Part II: We Crossed the Border...

Ok...let's get to the rest of our January adventures. For those of you just joining us head back and read all about manatees, forts, and friendship.

Random Surprises: Key Vista Nature Park , Holiday, Florida

Free, mostly accessible but sandy and rooty (I used my cane and boot)

One morning we wandered off to a county park to enjoy the warm air and take the dog to the play park...instead we found this beauty.

We were very excited to find a beautiful creek that screamed camp and swim here (but you can't) but fishing is allowed at Rocky Creek. But a creek wasn't enough as we continued the 1.5-mile trail and pushed aside mangrove branches we came out on the Gulf of Mexico.

We really could have moved in. Everything there seemed perfect.

Cody's Point of View

Saving the Best for Last: Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, just off Pinellas Bike Trail after Wall Spring Park in Palm Harbor, FL; $15, accessible but a little bumpy

Pongo was the main attraction for us on our visit. All the animals at SPS were wise and appreciative of visitors. Bob and I visit retirement communities on a regular and while the humans we visit aren't behind bars...it feels the same. We spent hours talking to all the animals and hearing their stories and even the kids brought their guitar and sang for Pongo.

Pongo loves spending time with humans but also likes his alone time. He likes to watch movies like Cheaper By The Dozen and listen to Taylor Swift songs. His apartment is quite spacious. I would even guess bigger than our RV. Pongo's birthday party is coming up in March if you want to send anything from the SPS Amazon wishlist.

video by Cody Mausolf of The Liquor Portal

Keep on scrolling; we aren't done yet. Like I said all the animals at SPS are amazing. SPS is a volunteer and donation-run non-profit. Most of the animals came there to retire but each has its own story about how they found their forever home. SPS has been providing a sanctuary for animals since 1954. They are doing the best they can but certainly would appreciate help. If you want to volunteer or donate just click on over and get started.

If you want to help but don't have time or money...see if you have anything around your house they could use. (Garden hoses - in good working condition - no holes, Garden hose nozzles, Hose reels, Outdoor/exterior paint in white or beige or any color (half-full cans are great - if anyone has leftover paint in their garage!), Paintbrushes, Children's paintbrushes

Blank canvases (the chimps love to paint), Nontoxic paint, Small snack bags, Colored pencils, Long-handled cleaning brushes, Post-it notes, Water bottles to feed animals - like guinea pigs, Zip ties, Bungee cords - all lengths, Rakes (can be used - we don't need new stuff!), Folding chairs (used are fine!), Storage shelving, Roofing materials, Empty cat litter buckets - the plastic ones with the handles, Buckets)