This is Alafia River State Park in South Florida, about 30 miles east of Tampa. They offer 40 miles of horseback riding and biking trails.

Once again, very spacious sites and relatively empty.

Large site

All scrub and trees next to us.

This was where we decided to ride our bikes on one of their bike trails, of course the easy trail as opposed to the double black diamond.

This was how we looked before we started, but after 8 miles of grueling terrain on a trail that was less than 2 feet wide, with tree stumps, wooden bridges and switchbacks, we didn’t look like this when we got back. In fact we got lost and had be helped out, no airlifts were used though.

The following day we played a round of golf at the Stonecrest Country Club just outside Tampa

On Christmas Day opened our presents then drove to St Pete’s beach and spent a lovely day.

But before we open our presents, another ritual.

Having coffee and ice cream at Johns Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach

Back to the coach for our traditional Christmas dinner, rack of lamb with all the trimmings.