It’s hard to believe, but we’ve now been stationary for a month on this wonderful island community of Cedar Key. And I’m not just referring to having the bus parked here. Neither Chris or I have ventured inland, and have only traveled as far as our feet or boat could take us.
Compare that to our fellow peers we’ve been camped amongst, who it seems someone is heading into Chiefland, Crystal River or Gainesville at least a couple times a week. Ironically, our Mini Cooper has had more travel than us this month, as it’s the most fuel efficient car to borrow for those runs to civilization.
While we know it’s less than 45 minutes to reach a full scale grocery store, we have instead found we can mostly thrive off the local economy. Of course, we’ve supplemented that with some Amazon.com Prime shipments and requesting an occasional favor from our friends to pick us up something. Two years ago this winter we were living on St. John in the Virgin Islands, which definitely well prepared us for island living and learning to adapt to what is available.
Cedar Key has one small market, two convenience stores and a produce stand that is open 5 days a week. As we try to lean towards a whole foods diet, it has been pretty easy to make that work for us. It’s also been marvelous having the Adablue Cafe right here onsite at Sunset Isles RV Park, which serves wonderful breakfasts and lunches for a very reasonable price. They’re even gluten free friendly and have soft serve ice cream!
We’ve gotten spoiled not needing to venture far from home for the month… it’s a nomadic homebody’s dream come true. We had thought we would procure some bicycles this visit, but in all honesty – we’ve not craved them. With the center of Cedar Key being just a 1.5 mile walk from our doorstep, it makes for an easy stroll.
Our gathering in Cedar Key has been slowly breaking up this week – reminding us of a band aid being slowly pulled off – and will continue over the coming days. Forrest and Mary headed onward yesterday. Clarke & Elaine and Pace & Kyeli will head in opposite directions on Monday morning.
And we’ll soon be departing too..
Earlier this week we announced we had extended our stay for the month of February. We spoke too soon, and have now had a change of plans.
My father’s latest test results have us wanting to instead refocus on family and the precious quality time left. So on Wednesday we’ll head south 2 hours to Spring Hill to first get some time with Chris’ folks.
After that, we’ll be heading back to Melbourne for the long haul to be with my parents to share in the good times, go on some local family adventures and face together what is to eventually come.
It’s been a sobering week, to say the least. And despite all the fantastic community and gorgeous sunset pictures we’ve been sharing, January was a very tough and draining month for us in multiple respects.
We thank you in advance for your understanding if things get sporadic here.
And for sure, we definitely welcome your positive thoughts, well wishes and prayers.
Sorry your Father is not doing well.
Cherie , I love that sunset photo with you ! Beautiful picture.
I wish you and your family nothing but the best in the time to come…
Just came across your wonderful site, I’ve always wanted to visit Cedar Key – thanks for sharing
Hi Cherie & Chris. I have been one of the lucky people to follow your escapades recently. We live in Canada and have had a 34ft RV for the past 3 years. Hope to be in it a lot more once we retire. As a kid we lived near Port St.Joe for a while while my Dad was posted at a radar station there. So I LOVE Florida and call it my second home. We have been coming down there(Fla) for the past 34 years, BUT yet to visit Cedar Key. Since you have posted such amazing pictures, we are going to try to get “in” there some time mid May. After your great report on the sea Eagle Kayak, I bought one, and am dying to get it into the water there! I have a hard shell one back home, but you cant put that on the top of an RV, and it wont go on the roof of our “toad”(my JEEP-Rockie). Your story on the Sea Eagle made me feel like it was almost directed to me…lol. It answered my prayers. (They should pay you commission!). This year we may only be able to spend three days there, as we are meeting up with Family at Ft.DeSoto park for the biggest part of our trip this year. We hope to check out your fav.camping grounds on the way back home.
IF we can get in, is there a spot you would recommend to us? And my second question is how do you get to that island that USED to be the original Cedar Key…it looks fascinating. Looking forward to your reply if you have the time. So glad you post your adventures for us ffffreeezing Northerners. Lol thank you again for your time, we may live up here in Ontario, but I have Florida blood in my veins! Lol. 😉 Jill.
Ps. I wish you all the best with your Dad. He sounds like a wonderful Man. I have taken that same path four years ago with my Mom, and understand some of what you are going through. God Bless.
Hi Jill – we are partial to the waterfront spots (1-10) ourselves. The spots are tiny in the park however.
Getting to Atsensa Otie is easy – just go into town and launch your kayak from the beach there. It is the closest big island and any local can point you in the right direction.
Enjoy Cedar Key!
Thank you so much Cherie….hopefully we can stop there and visit your home away from home! Drive safely…and all the best.
Jill
I love that my generation’s potlucks are your generation’s crowdsourced meals.
My best wishes go with you as you travel this next phase of your journey.
Thank you Linda, much appreciated.
Our hearts are with you Cherie, from Anna-Marie and Mike.
Thank you guys!
Chris and Cherie, I too have lived vicariously through your spectacular sunsets, but will also “be here” through the challenging phase ahead as well. Don’t forget we are all here to support you when you need it.
Lots of positive thoughts, love and light to both families,
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne – it warms my heart the folks are with me in spirit through this.
I too have been following from afar, going back to your “Oliver days”, and would like to offer my words of encouragement regarding your family matters.
Enjoy your time together as best you can.
Best wishes.
Bob.
Thank you Bob
I’M not a fan of Florida but Cedar keys is on the list! It looks and sounds wonderful.
wishing you and yours the best ossible outcome in the future.
Cedar Key is definitely unique. And you don’t have to dip too far into Florida to get there. Enjoy!
Follow your blog and just realized you are sometimes in Melbourne. We have lived in Indialantic for almost two years now, and have fallen for this area. Dreaming of someday being able to live on the road again, but for right now, work is a must. Thanks for posting about Cedar Key, would love to head over there and check it out ourselves. You make it sound wonderful. Safe travels back to Melbourne, we’ll be watching for that beautiful bus of yours.
I actually lived in Indian Harbour Beach before we hit the road back in 2007. It’s a frequent stop in point for us, and we spent the last 3 months of 2012 there. We’ll be returning there later this month and probably around for several months. Always love meeting folks in our travels, so definitely keep in touch!
I’ve really enjoyed all your blogs on Cedar Key too. My thoughts are with you & Cherie’s father as you travel home. Unfortunately Paul is headed the same way next week (for his mom) so I’m all too aware of how sobering this is. Best of vibes to you!
Nina
Thank you Nina. I saw mention of Paul heading back to his mom recently, and have you guys in my thoughts as well. A collective virtual hug of positivity being shared with you both.
I have so thoroughly enjoyed your Cedar Key sunset pictures! That place has been on our list for a long time – haven’t made it yet. I also agree that this lifestyle’s flexibility is just as valuable for being with family as for adventuring. Take care.
Hopefully all the photos will tempt you guys up to Cedar Key sooner rather than later. It really is fantastic here, and I know of a spot that just opened up 🙂
Sending angels of healing, comfort and strength to you and Chris along the way.
Thank you so much, Patti.
I’ve followed you since you Oliver days and appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experience. I trust your remaining time with your father will be filled with positive memories. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Thank you so much John – both for your thoughts, and for joining us for so long on this adventure.
Best wishes to you and your family. What a blessing to be able to take as much time as you need to spend with them!
Of all the sunset pics you’ve posted, that last one there with your silhouette in front is my favorite. Beautiful!
Thank you so much Brenda. One of the greatest blessings of this lifestyle is ability to be exactly where your heart is called.
And yeah, Chris did a marvelous job capturing that sunset photo.