Lake Okeechobee - At Last!

On January 11, 2019 we actually crossed Lake Okeechobee!  I really enjoyed this area.  The lake is large.  The land looked very far away all around.  It was a bit choppy the day we crossed, but I don't mind a little chop!





The Captain really enjoying the lake!
                             




We were told by a lot of people to keep an eye out for alligators.  We even read not to put your hand in the water for fear of getting your hands eaten by one.  For a while we didn't see any of these reptiles.  Then we got our wish!  It wasn't until we got past the big part of the lake into the rim route where there was some amazing wetlands!  We definitely didn't want to fall in here!  These were just a few of the many we saw!

 





There were also an abundance of birds.  We started to see a different kind of bird that we hadn't seen before.  I will be looking this one up.  It was two toned in color with a distinct line of separation between the two colors.  Here are 3 samples.  Very regal looking birds - as though they know they are so beautiful!


                                        


Here is a blue heron in flight.



 This is a cormorant.  The cormorant here look different than the ones in the Chesapeake.  They are bigger.
                           






Some of the birds perch at the top of some very large trees.

 Not sure what kind of bird is on the left, but the other one is a blue heron.

This is a bald eagle.

Another lock.  I didn't photograph all 5 of them.





I absolutely loved going across Florida via Lake Okeechobee!  It was a beautiful and wonderful environment full of luscious trees and marvelous wildlife!  And.....I got to see alligators!

Fair Winds to All,

Joan








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