Seminoles | Wander Woman

Twin size mattress/bed in back of car – check
Two plastic containers for kitchen supplies and miscellaneous stuff – check
Duffel bag with travel clothes – check
Bath supplies/makeup – check
Lotions/potions/pills, etc. – check
Afghan, pillows, rechargeable fan – check
Gallon bag of home made travel mix – check
Gallon of water and Tervis tumbler – check
Breakfast supplies/French press/coffee/creamer & energy bars – check
Computer/Kindle/iPhone and cords – check
Shoes/hiking boots – check
Maps, Atlas, brochures, planner, notebooks, pens – check
Money, credit cards – check
Cold weather clothes & bedding in rooftop carrier – check
Inflatable kayak in rooftop carrier – check
Extra folding chair & tent in rooftop carrier – check
New tires and oil change – check

OK – I’m ready to boogie.

My first day on the road was the usual mundane drive from Port Charlotte, FL to Atlanta, Georgia that I’ve made so many times to visit my daughter and her family. Just getting out of Florida is a major accomplishment and boring. But, since this is MY roadtrip and MY adventure and MY journey of discovery, I stopped to explore a sign I’ve passed a hundred times near Bushnell, Florida, “Dade Battlefield Historic State Park”. I’m a bit of a Civil War buff and always thought this was the site of a Civil War battle. No, it’s the site of a battle fought during the Second Seminole War.

When you drive through the gates you enter a beautiful, dark green canopied landscape. Serene. Mysterious. In December 1835, 108 US troops and officers were marching from Tampa to reinforce Fort King in Ocala when they were attacked by 180 Seminole warriors. All but three of the soldiers were killed. The Visitor Center is small but provides a 12-minute video explaining the history of the war and the battle, with artifacts, exhibits, weapons and a gift shop. You can also walk the trail that features interpretive signs and monuments. Well worth a stop if you’re traveling on I-75 near Bushnell. I’m a native Floridian and found it fascinating.