Lake Okee-what?

With Jay’s back still tender, Chris did much of the preparations to move the RV to the next destination – Lake Okeechobee. We decided to make it a short stay of just the weekend but it shortened the drive from Melbourne to Miami and kept us off the main interstates.

The lake is the second largest contained entirely within the borders of the United States and is the main source of water to the Everglades. Mona Wood told us that it was completely surrounded by a 30’ high earthen dike, which we found hard to believe at the time. But it is true!!! Chris decided she had to find out what was on the other side of it and went for a hike. The top of the dike has a paved road wide enough for cars to drive upon – one actually passed her during her walk – but she encountered few others on foot. Locks, which allow boats access in and out of the lake via canals, were constructed at intervals around the perimeter and provided ideal locations for dozens of local fishermen.

One of the many locks surrounding the lake. It is peppered with fishermen in the morning and evening.

The paved road atop the dike. That point is mile post # 53 on the east side of the lake.

Although the traffic noise was apparent along the trail, once on the water side of the dike it diminished and the wildlife abounded. Chris turned at the sound of an unfamiliar screech and discovered a bald eagle perched in the branches of a nearby tree. It launched into flight and circled above her before soaring out of sight. Along the lake’s edge, marsh grasses calmed the watery chop to a glassy mirror broken only by the stealthy stalk of the occasional Great Blue Heron and Snowy Egret.

One of the many heron found in the lake perimeter marsh areas.

As the blustery day waned, the heavenly pillows parted contorting into animal shapes washed in shades of peach, purple and rose by the sinking sun. Hundreds of twittering birds took flight over the marshes twisting and cavorting in an evening meal feeding frenzy. The experience was so peaceful, pleasant and entertaining that Chris couldn’t bring herself to leave until the last rays perished.

The turbulent clouds over the lake at sunset.

Monday the 7^th of December, we headed the 130+ miles to Miami and a rendezvous with Jessica.