YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!!

We have proof.  The early bird gets the worm.

Lake Okeechobee before Sunrise

Our first morning in Okeechobee, Florida was one in which we decided to get up with the birds...for real.  Sunrise was at 7:15 a.m. and we were on the shores of Lake Okeechobee even through a pretty good cloud cover, a small amount of fog, and 70 degrees already.

Sunrise over Lake Okeechobee

After daybreak you could actually see all the activity on the lake.  Not just from the birds but lots of fish jumping out of the water, and many "early birds" getting ready to go fishing.

All these poles belong to one fisherman!

More Early Birds

 At over 730 square miles Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake entirely within the Lower 48 states (second only to Lake Michigan).  The name "Okeechobee" means "big water" in the Seminole Indian language.  Also, there are many rare and protected species of birds in this area of Florida.  

Snowy Egret

Great Blue Heron - No matter how great, he has to
find his own breakfast!

Grey Heron - Breakfast on an edible  moving island

As Franklin Roosevelt once said,

I THINK WE CONSIDER TOO MUCH THE GOOD LUCK OF THE EARLY BIRD AND NOT ENOUGH THE BAD LUCK OF THE EARLY WORM. 

Life is meant to be lived and we hope you have an enjoyable day.  RV tells a joke about me asking what he did today.  He says "Nothing."   I said, "I thought you did that yesterday!"  He said, "I did, but I didn't finish it."

THE FORGOTTEN STORM

Before reading....please note the following:  The Florida Hurricane Season for 2016 begins June 1 and ends November 30. 

Ol' US  - As you may or may not know, both of us are original Floridians.  Every year about this time we get that uneasy feeling if someone brings up hurricanes.  Ask someone who has been through a hurricane and they all have quite a story to tell.  The reason for this blog is to provide a true story that happened in September, 1928, known as the Okeechobee Hurricane (also known as San Felipe Segundo Hurricane), a storm that killed over 2,500 people - most likely many more.

The storm system developed as a tropical depression off the shore of the west coast of Africa.  When the storm intensified and hit Guadalupe on September 12 the storm brought great destruction and 1,200 deaths.  The storm continued to build intensity and on September 13, now a Category 5, peaked with sustained winds of 160 mph, hitting Puerto Rico and was now recorded as a tropical cyclone, the first ever in this part of the world.

Lake Okeechobee, FL

Early on September 17 the less intense storm hit West Palm Beach with 145 mph winds.  The severest damage was around Lake Okeechobee.  The storm surge caused water to pour out of the southern edge of the lake, flooding hundreds of miles as high as 20 feet above ground, somewhat causing a tsunami effect.

Lake Okeechobee, FL

Lake Okeechobee, FL

At least 2,500 people drowned in the cities of Belle Glade, Canal Point, Chosen, Pahokee and South Bay.  Some said several generations of families were gone within hours.  Damage in these areas was estimated to be over $25 million (In today's dollars, the amount would be in excess of $341 million).  In addition, records show 1,278 livestock and 47,389 poultry were killed.  The storm also destroyed what may have been the largest "citrus crop in the history of the industry".  Note this storm happened one year before the stock market crash which even put this area in more economic turmoil.

Port Mayaca Lock - Lake Okeechobee, FL

Most survivors and bodies were washed out into the Everglades and many were never found.  About 75% of the fatalities were migrant workers.  The official death count was revised in the 90's to reflect at least 2,500 deaths.  

Canal Point Lock, Lake Okeechobee, FL

A mass grave and memorial is at Port Mayaca Cemetery east of Port Mayaca and contains the bodies of 1600 victims of the hurricane.  The storm killed half the population of Palm Beach County at that time.  As in most catastrophes of this magnitude there were many changes made afterwards.  There were many victims as a result of this event, not just the storm victims.

Historical Marker commemorating the Hurricane of 1928 - Mass Burial Site -
Port Mayaca Cemetery

Port Mayaca Cemetery Memorial - Port Mayaca, FL

Overall, from the time this storm formed on September 6 and dissipated on September 20, over $100 million in damages and at least 4,079 deaths, probably more.  Today, fishermen still report finding skeletons in Lake Okeechobee.

Just remember, it only takes one storm to change your entire life.  The point is take the warnings seriously and be vigilant about your preparations.

WELCOME TO GOD'S COUNTRY

 Okeechobee means "Big Water" in the Seminole language.  Lake Okeechobee, 730 square miles of water, is the world's most popular freshwater gamefish lake, the largest lake in Florida, and is most famous as a big bass lake.  The lake is 37 miles long and 30 miles wide with an average depth of 10 feet.

The old Okeechobee County area of Old Florida is full of character and natural scenic beauty.  As we've eluded to in the past, the future of this ecologically sensitive area of Old Florida is balancing precariously between the care and respect all of us show for this and other parts of Florida. Despite ecological advantages provided by aquatic plants to fishes and wildlife on Lake Okeechobee, controversy over management of vegetation continues among federal and state agencies that have regulatory authority.

Okeechobee, FL - Established 1915

Welcome To God's Country!

NO BAD DAZE - for your bait, tackle an outdoors

It was best we arrived at a time Lake O, also known as "Florida's inland sea",  is sparsely populated because (1) we probably couldn't afford the in-season prices, and (2) the fishermen take over the place - fishermen, equipment, boats, big fish stories, rental lots, boy toys and campgrounds.  But you get the idea when you ride down 441/98 toward Parrot Road, the main road that leads into the town of Okeechobee.   Our campground, Water's Edge Motorcoach and RV Resort, a very clean and secure resort,  is completely booked for the next season.

Water's Edge Motorcoach and RV Resort
on the Rim Canal with boat launch

Water's Edge RV and Motorcoach Resort - Okeechobee, FL

The Chickee Hut is where everyone congregates at sunset.
Water's Edge RV and Motorcoach Resort - Okeechobee

Some of the campgrounds and cottages leave a lot to your imagination and I wanted to post some of my impressions with the pictures that definitely catch your eye upon entering one of the biggest freshwater fishing villages in Florida.  Within about 20 miles of driving down the highway around the canal in Okeechobee you see about 100 or more fish camps, rv campgrounds, cottages, etc.

Journey's End - Annual Senior Rentals Only

Taylor Creek Resort RV Park - On The Water

Butch's RV Park - seem to cater to party goers and AMVETS

PJ's RV Park - Okeechobee

Summer Breeze RV Park - Okeechobee, FL

Some of the names had to do with the school or university you may favor:

Gator RV Park - Okeechobee, FL

Seminole Village - Mobile Home and RV Sites
Okeechobee, FL

Or just plain old anything to do with Okeechobee:

Okeechobee Lake RV Park - Okeechobee, FL

BIG O Waterfront RV Resort
Okeechobee, FL

Big Lake Lodge and RV - Okeechobee, FL

The Flying Cow is a grass airstrip designed for small aircraft, conveniently located near your fishing destination.

FLYING COW AIR RANCH - Okeechobee, FL

FLYING COW Grass Airstrip - Okeechobee, FL

We were welcomed to this area as if we were world class champion fishermen.  All the people we met were friendly,  hospitable and warm.  We left as friends and look forward to our next visit to this part of Old Florida.

The Beautiful Rim Canal that circles Lake O 

Another awesome day in Lake Okeechobee, FL

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.