A River Weekend Away
Carol and I were married at the time, and this was one of those simple weekends that did not need a complicated itinerary. We stayed right on the river, brought the canoe and the dogs, visited with family, ate out together, and spent as much time as possible on the water.
A Weekend in Old Florida
In June 2021, Carol and I rented a small Airbnb directly on the river in Yankeetown and brought along my motorized canoe and the dogs. The house was simple and comfortable, with a dock just outside the door. That was really all we needed. We could wake up, load the dogs into the canoe, and head either upriver beneath the trees or downriver toward the broader coastal water.
What Yankeetown Is All About
Yankeetown is a tiny Old Florida community on the lower Withlacoochee River, just upstream from where the river reaches the Gulf. It is a place of quiet neighborhoods, moss-draped trees, fishing boats, docks, and homes that face the water. The river is the town's main street in many ways, and exploring it slowly from a small boat is one of the best ways to understand the place.
The Motorized Canoe
My motorized canoe was perfect for this kind of trip. It gave us the easy pace and open feeling of a canoe, but the small motor let us cover miles of river without worrying about a long paddle back. Carol and I could trade places, relax, watch the depth finder, and let the dogs settle wherever they felt most comfortable.
Up and Down the River
We spent much of the weekend simply wandering. In one direction the river narrowed beneath a green canopy, with reflections covering the calm water. In the other direction it opened toward working boats, marinas, pilings, and the coastal reaches near the Gulf. There was no schedule and no destination we had to reach—just another bend to look around and another stretch of river to enjoy.
A Weekend for the Dogs
The dogs loved being included in everything. They watched from the bow, leaned into the breeze, explored the dock, and kept an eye on the water from the house. When we found a place where they could get out safely, we pulled the canoe onto shore and let them stretch their legs. Their excitement made every little outing feel like an expedition.
Small Details Along the Water
Part of the pleasure of traveling slowly is noticing the small things: lichen on a branch, a dragonfly holding still long enough for a photograph, birds lined up on old pilings, a boat name that makes you smile, and the changing light at the end of the day. Those details are what made the weekend feel so different from simply driving through town.
Dinner with Family
The weekend was not only about boating. We also went out to dinner with Katie, Leif, and Lucy. Carol was there with us—we were married at the time—and it was a lively family evening after a day outdoors. Lucy was still little, and the photographs capture the kind of ordinary, affectionate moments that become more valuable as the years pass.
Warm Water and Family Time
There was also time for Lucy to play in the water. Florida in June is made for that kind of easy afternoon—swimming, wading, shoulder rides, snacks, and no need to hurry. Those family moments fit naturally into a weekend built around the river.
Evenings at the Airbnb
At the end of each day we returned to the little house, tied up the canoe, sat near the dock, and watched the river settle down. The Airbnb was not fancy, but it had exactly the right atmosphere: wood-paneled rooms, comfortable chairs, a warm porch light, and water only a few steps away. For a short getaway, it felt like having our own small piece of Yankeetown.
A Simple Weekend Worth Remembering
Nothing especially dramatic had to happen for this to be a memorable trip. We had a comfortable place on the water, a boat that let us wander wherever we felt like going, dogs who were thrilled to be included, and time with Katie, Leif, and Lucy. Yankeetown gave us exactly what we were looking for: a quiet corner of Florida where the river set the pace.