Trip to W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam - Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

Last weekend, the day after Thanksgiving we took a trip up the river to the Franklin Locks. We did the same trip last year after Thanksgiving and it might become a new tradition. Instead of dealing with all the Black Friday madness, we cruise up river to the locks and tie up at one of the 8 slips they have at the campground. The slips have electric and water and they are located on one side of the peninsula where there is room for a fire pit.

Franklin Locks map — Map of the Franklin Locks and Campsite

We love it here because the kids can ride their bikes all over the place and fish and in the evenings we can build a bonfire for roasting marshmallows. We’ve decided that this area is a great place to visit in the cooler months of the winter. During summer, it would be too hot and bug infested. This is why it makes a great post-Thanksgiving trip.

The locks begin to open to let us through

This year, we had Corey and my two nephews, Jack and Ryan, who came aboard Island Time with my parents. Mike and Sally also joined us on Mystique. It was a windy, but nice weekend of relaxation with friends and family. I even managed to squeeze in a workout on Saturday. In the evenings we would build a bonfire and roast marshmallows to make s’mores (thanks to Grandma for bringing the ingredients!).

Island Time and Blue Turtle tied up at the docks

My nephew Ryan showing off his newly acquired bike riding skills

Randy and Sophie relax under a very large tree

The boys playing with a remote control boat

I found a great tree for a TRX workout — I found a great tree (and view!) for a TRX workout

Randy and his helpers build the bon fire

Saying goodbye to Island Time and Mystique crew

We saw friends, Tom, Mary Kay and Maddie, on Toms sailboat on the way home

Sunday we headed out for the 5 hour trip back to Fort Myers Beach. On our way home we had a mother and baby dolphin riding our bow and I managed to get a few photos.