WE DID THE OKEEFENOKEE AND TURNED OURSELVES AROUND

We left the high rise buildings,  multi-million dollar first and second homes, pristine white sand beaches, secured golf course communities, upscale shopping, spectacular views of Southwest Florida, and drove through the interior of the massive Big Cypress National Preserve (720,000 acres) which is adjacent to Everglades National Park (1,508,538 acres).  Upon entering Big Cypress we drove through the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (26,400 acres) for several miles.  Although we didn't see one of these critically endangered species, a lot is being done to protect the Florida state animal.

Big Cypress National Preserve
Florida 

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
Immokalee, Florida

As we left Collier County and began entering some of the small towns as Immokalee and LaBelle it was apparent we had arrived in the area of the land of large cattle ranches and agricultural farms. 

  

Immokalee, Florida

The vastness of the ranches is amazing and when we entered sugar cane country it was a lot like all the cornfields in Iowa and Missouri - as far as the eye could see, on both sides of the road!

Sugar Cane Fields

Sugar Cane Fields

  As we entered Clewiston a sign welcomed us to "America's Sweetest Town".   This area is called "Big Sugar"... after the large corporation known as the  U. S. Sugar Corporation.

Sugar Cane Fields and U.S. Sugar Corporation
Produced over 700,000 tons of sugar cane per year

This was only the beginning of miles and miles of sugar cane, sod farms and the blackest black dirt we've ever seen.  Upon entering Belle Glade a sign welcomed us that said "Her Soil Is Her Fortune".

Belle Glade, FL
HER SOIL IS HER FORTUNE 

Black Dirt in Belle Glade, FL

A few miles further we passed the town of Pahokee, on the south shore of Lake Okeechobee ("Big Water" in Seminole language) in Palm Beach County.  Pahokee (grassy waters) is also known as "The Muck". 

Pahokee, FL
A Farming Community

Pahokee, FL

At this point the only sign of Lake Okeechobee is a tall levee and signs that point to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (a 109 mile path around Lake Okeechobee, the 7th largest lake in the U.S.)  Most of the trail is atop the 35 foot tall Herbert Hoover Dike - not for vehicles. 

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail
also known as Herbert Hoover Dike

Lake Okeechobee was not visible until we reached a very small area on the eastern side of Highway 441/98 called Port Mayaca.  By this time we have seen bald eagles, osprey nests, and miles of  unspoiled, breathtaking scenery.

Our first view of Lake Okeechobee

One of the Locks that protects the water level of
Lake Okeechobee

   We arrived in Okeechobee to stay for an unforgettable week at Water's Edge RV Campground beside the Rim Canal, in Okeechobee.  Each day brought a greater appreciation of this area, its history, and more respect for the people who take care of our State's priceless natural resources.  

A Bald Eagle on the shore of Lake Okeechobee

This  visit made us aware of the fragile nature of our environmental stewardship in Southwest Florida, and how all of us have a responsibility to let our voices be heard when a move is made to destroy its balance.

THE END OF THE ROAD: CHOKOLOSKEE

How does one get to Chokoloskee?  Follow the signs on east US 41 (Old Tamiami Trail), turn south on Highway 29, and when you get to the END OF THE ROAD, you are in Chokoloskee!

Looks like the way to the 'END OF THE ROAD'
Chokoloskee, FL

You'll pass through Everglades City, Everglades National Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge prior to arriving in Chokoloskee.

We are tempted to stop - but on we go!

We'll check this out on the way back!

Everglades City - Beautiful tropical city 

Everglades City, FL

All of this is a jaw-dropping experience and you arrive at one of the most historic fishing villages in the USA, Chokoloskee, FL.   Our friends told us about Outdoor Resorts RV Resort in Chokoloskee, and we had wanted to visit ever since.  Fishing, boats, birds and all Florida natural resources are in abundance.

Our destination - Chokoloskee, FL

Many RV sites have boat slips

If the mahi saw this they would probably take off!

Outdoor Resorts Marina
Chokoloskee, FL

Outdoor Resorts - Chokoloskee, FL

At the end of this blog you too will be eager to enjoy the variety of fresh seafood available from one of many famous local restaurants, such as City Seafood, Triad Seafood, Camellia Street Grill or the Oyster House Restaurant.....or Joe's Stone Crabs in South Miami Beach.

While visiting Chokoloskee we drove to Smallwood Store, a historic Indian trading post and general store, now a museum.  Smallwood is the "down and dirty" version of the true story of this area, not intended as a roadside attraction.  The descendants of Ted Smallwood now lovingly maintain and display the items sold, bartered and traded by the early pioneers which hold an important historical significance for this area.

Smallwood Store and Museum
Chokaloskee, FL

Smallwood Trading Post and General Store
Chokoloskee, FL 

Smallwood Trading Post and General Store
Chokoloskee, FL

Old Chokoloskee Post Office and
Havana Cafe - Chokoloskee, FL

Smallwood Store was opened in the center of the whole 10,000 islands in the early 1900's.  Items in the store museum date from the 1800's through the 1960's.  The old trading post is on the water so there is always a lovely breeze.  The history of this area of Florida started about 1,500 years before the arrival of the white man. The Calusa Indians, the original inhabitants, were eradicated when smallpox was brought by the Spanish explorers.

Everglades City is a small fishing town about 35 miles south of Naples and 80 miles west of Miami.  Today, the very skillful stone-crab fishermen live on the Barron River, as well as several, unpretentious seafood restaurants.  As a matter of fact, a favorite world renowned restaurant, Joe's Stone Crabs on South Miami Beach, acquire their stone crabs in Everglades City.

Unfortunately, we missed stone crab season,  October 15 to May 15.  This is so the crabs can grow back their missing claw, which should grow back in about 18 months.  You may already be aware these crabs are harvested, not killed.  The off-season helps protect the crabs from over-fishing.  We noticed in several places the barnacled traps in piles on the side of the road...much like the lobster traps you see in the Keys.

NOTE TO SELF AND RV:  Stone Crab Season is 10/15 - 5/15.

Chokoloskee Yachts

Part of 10,000 Islands near south end of Chokoloskee

In closing, Chokoloskee is a Seminole word that means "old home", and is a town in Lee County, Florida.  Chokoloskee is an unincorporated community started in 1874.  The earliest residents farmed, fished, caught turtles, and hunted alligators and local wildlife.

We made it to the end of the road....who's next?!