Sunbeam Oasis Yurt - A Tree House

Sunrise Oasis Yurt -- A Step Above Camping

"Camp" a step above in Club Florida's unique yurt. Club Florida is the proud owner of a new yurt, built by Patrick McKann. The yurt is sited on the edge of a deep quarry, which fills and drains along with the Santa Fe River's level. The yurt is nestled in the midst of acres of Gilchrist's County's woodlands, rising 24 feet in the midst of swaying trees. Step up to view life among the trees, and step above primitive camping in this protected, screened woods-hut.

A yurt is an indigenous Mongolian dwelling, as seen in the film The Weeping Camel, comparable to an America's Indian teepee. Biologist and carpenter Patrick built single-handed our 20 sided, screened umbrella which opens as tree bows begin to taper in their last reach for the sky.

On the 16 x16 platform downstairs campers find a propane stove, fresh water, outhouse with compostng toilet, cooking gear, chairs and a table. Use dead wood on the ground for permitted campfire.

Climb the stairs to pop open the yurt floor, rising to a soft white carpet, rugs and pillows brought straight off indigenous Ecuadorian weavers' looms. Fourteen foot floor to ceiling screens and the umbrella top protect from insects and rain, while allowing you to meditate and sleep in cool ambient air. A transparent dome covering the circular rooftop permits you to see the moon and stars or the owl or hawk who flies through the ever-turning night.

You can access the yurt by land, after a drive through rural Gilchrist County. Or, You may peddle up the Santa Fe River on Club Florida's hydrobikes, or paddle our kayak or canoe 25 minutes from the Ichetucknee confluence. We have marked trails through the Suwannee River Management Lands, if you prefer to hike from Club Florida's Santa Fe Porches to the yurt. On these lands you are guaranteed to scare up the resident turkey flock, who fly like W.W.II bombers back and forth across the river to feed in the woods and nest in the trees. You are welcome to enjoy the Santa Fe River on hydrobikes or bring your own canoe to the yurt. Take our cleared path through our expanse of untouched acres to our river lot to enter the river for swimming or boating. A community boat ramp is close by.

Hiking trails, Hydro Bikes, canoe, and bicycle available.

Watch deer dash through the quarry while owls alternate their mating calls through the silence of pristine lands. The Yurt lies a short distance from four miles of Ft. White Tortoise Mitigation Lands, where gopher tortoises dig their retreats and other wildlife takes refuge. These seldom used public lands provide paths along the Santa Fe River above Ira Bea's private community, and we can guide you to interesting features such as the Sunshine Spring or the Black Pool. Guided tours available.

Club Florida offers you a unique experience a step above. Indigenous Indians may not have camped as luxuriously as you will in our elevated cushioned treehouse. Find here a complete diversion from life in the urban communities of the 21st century.

What we have at the Yurt:

• 14x14 lower deck
  • chairs, 6x3 folding aluminum table, small wicker table
  • 2 burner propane stove
  • coffee pot, pots, pans
  • bowls, plates, cups, flatware
  • dishwashing tub, drainer, bio-degradable dish soap, sponge, potholder, towel
  • rain barrel with water for dishwashing
  • 5 gallons of drinking water
  
  
• 14x14 elevated 11 feet in trees, screened, carpeted sleeping yurt
  • Queen futon matress
  • 4 sleeping mats
  • 6 sleeping pillows, 6 meditation pillows
  • Blankets
  • candles
  
  
• outhouse
  • wash stand
  • composting toilet
  
  
• fire ring
  • burn only dead limbs found on the ground
  • do not burn mossy, aesthetic logs
  
  
• anti-raccoon cage to protect your cooler and food

Boats:

• 2 hydrobikes free for guests staying 2 or more nights
• Ft. White Mitigation Lands Boat Ramp to launch canoes, kayaks (1 mile)
• Ira-Bea’s Boat Ramp (.4 mile)

Bikes:

• 2 wide tire bicycles included free

Suggested for your comfort. You should please bring:

• Bug spray
• Flashlights, matches, all consumables
• Propane for stove
• Sleeping bags or sheets
• All groceries (nearest convenience store is 15 miles; nearest grocery, 20 miles)

Optional Services:

• Shuttle to Ichetucknee State Park: $15-$30 round trip (negotiable)
• Best of Both Worlds Historic and Nature Tours: ask for brochure

Club florida one-time lifetime membership fee:

One time $1/per person entitles each guest to lifetime membership in Club Florida with mandatory signature on liability release.

Prices

The price is $25/adult/night, plus a refundable deposit of $30.  If you carry away your trash and leave the place as you find it, I refund your deposit.  So far, I have kept no deposits as people comply nicely with my request

Check In

Check in at least 2 hours before sunset; check out 2 PM, unless by special arrangement.

To reserve a date, send check to Virginia Seacrist for one half of the fee to 1029 NW 39th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32605.

For a more pampered stay,
see our original Santa Fe River cabins

For accommodations in Gainesville,
check out Grace's Place

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