Tag: Lake Louisa State Park

Lessons from Lake Louisa State Park

Change is a fact of life, and everyone experiences loss. With that said, I will tell you my story. For several years during the fall and winter months Herb and I camped in Florida’s State Parks. We pulled a Viking camper with our Grand Cherokee, and always took Buddy, our beagle along.

In 2022 the jeep started having mechanical problems, which seemed impossible for any mechanic to diagnose. Herb didn’t think it would be safe to pull the camper, so we decided to sell it and the jeep, and buy a new SUV.

Since then, I’ve really missed going camping, especially when the temperatures drop in the fall. One day I remembered some of the parks have cabins for rent. The cabins have a “no pet policy,” so we hadn’t entertained the idea until now. Sadly, Buddy is no longer with us—which had the effect of plunging me into a no writing zone for the last two months.

When I discovered a cabin was available at Lake Louisa State Park, I booked it. The park is located only thirty miles west of Orlando.

Our cabin included a large living room, and a full kitchen. Everything was clean and comfortable. I could sit on the front porch overlooking the lake and write. What a delight to see the sun’s rays glisten upon every blade and leaf. I loved hearing squirrels chatter in a nearby tree, and birds squawk in the grass below me. What a gift to be in God’s creation again!

This was a different trip, without a camper or a dog, but it taught me God has the power to redeem my losses. I am reminded of the story of Naomi in the Old Testament. While living in a foreign land called Moab, Naomi had lost her husband, and both of her sons. She decided to return back home to Bethlehem. Although her daughter-in-law, Ruth, was a Moabite, she insisted on going with Naomi. Ruth denied her own culture when she said, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16 NIV)

After Ruth arrived in Judah, she met and later married Boaz, who was one of Naomi’s in-laws. Boaz and Ruth conceived a child and blessed Naomi with a grandson, Obed. He became the father of Jesse, who became the father of King David.

Yes, God has a way of redeeming our losses and turning sadness into joy. As Herb and I hiked the trails in the park and relaxed around the campfire at night, I felt renewed in my spirit. The great outdoors is always there, and I felt so good to be in it again.

Take heart reader, if you are living with a loss, God will restore your joy in his timing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lake Louisa: Florida’s Secret State Park

Did you know there’s a wonderful state park less than an hour drive west of downtown Orlando? Most Orlando residents have never heard of Lake Louisa State Park.  I just discovered it and I’ve lived here for almost thirty years.

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Lake Louisa is the southernmost lake in the Clermont Chain of Lakes.  These waters comprise one of the most recreational lake systems in Florida, providing a haven for water sports and fishing.

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Lake Louisa offers guided kayak trips. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes at the Camper Canteen located near the campground.

The Lake Louisa campground is one of the best we’ve visited. We parked our trailer in the Dixie Loop, nestled between Lake Hammond and Dixie Lake. From our site we could easily walk to either lake for spectacular views.

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Sunset on Dixie Lake

The weather forecast was accurate for this trip. It rained often. Unlike many places we’ve camped, our site had terrific drainage. The site was paved with a gravel top and bordered with concrete. Even after a night of heavy rain the ground outside our trailer was dry. Another advantage, many of the campsites are pull-through and contain full hookups including sewer.   IMG_3615

Fortunately, it didn’t rain all the time. People often ask me what we do when we go camping.  We usually spend our mornings hiking with Buddy.  His beagle nose takes in all the smells and direct his little feet forward. Most of the time he’s tracking some critter beyond our limited human awareness.

IMG_7639Once in a while, Buddy will encounter something that warrants further investigation, like this little turtle. A few extra sniffs and we’re on our way again.

 

 

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Trail rides are offered at Lake Louisa. Buddy tracked a horse on one of our hikes. But when we followed it to the corral, he became more interested in whatever trash he could grab with his mouth.  Sum it up to life with a beagle.

After a morning hike, our family of three relaxes in the shade. Herb and I both enjoy reading.  I write, or think about writing. Buddy dozes.

After dinner, we like to sit around the campfire and talk.  All three nights of this trip it rained. No chance for a fire, so we sheltered in place inside our one hundred square foot trailer. Good thing we get along.  Avid board gamers, our favorite game at the moment is Splendor.  For details follow the link.

Our last morning at the campground we met a couple of neighbors. The camp host, Kevin, invited everyone for coffee.  We love meeting other campers and sharing stories of our experiences in various Florida state parks.

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Pictured left to right, Kevin, Bob, Suzie Q, Herb, and Buddy.

Campground hosts volunteer to help maintain the campground and give information to campers if needed. They are also called upon to offer assistance in case of late night emergencies.  In return, they camp for free. Most live in their RV’s fulltime and move within the Florida park system as needed.  I don’t think Herb and I are interested in the position yet. Not until we upgrade beyond our one hundred square feet of living space.