America’s birthday is always a special time of the year. In Florida and on its waterways, the patriotism runneth over and for our final official river roaming adventure over the 4th of July, there was a lot to see and enjoy. Nearing the end of our family’s endeavor to complete all the rivers in the sunshine state, our son was away in Michigan, making room for our dear friend, Lynn to join us. Not only is she the appointed godmother of our son, but it was also at her home my husband and I met and married just a few short months later. We love Lynn and were thrilled to have her join us; best part is she is quite petite so fitting on the single sized bed was easy. After a short workday, we loaded up our coolers and started the three-hour drive to New Port Richey.
For our first time ever, we found a campground that was not a venue we could stay at comfortably. It was fine that more people lived there year-round than simply staying for a weekend trip. It was the lack of accommodations that campers needed that first put us off. Though the management’s rude behavior and adamant stance for us to not have our boat on property was the straw that broke our camping camel’s back. With a simple call, we secured sites at the Hickory Ridge rv park with access directly to the Anclote River. Once we made the changes, it was pure joy taking in the sights and sounds of the very busy Pithlachascotee River. Law enforcement was out in big numbers since it was a holiday, without our son on the journey, mom was responsible for getting the boat off the trailer at Nick’s Park that was a production line as it pertained to local boaters and jet skiers anxious to get out on the water. It went smoothly and we were able to dock at the Hooters on the water as we waited for Michael to captain the boat. Houses lined the Cootie River on either side, most adorned with large American flags and other fun fixtures such as giant dinosaurs and concrete sharks. A long walking path with small docks owned by the houses across the street stretched the entire south side of the river with dozens of walkers taking advantage of the serene setting.
After venturing to the west for a while, we turned around and headed into the gulf. It was there we saw the modern marvels of the stilt houses. Famous in Pasco County these privately owned and grandfathered in dwellings at first appear to be a mirage. Yet, as you near them, you grasp how special these were in their golden day.
Per Visit Florida, the eight structures that dot the gulf are lovely reminders of old Florida, when working fishermen built camps above the water, both as a place to store the mullet they caught and to seek shelter during storms. While the public is not allowed onto the homes, boaters can cruise around the camps to admire them. The first houses were thought to have been erected between 1916 and 1918. At one point, 24 stilt homes filled the skyline, but in 1968, Hurricane Gladys destroyed most of them.
Johnny Cash frequently visited one of the camps, owned by the parents of his wife, June Carter Cash, and was said to have at times been accompanied by his friend the Rev. Billy Graham.
After exploring some islands by the houses, we headed in and packed up our campsite to head to Hickory Ridge where we settled in quickly and took advantage of the beach front area directly on the Anclote River. The next day we took the river into town and met up with our friends the Kings.
Tarpon Springs has won many cultural awards as they fully embrace their rich Greek heritage including having all the signs in Greek as well as English. We saw fresh sponge drying on the streets, vendors selling sponges and other wares, enjoyed an authentic Greek lunch with blocks of feta cheese, and took in a movie when we got back to our campsite.
Headed home that next day, we stopped off at the New River in Pasco County to complete rivers 136 and 137. It is a worthy drive to Pasco County, happy river roaming ya’ll!
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