Day 10 - Waycross to the Okefenokee Swamps to Steinhatchee Florida

Crisp, cool air greeted us this morning as the rains and storms of last night cooled our temperatures from a high of 85 to 60 degrees.(brrrrr)  Fortunately, we escaped any tornadoes. Our first stop was at Laura Walker State Park at the edge of the swamps.  We were impressed by its small but beautiful campground which would be a great place to stay in the future.

With all of our travels this next picture seems to epitomize both our coming and going.

Ron's fascination with the swamps, which goes back to his "Pogo"days("we have met the enemy and it is us!") was not sated yet though.  So on we went to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. 

The animated "ranger" at the visitors center gave us the background and history of the swamp and from there we went exploring ourselves.

Along the way we saw "Al" and "Tommy" in their natural habitat - on the side of the road within the refuge.

While the swamps seem like a desolate place to live we visited the Chesser Island Homestead which was 90% self-sufficient and survived the depression, hardly noticing it themselves except for the fact that they helped others in distress.  And speaking of desolate the rest of the trip to the Florida coast - destination Steinhatchee - was mile after mile of pine tree plantations.  My next trip to Lowes I will appreciate a 2" by 4".

From there we went to Hagen's Cove and Keaton Beach, two picturesque spots along Florida's west coast.  No sand beaches yet, but none the less very interesting coast line and a fisherman's haven.

Another awesome day was concluded with a scrumptious seafood dinner with hush puppies at Roy's in Steinhatchee and a glorious sunset shared with gliding pelicans.

Tomorrow, after 1500 miles of heading due south we turn right and head west as we strike out for Panama City Beach and all points west.  I think we are going to be beach bums for the day.  May not post tomorrow so don't worry.