Due to our headlight failure, we were stuck in the Sopchoppy area for 2 more nights, until our part would arrive at the local post office. I was near rabid for a hot shower and we wanted to be able to plug in to shore power, so we decided to stay at the Ochlockonee River State Park. I warned you there were going to be more ridiculous names, didn't I?
It turned out to be a real diamond in the rough! Normally we are somewhat "boondock purists" and don't like staying at fee campgrounds, due to them being overcrowded and expensive and not "real camping". I'm glad we did though! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the campsites private, and the facilities really pretty.
We set up the van and got out to have a wander around the area. The park had a great amount of easy-to-spot wildlife. Unique to this area were pure white squirrels, a genetic mutation on the native squirrels. There was also a white fawn that we just caught a glimpse of browsing in the tall grass. It was misty and damp, but warm, and we were the only ones out. We wandered through the woods and down to the Ochlockonee River. The waters were the color of rich black tea and still as a pane of glass. Content with our wanderings, we headed back to the van for dinner.
When we left Dave's friend in Port Lavaca, Texas, he gave us a pound of elk hamburger. It was then that I discovered the recipe for THE BEST DAMN ELK BURGERS EVER. The recipe is now up on the "Two Pot Recipe" tab above. We stuffed ourselves on the pan-fried burgers topped with beefsteak tomato, caramelized onions, and chipotle mayo.
In the morning we woke to the sound of loud, cracking thunder. It was about 70 degress and intensely humid. I woke up early and listened for a while, counting the seconds between strobes of lightning and the thunder. I decided to go take a shower, and I could hear the rain coming down in sheets and the thunder pounding as I relaxed in the hot steam. Soothed and happy, I stepped out to walk back to the van and was greeted by a wall of falling water. The skies had positively opened up, and I got a second, not-so-enjoyable shower on my walk back. When I came around the corner to see the van I was greeted by this sight:
Free lakefront property!
I heaved a resigned sigh and slogged through the 3" deep puddle to the van. After some delicate maneuvering and very wet feet we managed to get to high ground and dry out a bit. We checked out and headed into town to do work on our overflowing laundry basket at a local laundromat.
As soon as we stepped in the doors, all Hell broke loose outside. Rain came roaring down like a pressure washer on high, wind gusted signs over and slammed the doors, and the thunder ripped the sky with sound. All of us inside the laundromat watched in awe as the storm tore a wet, messy path through town. Then, as quickly as it began, it broke. The sun peeked through the clouds and the wind and rain quieted.
I love a good thunderstorm and I hopped back into the van with a happy smile.
Don't forget to check out Dave's blog for more pics, and touched up ones!!
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