Saturday, March 1
Journey from Tallahassee to Ocala
We left Big Oaks RV Park in Tallahassee around 10 a.m., making our way south toward Ocala. Our route followed US-19, a scenic and quiet highway that winds through Florida’s Big Bend region. Unlike the congested interstates, US-19 offers a relaxed drive through small towns, dense forests, and stretches of untouched natural beauty.
Leaving Tallahassee, the well-maintained, four-lane divided highway carried us through rolling terrain, with a mix of pine forests and rural farmland. We passed through Perry, one of the larger towns along this stretch, before continuing south through some of Florida’s most sparsely populated areas.
The drive from Perry to Chiefland remained peaceful, with roadside views of forests, small farms, and occasional glimpses of the Gulf Coast near Cross City. This region, known as the “Nature Coast,” is home to pristine natural springs, abundant wildlife, and a slower pace of life. At Chiefland, we turned onto FL-500.
As we neared Williston, we heard that the town was celebrating local Super Bowl champion Quinyon Mitchell with a parade at noon. Instead of getting caught in the festivities, we made a quick stop just outside town at Piggly Wiggly for some shopping.
By 2:30 p.m., we were back on the road toward Ocala. The final stretch took about an hour, including a slow-moving 13-mile segment on I-75 before we reached Ocala Sun RV Resort.
Ocala Sun RV Resort
Situated on over 100 acres, Ocala Sun RV Resort offers 250 spacious sites and a range of amenities, including a heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, shuffleboard, pickleball courts, and an adjacent golf course. The pet-friendly resort provides full hookups and free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable stop for travelers.
Upon arrival, our wagonmaster greeted us at the gate, and the local staff directed us to our site. Though the site had a nice, level paved pad, we were instructed to park half on and half off the pavement to accommodate two vehicles. Unfortunately, the dirt section sat lower than the pavement, requiring four leveling blocks to even out the RV.
Once settled, we headed straight for the pool to unwind. While the mid-70s temperature was pleasant, a steady breeze made it feel cooler. The heated pool was comfortable, and we especially enjoyed soaking in the jacuzzi tucked into the corner. After about an hour, we returned to the trailer, stopping at the bathhouse across the road to rinse off before dinner.
Trip Meeting & Laundry
At 6:30 p.m., we gathered in the clubhouse for a trip meeting and reviewed the schedule for the next several days. As part of a caravan tradition, the odd-numbered caravaners were responsible for bringing snacks—since we were Adventure 13, we contributed chips and dip.
After the meeting, Lisa took advantage of the laundry facilities, which featured eight washers and eight dryers conveniently located in the same building as the clubhouse. With fresh clothes ready for the next leg of our journey, we settled in for the night.
Sunday, March 2
At 9:15 am we boarded a motorcoach that took us to Silver Springs State Park.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park, located east of Ocala, is renowned for its crystal-clear springs, lush scenery, and diverse wildlife. As one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, it continuously feeds the Silver River with fresh, 72-degree water year-round. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, canoeing, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors have the chance to spot an array of wildlife, from manatees and alligators to a colony of wild rhesus macaques. For those looking to extend their stay, the park provides camping and cabin accommodations. Steeped in history, Silver Springs once served as a backdrop for classic films such as Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Today, it remains a beloved destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
We arrived around 10:00 a.m. and made our way as a group to the ticket counter, where our wagonmaster purchased our passes. Once we received our paper wristbands, a staff member provided a brief orientation before leading us to the dock where the glass-bottom boats awaited. With about 15 minutes to spare before boarding, Lisa and I took a short stroll around the area, soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
At 11:00 a.m., we boarded the boat and set off on our 90-minute journey through the park’s pristine waters. The glass-bottom design provided us with an extraordinary view of the spring’s underwater world, where we marveled at schools of fish, graceful turtles, and even a few manatees gliding beneath us. Our boat captain entertained us with fascinating tales about the park’s history and Hollywood connections. We were intrigued to learn that the waters beneath us had once served as the filming location for iconic movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan. Beyond the water, we admired wading birds, sunbathing alligators, and the lush vegetation that framed the riverbanks. Surrounded by the beauty of this protected state park, we couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for nature enthusiasts.
After the tour, we gathered at the Paradise Lunchroom, where we enjoyed a delicious taco buffet. Eager to explore more of the park, Lisa and I ate quickly and headed back outside. We first made our way to the historic Springside Mansion, appreciating its timeless charm, before continuing our walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk. The scenic pathway offered us another opportunity to take in the park’s natural beauty. Before we knew it, our time had come to an end, and we reboarded the bus, carrying with us memories of a truly remarkable experience at Silver Springs State Park.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
At 2 p.m., the motorcoach took us to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, an essential stop for any motorsports enthusiast.
The museum was divided into two distinct sections. We began our visit in the Antique Car Museum, where we admired Don Garlits’ extensive collection of vintage automobiles. The carefully restored vehicles, ranging from early 20th-century classics to mid-century luxury cars, showcased the evolution of automotive design and engineering. Each car told a story, reflecting the technological advancements and cultural trends of its era.
Next, we entered the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, which provided a fascinating look into the history of drag racing and the life of the legendary racer himself. The museum housed an impressive collection of classic and modern dragsters, funny cars, and an array of racing memorabilia, each piece offering insight into the adrenaline-fueled world of competitive racing.
As we wandered through the exhibits, we saw firsthand the groundbreaking innovations that Garlits pioneered, most notably the revolutionary rear-engine dragster that forever changed the sport. Informational displays and videos highlighted his contributions to safety and speed, reinforcing his status as a true icon in motorsports history. Several videos were playing in various parts of the museum that helped us appreciate the drag racing culture.
Our visit left us with a newfound appreciation for the passion and ingenuity behind drag racing.
Florida Citrus Center, Ice Cream, and Food Truck Dinner
After returning to the camper, we jumped into our truck and visited a local citrus market. Inside, we sampled a variety of citrus fruits before selecting some juicy grapefruit, sweet navel oranges, and a couple of ripe tomatoes to take home. The market also featured a charming souvenir shop, which was a delight to browse.
Next, we discovered a quaint ice cream shop called Sweet Treets, where we indulged in delicious frozen treats at their outdoor tables.
On our way back, we encountered a cluster of food trucks next to our campground offering a diverse selection of Hispanic cuisine. After surveying the options, we opted for Zo’s Halal and placed our order. The wait was longer than expected, but once we returned to the camper and dug in, the meal proved to be well worth it—absolutely delicious.
SpaceX Launch
Later that evening, at 9:30, we watched a SpaceX rocket launch into the night sky. Even from 110 miles away, the sight was breathtaking. The bright flames illuminated the darkness as the rocket soared upward.
Monday, March 3
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm
Ocala, Florida, is known as “Horse Country” due to its ideal climate, limestone-rich soil that strengthens horses’ bones, and a thriving equine industry. Home to over 600 horse farms and training centers, it has produced legendary racehorses like Affirmed and Nyquist. The area hosts major thoroughbred auctions (OBS), diverse equestrian disciplines, and is home to the World Equestrian Center (WEC), the largest equestrian complex in the U.S. With a billion-dollar equine industry, Ocala is one of the world’s top horse-breeding and training hubs.
This morning we carpooled over to the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm for a 10:00 tour. When we arrived at Gypsy Gold Farm, we were warmly welcomed and seated on the lush green lawn, where we met Dennis Thompson, the farm’s owner and the man responsible for bringing the Gypsy Vanner horse to the United States from the United Kingdom. As we settled in, he began sharing a remarkable story—one that intertwined love, fate, and an extraordinary discovery that changed his life forever.
It all began in 1995, when Dennis and his late wife, Cindy, stumbled upon a breathtaking black-and-white stallion grazing in a quiet English pasture. They had never seen anything like him before. His long, flowing mane cascaded over his neck, his thick, feathered legs moved with striking elegance, and his full, sweeping tail nearly touched the ground. There was an undeniable magic about him. Intrigued, they soon learned that this magnificent horse belonged to a Traveller—sometimes referred to as a Gypsy—who also had a hidden band of mares that shared the stallion’s striking appearance.
Determined to uncover the origins of this mysterious breed, the Thompsons sought out Fred Walker, a legendary horseman known as the “King of the Coloured Horses.” Walker had dedicated his life to selectively breeding these extraordinary animals, and through much persuasion, the Thompsons eventually convinced him to sell them one of his prized horses.
Upon bringing their new stallion to the United States, Dennis and Cindy were stunned to discover that this remarkable horse was virtually unknown and had no official breed recognition. Realizing they had uncovered something truly special, they set out on a mission to change that. In 1996, they founded the world’s first registry for a selectively bred horse developed by British Gypsies. With the guidance of their friend Fred Walker, they carefully chose a name that honored both the horse’s heritage and its role within Gypsy culture—the Gypsy Vanner.
Yet, the Thompsons’ journey led to more than just the discovery of a breed. Along the way, they gained a deep appreciation for the Gypsy people—a proud and resilient community whose rich culture has long been misunderstood and unfairly maligned. Now, Dennis dedicates himself not only to raising and promoting his beloved Gypsy Vanners but also to educating others, working to dispel prejudice and ignorance about the people who first brought these stunning horses into existence.
Beyond the Gypsy Vanners, Dennis also introduced us to his mules, taking the time to explain their intelligence, versatility, and the fascinating process of embryo transfer—a technique used to breed high-quality horses while allowing performance mares to continue competing.
His enthusiasm wasn’t just limited to breeding; he also shared his ambitious plans for the future. One of his most exciting initiatives is a school outreach program that will use mule visitations to teach children important values such as responsibility, kindness, and respect for animals. His hope is that these interactions will foster a deeper appreciation for both the animals and the cultural heritage they represent.
Dennis also described his vision for transforming the farm into an immersive educational experience. He dreams of expanding the grounds to include exhibits that tell the full story of the Gypsy Vanner breed and the rich traditions of the Gypsy people. His goal is not only to celebrate these magnificent horses but also to shed light on the history and contributions of a culture that has been long misunderstood.
Our visit to Gypsy Gold Farm was both educational and deeply moving. We left not only with a newfound admiration for the Gypsy Vanner breed but also with a greater understanding of the passion and dedication behind preserving its legacy.
Silver Springs State Park
After leaving Gypsy Gold Farm, Lisa and I hurried back to the camper, eager for our next adventure. We quickly changed into our swimsuits, grabbed our gear, and headed straight to Silver Springs State Park, where we had reserved a tandem kayak to explore the crystal-clear spring waters at our own pace.
The drive to the park took about 45 minutes, giving us time to reflect on the incredible horses we had just seen. Upon arrival, check-in was a breeze, and before we knew it, we were gliding across the shimmering blue-green waters.
Right from the start, the river’s most mischievous residents made their presence known—monkeys! They gathered in the trees near the launch site, swinging from branch to branch, watching the kayakers below with curious eyes. It was an incredible sight to see these non-native primates thriving in the wild, descendants of the rhesus macaques introduced to the area decades ago.
As we paddled further along the river, we soaked in the stunning scenery—the lush greenery draping over the water, the occasional splash of fish breaking the surface, and the way the sunlight danced through the cypress trees. However, compared to our boat tour the previous day, spotting wildlife proved to be more of a challenge. Because we were sitting lower in the water, it was harder to peer into the dense vegetation lining the riverbanks, making it difficult to spot hidden creatures like alligators. The glare of the sun bouncing off the water’s surface also made it tricky to see beneath the depths, where fish and turtles swam undisturbed.
Our kayak rental was for two hours, so after paddling downstream for about an hour, we turned around to make our way back. That’s when we realized just how strong the current was! Paddling upstream took significantly more effort, though we were rewarded with a pair of manatees gliding gracefully past us.
With tired arms but full hearts, we arrived back at the launch within our allotted time, feeling accomplished and grateful for the experience.
Trip Meeting and Evening Fun
After returning to the campground and enjoying a well-earned dinner, we gathered with our travel group for a trip meeting at 6:30 p.m. The wagonmaster went over the upcoming itinerary, highlighting the adventures that awaited us in the next few days. Once the formalities were out of the way, it was time for some fun!
First, we were passed the caravan mascot, a plush pink flamingo that is passed from one caravanner to another with the task to carry it with us and create stories. We then all joined in for a lively round of Left-Right-Center, laughing and cheering as the game unfolded. Lisa made it impressively far, holding on until she was the second-to-last person eliminated.
The day had been packed with excitement, from the beauty of the Gypsy Vanner horses to the challenges of paddling Silver Springs and the camaraderie of our evening game. As we settled in for the night, we couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring.