The Happy Canadian Snowbird

[longder]

Hi! My name is Derrick. I live on the Bruce Peninsula, part of a world biosphere reserve, in Ontario Canada. Currently it is zero Fahrenheit here, with snowbanks along our roadways of near 8 feet in spots : deep winter. I have cleared a rink on my frozen for skating. The lake will be frozen until April.

I hope to wander Florida in my 30 year old Class C 25 foot motorhome next winter.

I have enjoyed Lou Reed's posts, and am aware and registered with sfwmd and the other water systems in florida. I look forward to using those. Here in Canada, I have never rented a campsite, both to save money and moreso for the purity of roadsiding. I like to travel along the Lake Huron and Lake Erie coastlines. I also live in my 21 foot boat on the Trent Canal and Rideau canal systems in Ontario in June and September, living on the boat, and travelling a system with a total of 600 kms, going thru 80 locks and numerous natural and man-made lakes and waterways.

I would be grateful to receive any insights or advice about roadsiding and boondocking in Florida. I have done some research and am aware of freebies such as Cracker Barrel, (some) WalMarts, and stuff like Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. I am also bold enough to try to roadside in places like Key West, if it is possible.

I travel with 2 small dogs and was disappointed to note that having dogs bans me from great spots like Dupuis. I might also tow my motorcycle and welcome insights about motorcycling in Florida.

I just retired at 55 and am looking forward to next winter in Florida.

If this site allows, I also welcome direct contact with suggestions to my email at : [email protected]

 

[SoulRaven]

Rumor has it the dog ban at DuPuis might be lifted. I consider by self to be half Canadian due to my mother was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I met three solo Canadians in my travels this winter, a Frenchman from Quebec in a rattrap 1980’s Class A GM 454 gasser, Rudolf a German national living in Ontario with 16’ dual axle TT pulled via a Chevy Venture Van, and another gent from Ontario with a newer full sized Chevy p/u with a 17” single axle TT.

They all ran the circuit from Hickory to the Lock to Dupuis and back again.

 

[longder]

Thanks for the reply Loo. You are an Iggy fan? If so, try some Ian Dury and the Blockheads or Tom Waits. Similarly unique stuff.

I'll check into the dogs at Dupuis rumour. Seems odd they allow hunting dogs but not companions.

Any advice on roadsiding in towns? I do it a lot in Ontario, but don't know if it is allowed in Florida. I'd like to go to Key West. Did so 32 years ago with a friend in the back of my pickup, and a kind cop told us where to park beside the beach, but I expect that might be changed now.

Would you consider emailing me at: [email protected]

 

[Almost There]

Thanks for the reply Loo.  You are an Iggy fan?  If so, try some Ian Dury and the Blockheads or Tom Waits.  Similarly unique stuff.

I'll check into the dogs at Dupuis rumour.  Seems odd they allow hunting dogs but not companions.  

Any advice on roadsiding in towns?  I do it a lot in Ontario, but don't know if it is allowed in Florida.  I'd like to go to Key West.  Did so 32 years ago with a friend in the back of my pickup, and a kind cop told us where to park beside the beach, but I expect that might be changed now.

Would you consider emailing me at:   [email protected]

I'm interested in roadsiding in Ontario. There's a whole lot of places I'd like to explore but not at the prices of Ontario campsites and there's not always a W/M parking lot handy.

 

[longder]

In Ontario, it seems parking overnight is only restricted during Dec. thru April so that snowplows may clear roads. This is true in small towns from my experience. I roadsided along the Lake Huron and Lake Erie coastlines last autumn without issue. Public parking lots, such as libraries , are another good spot. I park, with my 25 foot RV, on residential streets, and have never been hassled.

I want to know if doing the same in small towns in Florida would likely be permitted, without hassle.

 

[SoulRaven]

Florida is very diverse. Anything north of I-4 I consider Georgia. Just 20 miles makes a huge difference. Daytona Ormond Beach is a no go but good to go 20 miles North, South, or West.

Another example in the Southwest is Naples vs. Immokalee or Punta Gorda vs. Port Charlotte.

My taste in music at the present time is quite Eurocentric. For instance last nights before bedtime headphone session featured Sophie Ellis-Bextor, La Roux, and Lily Allen.