a fire.

They sent me out to search for firewood.

I came across a hunk of stump that I thought would burn marvelously.

I tossed it on the fire and waited the flames to lick the big wood I tossed in.

Smoke started to billow.

The smell was wretched.

Campers within 3 or 4 sites were all gagging and wretching.

Apparently, my search yielded not a huge hunk of wood, but rather a dead and decaying horseshoe crab.

It was dark, I was young.

Like Bill Cosby used to say… I told you that story so I could tell you this.

As we’ve been doing lately, we build a morning fire so we can sit and sip and start the day most tranquil.

The kids had been having fun scouring the woods for sticks, twigs, and all manner of burnable matter.

Just like good ‘ol MetalDad!

And…

My son shows up fireside with this…

That’s also a better look at our play tent for the kids. The zipper broke so it stays open.

The kids often take Pringles in their so I’m sure that the coons clean up well during the overnight!

Here’s a shot of my other Big Sister, number two.

And the two of them together.

We went on a bike ride through the park.

Here’s Annie and I on the tag-a-long!

Annie loves this. She refers to it as the lollipop tower.

A good landmark, visible from the entire island.

There are two camping sites directly underneath it.

I went to take a picture of this fishing spot, and these two turned around just as I snapped.

The case is still pending a possible out of court settlement.

Thought I’d share anyway!

After missing the turn from the beach and going all the way to the parking lot of Tropicana Field where the Tampa Bay Rays play, MetalMom finally made it to hang out!

After lunch, it was time for a major bike tour. We all loaded up and headed out.

MetalWife and MetalMom stayed behind with Josie to keep the site safe from robots.

They have a great bike path that stretches a few miles.

Here we go…

Annie and I got out to a good lead, so we stopped on a little bridge to wait for the rest of the group.

That’s my nephew behind the orange flag.

They fly a big honkin’ lump-in-the-throat American flag. Gotta love it!

Trying to get an entrance sign photo and BIL drive-by-photo-ninjas me!

With…

Without…

Now, unlike our Fort, this fort is a real fort, dating back to the Spanish-American War.

There are all sorts of tunnels, bunkers, minarets, cells, and mortar cannons all along the beach that they used to protect Tampa Bay from the enema…errr..enemy!

Just seeing if you’re paying attention!

Annie and Big Sister Two

Gracie kicking some azimuth!

Fiend gone headless…

Looking down the barrel…

Coordinates…

Kids and big guns…

Looking down the beach.

Next, we see the fort from the top and a bit of time travel.

Stay tuned!

Enjoying your report! Can't wait for the next part, lol!

Thanks. I'm glad you've spent some time with us! Next update is now ready!

They really don't have any fear. Here we were camping at a state park and it just walked right up to our trailer. We sitting outside by the fire, had the lights on and it just waltzed in. It noticed us and then continued on under the trailer to the next site without a care in the world. Yup, we hates raccoon. Need a t-shirt that says that.

You convinced me. We now have reservations for June 10-13. Site 203 for anyone who wants to visit.

Cool. we're gonna look into it! Hope some other fiends can join up. Technically it's still a fort, and we are fiends...

You're taking longer breaks than TCD...... :rofl2:

'Tis the season! We've experienced the convergance of a fall baseball season (son plays, I coach), two soccer seasons, shopping, and the slowing of the Florida flow courtesy of migratory fowl (i.e. snowbirds)!

Every time I see Lone-Star post, or now, seeing the cart, I hear Rick Moranis' voice as Dark Helmet in Spaceballs.

"Loooone Star, I see your Schwartz is as big as mine."

or my favorite...

"So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb!"

I totally see nothing wrong with that outfit.

I'm not a fan of the flip flops with socks look that's happening these days.

Who would have thought that the trend would be plumber's crack saggy pants and "old ethnic grandfather gettin' the mail" chic footwear?

What's next? Those sunglass goggles that go over your regular glasses?

:lmao1: Nice update!

As for Trev's camping outfit, it involved shorts, one of his work sweatshirts (with a grease stain on the front) black ankle socks, and black sandals. I've seen each of these things separate, just not as an ensemble. It will be in my TR whenever I can get it started.

I would love to coordinate a camping trip when the temps warm up! I will even spring for the McDonald's ice tea to hide the evidence quench our thirsts.

Without falling into the TMI category: When Nate was young we always bought store brand drinks. No matter what store (walmart, winn dixie, or publix) and no matter what flavor, it always made my stomach weird and turned "everything" blue, if you catch my drift.

WTF do they make this stuff with?!

I love that you listened to BBS!! I have that humping horse t-shirt. Who can't love a band that has that for a logo? I'm actually going to see them again on Thursday in Gainesville!

Flintstone boxers? Classic!!

I'm not sure what's in the bootleg Dr. Pepper, but I sure hope it has Riboflavin. Can't have enough Riboflavin. Or Partially Hydrogonated Glutenanny!

I'm enjoying the BBS.

Yes. Flintstones boxers. It says something like "Rocking your world caveman style".

What's funnier is that when Ben and I stand next to each other, there's sort of this Fred and Barney visual.

Hilarious update, MD!

Great Job.

Regarding Dr. Thunder . . . TCD Twin #1 is a huge fan of Dr. Pepper. She claims that it is far superior to Mr. Pibb. One day, I called her on it. I purchased Dr. Peppper, Mr. Pibb, Dr. Thunder and Dr. Publix (love that name) and we did a blind taste test. To my surprise, she was able to pick out the Dr. Pepper. To her surprise, she liked Dr. Publix the best.

Regarding the Raccoons . . . the last time we camped at Ft. Desoto, there were raccoons everywhere. We went out for a bike ride in the afternoon and came back to our site to find it being ransacked by a gang of them. And we had a hard time chasing them away. They were hissing and growling at us. That event is probably the major reason we haven't been back. One raccoon at night we could probably handle. Although, with all due respect, I think I would rather see raccoons than you in your Fred and Barney boxers. No offense.

I love the fact that your sisters came to the campground. Aunts and uncles are awesome!

I love the sunset photo!

And, last, but not least, thanks for the tour of your camping set up. That Little Tikes boom box is the best!

TCD

I noticed there is no Dr. Publix in the Diet variety, as there is also no Diet Pibb.

There is Dr. Pepper Ten, where they added 10 calories and painted the can gun metal grey, and marketed to men. It's in the mix now!

I hate those raccoons. I put extra weight on the coolers, pack the food in the truck, but forgot the trash for one night. I hope he cut himself on a can, the little bastard!

The little tykes radio is amazing. I see it's marketed as being "tough". There was a cheap version of it for $29 that we tossed on 4th of July. But this sucker has seen it all, and keeps playing. Not too loud, we don't bother anyone, but enough to hear at the site.

I gotta play that Air Spatula whilst cooking, don't ya know!

Did you meet the Volkswagen people?

You'll see in the next updates, we met up with the VW crowd. I don't think they recognized me in my street clothes.

I have a good chance of them believing I was a hallucination. It could happen!

Side note with the raccoon. We hate raccoon. They have invested the larger barn and have latrines on top of boxes with items I would have wanted to use again - like Christmas decorations. We've trapped and 4 so far and there are more. They mess with the cats, destroy equipment and pretty darn nasty. We really hate raccoon.

While walking around the Other Fort over by the pet loop, we went past a garbage container. Out popped a huge raccoon, hissing and spitting at us. Husband is like, 'no way, we are on vacation, I am not dealing with that coon with an attitude'. He stared the coon down and it finally jumped down and went off into someone's campsite. Sorry about that person with a really nice pop up and cool music playing, hope the coon just kept going. We made sure there was nothing outside that would attract those little buggers.

We really hate raccoon.

So it's you that cheased them our way?

They have no fear. They are a blight on the camping industry and will some day be replaced by the gopher. Something like that.

Alright Stef, waiting for the photo!

Might you folks be Forting over NYE? Sounds like it should be an interesting fiend roster. Pure chaos and hooliganery!

Day Two:

Music: Greensky, k.d.lang, Boz Scaggs, BBS

Drink: Nothing, just some empty cans!

Smell: CB Hash, low tide and campfire

Up at the crack.

Dog’s gotta rock a feedbag and water the grass.

We were facing west, so the sun rises behind us.

We were so well shaded, it still looked a little like night in the site, but look at the trees across the water.

A full-on beautiful day is heading our way!

Recently , we started making a fire in the morning.

It’s nice to sip coffee and start the day in the feeling of serenity that a good fire seems to create.

Actually, I don’t drink coffee.

Big Sister does.

Here she is fireside.

No TE run at this Fort, so she brought a Keurig with her.

Shortly after this shot, she got a call from home.

My BIL wants to know where the coffee machine is.

An hour later, my nephew called.

What happened to the coffee maker?

We’re on a bit of a budget, and since I went to Walmart Neighborhood market, we had to replace Dr. Pepper with the house brand.

Here’s me sans hi-water PJ’s enjoying a fresh cup of Diet Dr. Thunder!

The foam is sort of light blue, couldn’t be the chemicals...it has 23 natural flavors!

Now, judging by the order that this was taken, I must have dashed off to the mens and snapped this on the way back to the site.

Now, a bit about our set-up.

We camp in a pop-up.

On the right side of the door is a card table that holds the dog leash, back up water, air pump… sort of like the junk drawer, but bigger.

When Ben’s with us, it’s where the griddle goes.

Butted up against the wheel on the right side of the door is a mud tray where all the shoes and flip-flops collect.

Next is the cooktop from the camper, that also mounts outside.

I always cook outside, in an effort to preserve the canvas and plastic windows inside.

By the way, the Corned Beef Hash returned to the menu.

We ate it fireside loaded down with hot sauce.

The cooler lives under the cooktop.

Then next to that, a table that adjusts to about belly-button height.

It has all my cooking gear and music rig.

That’s where it all starts.

I’m a bit of a music snob.

Actually, pretty much an opinionated douchebag where music is concerned.

I plan the music out for each trip.

Meticulously!

I try to top load my camping music with lots of stringed instruments…acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins…

I also tend to go back to real rootsy music when camping especially reggae and classic rock.

I find electronic music and hip hop an intrusion.

And before you get on your sounds of nature soapbox, don’t.

I love nature too.

There’s a reason every movie has a soundtrack, and a reason Disney has sound to every part of the property!

I camp with music…leave me alone!

Professionally, I travel with the finest in lights and sound.

But when I camp, I go old school, albeit digitally, it’s old school…

That’s the Little Tykes boombox.

It was given to my son when he was a baby by another DJ friend of mine.

It's now our camping sounsystem.

We tried to replace it, but the new one lasted 2 trips.

Actually threw it away over 4^th of July at FW.

This one has been rained on 3 or 4 times, stays out at night, been fondled by squirrels and raccoons.

I have a little $30 mp3 player that I load up with my program and plug it into the mic/aux jack and we’re off!

Since I’m continually disgusted with the music on the charts, I’m forced to search out new music.

So, Dave, here you go.

My newest discovery is a group called Greensky Bluegrass.

I took an album by them called Five Interstates.

Also just picked up an album called Handguns by them.

I also was test driving some Blackberry Smoke, as referred by some fiends, Stef and Genia.

Plus, I knew I had to dig them once I saw this image!

The rest of the playlist was based on things that would appeal to the rest of the group, provided it fit my criteria.

See? Douchebag!

Here’s some shots of the back of our site.

Raise your hand if you see the kayak in the distance!

After the shower, I again assume the position, see? No kids yet!

Notice the shirt!

After lunch, my other sister showed up…with a trunk full of tent and Toasted Head.

Our only bear sighting!

After hooking up the tent, the Big Sisters and I went for a bike ride.

Came upon this sight!

Here’s the Sisters! There’s another one, but she didn’t camp with us.

We were exercising.

What were we thinking?

A sign!

And a double scoop.

Chocolate on top, Peanut Butter on the bottom. Was melting so I had to eat some before I got the shot!

Now, a brief interlude, over the past few years, we noticed that there was a recurring sound each time we camped on this particular weekend.

All day and all night, the distinctive sound of a Volkswagen.

On our two-wheel looping adventure, I captured some of these images.

And even broken hybrid ones!

It turns out that they have their rally the same weekend every year.

I’m sure they took pictures of our group.

I’m sure their forum has pictures of a bunch of Catholics sneaking beer in the woods!

Or driving their RV’s off limits!

You oughta see the chunks of bark chewed out of the big limbs.

Back to the campsite, the phone ran out of juice, so no dinner pics.

But, afterwards I was able to snap this shot of the sun heading out for the night.

I think it’s a pretty cool shot.

Then, all hell breaks loose.

MetalWife shows up with the kids.

We set-up a small tent for the kids to play in.

They pretend they’re camping, while they’re camping.

It’s so surreal.

After some quality fire time, it was time to turn in.

John 2 was spending some quality time with Aunt Big Sister.

Here she is reading a 3-D reptile book with him.

I couldn’t resist.

Before long, I was fast asleep.

About 2am. I awake from a sound sleep.

Someone’s in my cooler.

Crap, even worse, in my trash.

I don’t have a picture of it, but I’ll set the table.

A 4 D-Battery Maglite in my left hand, a miniature patio mat broom in my right.

I dashed out of the camper in nothing but underwear and flip-flops.

I chased a raccoon out of my trash, up a tree.

And he was pissed.

So there I am, shining a light with one hand, whilst cleaning up trash with the other, trying to keep the raccoons at bay.

Then, the big dilemma.

I can’t leave the trash there to go get dressed, them suckers were about to pounce.

I couldn’t take the trash into the camper. Josie was ready to pounce.

So, off to the dumpster to get rid of the bag of garbage.

I tip toe to the dumpster.

Drop my load.

Then I hear a familiar sound.

A distinctive sound.

A Volkswagen.

Then, headlights.

And there I am.

Nothing but a big Maglite, flip-flops, and Flintstones boxers shining in the spotlight in the middle of a dirt road.

Thanks for sharing!

James Island County Park is dry too. However, I have noted there is A LOT of beer cans/bottles in the recycling bins. Campers are an amazing group I tell ya. To be dedicated recyclers and bring in empty can/bottles to the park. Amazing.

I guess that is a very easy way to evict loud obnoxious folks that don't conceal thier stash well.

I took great care to make sure my recyclables were in a sound proof box, and made sure they were aluminum, as to not bother the rangers with the clinking sound sometimes made by empty glass bottles.

Following up on what Genia said, as far as I know all Florida State Parks ban alcohol, even in the camping section.

But, the recycling bins are always full of beer bottles and cans.

I know of folks who have brought alcohol to the other Fort without incident.

But, then there were these folks:

http://www.fortfiend...ze/#entry162032

TCD

There's a photo kicking around somewhere from the CG of a squirrel upside down emptying the last remnants from a can. Pretty funny.

Adding this one to the "bucket list" of campgrounds we want to see. Kinda bummed its a dry park although the MD state parks here are supposed to be dry too but it doesn't seem to stop anyone. :rofl3:

Can't wait to read more.

Doesn't seem to stop anyone here either. It does force discretion, and easily eliminates jerks!

Going to the other Fort after our first Fort visit was a great twofer trip. One I am anxious to do again. I completely lucked out with the reservations and also got a great water front site. I love that they post photos of the site so you can see it first.

Looking forward to hearing about your trip.

We did NYE a few years ago on a twofer, went a few days to Tropical Palms, went home to do laundry, and continued back to FDP for a few days.

I am looking forward to more of this TR. We don't live far from either fort. We havn't camped at this park yet.

It's really a great park, close to home, and the price is right. I think it was $35 per night.

What a beautiful park... I love the shot of your camp site looking in.... Another on the list to do... someday...

The site was pretty deep, at one point we could fit 4 vehicles, the camper and still had a huge open area.

I think Josie and my Sanford might like a date, unless you're a Gator like TCD. :) Don't worry TCD, he can still play tether ball with Rocky.

What a pretty campground!

All the campgrounds on Lake Lanier are dry. I use the red wine solo cup method. The really funny thing is that if we're there and sitting on our boat that is beached at the site, we can drink on the boat. But don't step off. You can also drink in the water. But don't swim to shore. In all honesty though, I think they don't want the liability around water, and it's an easy way to kick people out.

Josie's pretty congenial, just likes to wrestle a lot, she's only 10 months or so. She's not so much a Gator as she is a USF Bull, but our family supports all of the Florida teams, except Miami.

The spot where we were had no swimming, as it was shallow, lots of rocks and barnacles, and wicked currents.

Great start. Looking forward to more.

I do need to keep telling myself that MD does not mean Maryland though and you did not go camping at a Fort there.

Now let us all remember a bit a of our scripture please....

Water into wine was the first miracle.

When I first got here, they kept refering to me as MD, and I didn't know it was me they were referring to. I'm slow children at play to be sure!

That's true. I always say, Jesus invented the beer run at Cana! Saviour indeed!

So what did you listen to on Day 2 MD?

I'm getting there!

I'm late, but I'm in!

I've never been to the other Fort. The times I want to go (summer when we can bring the boat) has to be booked so far in advance. With our businesses it's impossible to know if we can get away at that time.

I actually thought about you yesterday when Trevor came out in the goofiest most attractive camping outfit I've seen since you're high water PJ pants. Of course, I took a picture.

He did look at me funny when I said "Hold still, I need to take your picture for MD" ^-^

Let me know if you want to coordinate a trip, I can reserve with the extra month as I'm a resident.

As far as the pants, I didn't measure when I cut, I just eyeballed it, no hem. Figured Who'd ever see'em. Misjudged that one a bit!

But I don't wear Mom jeans like TCD! Where are you going to post that pic? How does he have an outfit you haven't seen?

Here's a photo of Bear Rock. It's the rock all the way to the right. It looks exactly like a bear. Especially after you've been drinking:

That explains the Black Bear problem.

It was probably night time, someone was hooched up, and was mauled by Bear Rock. May have even been me. It was probably Dave though.

New Punch Bros CD?? I'm in!

Yes, it's an EP called Ahoy! It's pretty cool!

Wait...campground is dry or church gathering is dry? I'm confused. Im also a church going gal (not that you are a gal, but you get the point), but seriously, is there such thing as a dry park?

I'm looking forward to the TR, and also looking forward to seeing yall at the fort. Now, what do we have to do to get back in that darn 1500 loop?!

Yes CG is dry, it's a county park. The NYE trip will be great, looks like there'll be a bunch'o'fiends there.

I'm in.

The other Fort is a pretty cool place.

I'm looking forward to hearing about it from your point of view.

Bring it on!

TCD

We try to get there 2-3 times a year. We love it, although the ground is tough on a patio mat.

We have 2 brooms in the camper because of the sandy/natural coquina sites.

Strap in. Here we go again with another MD camping adventure.

Another fire-soaked campout chock-full of food, family, and absurdity.

You in?

Day One:

Music: Badfinger & new Punch Brothers EP.

Drink: Gatorade and Water!

Smell: Canvas and Subway

There’s nothing quite like autumn camping in Florida.

It’s the time of year when we pull out our one pair of jeans, and that long sleeve t-shirt that makes it out a half dozen days a year, and the hooded sweatshirt seems to travel in the same circles as those jeans.

We try to get a few trips in over the summer, but once we hit this season, we try to get a trip each month.

Some of you may have recently checked out our TR from O’Leno State Park.

This time it’s four days at Ft. Desoto Park on the southern tip of St. Petersburg…or as some around this group refer to as “The Other Fort!”

Often considered one of the better CG’s in the state, it is actually a county park.

Other than the brutal summer months, it is difficult to get a spot as it fills up quickly.

The online booking starts 6 months out, but, it being a county park, county residents can book 7 months out.

That is key if you want a waterfront site.

They have 238 sites on 3 loops, of which a third or so are waterfront sites.

For this particular weekend, it was a campout with our church.

They’ve organized this trip for I think 28 years now, this was our third year participating in it.

Yes, I’m Metal Dad, a little rebellious in my middle ®age, a bit irreverent, and yes Virginia, I go to church!

I planned this trip back in April, arranged for the time off, booked a killer site.

And then realized a few weeks ago a minor oversight!

Forgot to coordinate with the wife and kids!

So, I spent four days there.

Two of them with other ladies.

So the fam sets out for school on Thursday as I packed the truck and hitched up.

A leisurely drive across the county, just me and Josie!

We stopped at Subway for an Italian BMT and a Diet Coke to go.

We hit the island around lunchtime.

Here’s the view from the wheel:

Once through the gates, we pulled in to check in.

Water is visible from most of the campground.

Check-in is a breeze, they keep info on file about you and your family and vehicles.

I had to update them on the new truck, and was saddened when the asked if Pepper was joining us.

I explained how she’d passed on, but Josie was now in tow.

Back to the rig.

I have a pretty short attention span, and a world class lack of patience.

Therefore, my packing looks like this!

Josie was still there, but she was now in the driver seat.

I turned the key and the wipers came on. She’s a nut!

Off to the site.

We reserved a great site last year in the dog loop.

It’s on a little private spur where there’s only 4 sites beyond us, so little traffic, and right across from the comfort station!

As the bike pedals, we were quite a ways from the church group, which is fine.

We’re a pretty anti-social tribe of degenerates, what with our dog and what not.

Not like the Fiends that can meet us down on our own level!

The first year, we were in the thick of it, and had to behave.

We camped next to a family from the choir that had teenage girls.

‘Glee’ was very popular that year. I was in hell!

Last year we had Pepper with us so as I mentioned, we went to the other side, and loved it.

Big site, on the water, and a great climbing tree. Reserved it again for this year’s trip.

Memory is fading with each passing year.

I managed to remember the wrong site.

I actually booked the one next to it.

A happy accident to be sure.

The site was bigger, less roots to deal with, and a few steps closer to the bathroom!

Before I popped up old Maria, I sat at the table and enjoyed my Subway.

Just me and my dog!

I continued to set-up camp at my own pace. A nice change.

My own music, my own site design (an important step!), up goes the Ezup and lights.

Then, the other lady shows up!

My Big Sister joined us! You may remember her from my Father-Daughter TR at KOA.

She figured she’d keep me company since MetalWife and the kids wouldn’t arrive until Friday night.

She brought in food from Publix deli.

Time to set-up the firepit and circle of conflagration worship.

My firepit at home stays home.

Then we have Burny which is specifically for the Fort because it has walls and a lid and removes any element of danger and amusement.

My travel pit is a simple wash tub with holes drilled for oxygen-feeding.

It was dented and had a hole in it.

Lowes sold it to me for $4.

The CG rents this same model for $5 per night with a $20 deposit.

That’s my sister’s feet to the right, you’ll see more of her in later updates.

This is also roughly the 900^th photo of fire that I’ve shot from that POV.

I was looking through my computer pics and notice a lot of that same angle.

Why mess with a good thing.

Now, I know what you are thinking.

An MD report that hasn’t addressed an exquisite cooler array.

That’s because the park is dry.

I wouldn’t risk getting booted from a CG, especially one loaded with fellow church members.

I certainly wouldn’t pack bottles that would make a particular ranger-alerting sound come trash time.

You know me. I’m not a rule breaker.

So I made sure I left these cold canned fellers home…

The CG was quiet on the first night.

We relaxed by the fire. Turned in early.

Josie was great, much more relaxed than her first trip.

A pretty uneventful first day.

Just what I wanted.

But honestly, if you're gonna have a pilgrim hat, what better kind to have? (says METAL dad...)

In regards to the truck being back there, it's probably not the case here, but some people use this spot to load and unload carts into the pickup bed.

There's a drop off between the dirt road and the canal. They park the truck at the bottom of the drop so that the ramp for the cart isn't so steep.

I've seen it like 3 times and thought it was clever, plus the off-piste vehicle appeals to my rebel nature. Not that I'd ever have a vehicle out of bounds!!!

Heck yeah! Pg 4 baby! Nice to see shots of you guys at the site. Awesome that the Nativity is back, kinda hard to have Christmas without it!

Have you fired up your seasonal disc yet? We played it friday by the fire!

This is awesome! Would love some more info on the place!

The Rays gear looks so foreign in the snow!

It'd be weird taking a roady and not pulling the popup. But, I'm willing to learn!